Which statement about macular degeneration is true?

• A. Macular degeneration primarily affects peripheral vision.
• B. Macular degeneration is primarily a pediatric disease.
• C. Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration is characterized by drusen spots and is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
• D. Dry macular degeneration always progresses to wet type.

Answer: (C)

Macular degeneration affects central vision because it targets the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine detail and color. Peripheral vision is usually preserved, so the main problem is central vision loss rather than side or peripheral sight.

Dry (atrophic) macular degeneration is characterized by drusen, which are small yellow-white deposits that accumulate between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane. These drusen reflect underlying RPE dysfunction and gradual degeneration of the overlying photoreceptors, leading to progressive central vision loss. This form is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in older adults because it commonly affects the elderly and tends to erode central vision over time.

It’s important to distinguish that dry AMD does not always become the wet form. Some cases remain dry for years, while others may develop the neovascular, or wet, form with new blood vessel growth that can cause additional vision loss but is treatable with therapies like anti-VEGF injections.