Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of decreased vision in older persons. The macula is the area of greatest visual acuity and represent the center of the visual field. With aging, the macula degenerates, called age-related macular degeneration. The initial result is decreased central visual acuity with central visual distortion and a scotoma (spot) that can be dark or light, and possible blindness with progression. Sometimes there is hemorrhage into the macula (hemorrhagic macular degeneration). Atrophic maculopathy, one of the forms of ARMD, is associated with only mild to moderate visual loss but is not treatable. On the other hand, exudative maculopathy is characterized by the formation of neovascular membranes and causes acute visual disturbances; however, it is potentially treatable by means of laser photocoagulation.

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