Illustration of macular degeneration

The nerve cells in the macula change light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. These cells allow the eye to see form, color, and detail. Age-related macular degeneration damages the nerve cells in the macula, resulting in vision loss.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerChristopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology
Last RevisedAugust 4, 2009

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