ABSTRACT

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of

worldwide blindness for the elderly in the western world. It is

a bilateral ocular condition that affects the central area of retina

known as the macula. Although the macula comprises less than 5%

of the retinal area, it is responsible for the central acute vision.

The fovea lies at the center of the macula and is approximately

2 mm in diameter. The fovea contains the highest density of cone

photoreceptor cells and is the only region of the retina where 20/20

vision is attainable. Thus, lesions developing in this region can have

a major impact on visual function.