Age-Related 

Macular Degeneration

What You Should Know

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

National Eye Institute
B
Contents

What you should know about 

age-related macular degeneration 1–6

Dry AMD 6–12

Wet AMD 12–14

Advanced AMD 15–16

Age-Related Eye Disease Study 16–18

Loss of Vision 18–22

Coping with AMD 23–29

Where can I get more information? 30

What you should know about AMD

What you should know about age-related 

macular degeneration

Perhaps you have just learned that you or a loved one has 

age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD. If 

you are like many people, you probably do not know a lot 

about the condition or understand what is going on inside 

your eyes.

This booklet will give you a general overview of AMD. You 

will learn about the following:

• Risk factors and symptoms of AMD

• Treatment options

• Low vision services that help people make the most of 

their remaining eyesight

• Support groups and others who can help

The aim is to answer your questions and to help relieve 

some of the anxiety you may be feeling

What is AMD?

AMD is a common eye condition among people age 50 

and older. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. 

It gradually destroys the macula, the part of the eye that 

provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects 

clearly. 1
2

In some people, AMD advances so slowly that vision loss 

does not occur for a long time. In others, the disorder 

progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in one 

or both eyes. The vision loss makes it difficult to recognize 

faces, drive a car, read, print, or do close work, such as 

sewing or fixing things around the house.

Despite the limited vision, AMD does not cause complete 

blindness. You will be able to see using your side 

(peripheral) vision.

The macula

The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells 

that provide sharp, detailed central vision. It is the 

most sensitive part of the retina, which is located at 

the back of the eye. The retina quickly turns light into 

electrical signals and then sends these electrical signals 

to the brain through the optic nerve. Next, the brain 

translates the electrical signals into images we see. 

If the macula is damaged, fine points in these images 

are not clear. The picture is there, but the fine points 

are lost. 2
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What you should know about AMD

Who is at risk?

AMD usually occurs in people who are age 50 and older. 

As people get older, the risk increases. Other risk factors 

include the following:

• Smoking. Research shows that smoking increases the risk 

of AMD two-fold.

• Race. Caucasians are much more likely to get AMD than 

people of African descent.

• Family history. People with a family history of AMD are 

at higher risk.

Does lifestyle make a difference?

Some lifestyle choices, like smoking, are linked to 

AMD although it remains unknown if altering any of 

these would alter the impact of AMD on an individual. 

Nevertheless, the following choices may have an 

impact on AMD and certainly promote healthy living, 

including the following:

• Avoiding smoking

• Exercising

• Maintaining normal blood pressure and 

cholesterol levels

• Eating a healthy diet rich in green, leafy 

vegetables and fish
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How is AMD detected?

The early and intermediate stages of AMD usually start 

without symptoms. Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam 

can detect AMD. The eye exam may include the following:

• Visual acuity test. This eye chart measures how well you 

see at distances.

• Dilated eye exam. Your eye care professional places drops 

in your eyes to widen or dilate the pupils. This gives 

him or her a better view of the back of your eye. Using 

a special magnifying lens, he or she then looks at your 

retina and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other eye 

problems.

• Amsler grid. Your eye care professional also may ask you 

to look at an Amsler grid. Changes in your central vision 

may cause the lines in the grid to disappear or appear 

wavy, a sign of AMD.

• Fluorescein angiogram. Your eye care professional 

may suggest you see an ophthalmologist to perform a 

fluorescein angiogram. With this test, your doctor injects 

a dye into your arm. Pictures are taken as the dye passes 

through the blood vessels in your eye. The test allows 

your doctor to identify leaking blood vessels and decide 

the best treatment.
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What you should know about AMD

Questions to ask your eye care 

Professional

It is normal to have questions about AMD.

Below are a few questions you may want to ask your 

eye care professional. If you do not understand your 

eye care professional’s responses, ask questions until 

you do understand.

If you think it would be helpful, ask your eye care 

professional to write down his or her instructions. 

Taking notes or getting a friend or family member to 

take notes is a good way to remember what your eye 

care professional tells you.

• What is my diagnosis and how do you spell the 

name of the condition?

• Can my AMD be treated?

• How will this condition affect my vision now and 

in the future?

• What symptoms should I watch for and how 

should I notify you if they occur?

• Should I make lifestyle changes?
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What are the forms of AMD that can cause vision 

loss?

There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. Either form can 

advance and cause severe vision loss. Later sections of this 

booklet describe the different types in greater detail. The 

following is a brief description of each:

• The dry form is more common and has three stages—

early, intermediate, and advanced. It happens when the 

light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, 

gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye.

• The wet form is considered advanced AMD and can be 

more severe. It happens when new blood vessels under 

the macula leak blood and fluid. Damage to the macula 

can occur rapidly.

All people who have the wet form had the dry form first.

Dry AMD

What is dry AMD?

Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD in its early or 

intermediate stages. It occurs in about 90 percent of the 

people with the condition.

Dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells in the 

macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision 

in the affected eye. As dry AMD progresses, you may see 

a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Your eye care 

professional may call this “geographic atrophy.”
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Dry AMD

Over time, central vision in the affected eye can be slowly 

lost as less of the macula works.

What are the symptoms?

Dry AMD has few symptoms in the early stages. It is 

important to have your eyes examined regularly before the 

disease progresses. 

In the later stages, blurred vision is the most common 

symptom of dry AMD. Objects also may not appear to be as 

bright as they used to be.

As a result, you may have trouble recognizing faces. You 

may need more light for reading and doing other tasks. 

Both eyes can have dry AMD or one eye can be affected 

first.

What are drusen?

Drusen are another early sign of dry AMD. They are yellow 

deposits under the retina. They can be small or large in size.

Your eye care professional can see drusen when he or she 

examines the retina during a comprehensive dilated eye 

exam.

Drusen alone do not usually cause vision loss. But people 

with large drusen are at risk of developing a more severe 

form of AMD, which results in severe vision loss.
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Normal Vision

The same scene as 

viewed by a person with 

age-related macular 

degeneration

Three stages of dry AMD

Dry AMD has three stages, all occurring in one or both eyes.

These stages are defined in part by the size and number of 

drusen under the retina:

• Early AMD. People with early AMD have either small 

drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. At this stage, you 

may not have any symptoms or vision loss.

• Intermediate AMD. People with this stage of AMD 

have either many medium-sized drusen or one or more 

large drusen. Many people will have no symptoms, so 

don’t wait for symptoms to determine if you have an 

intermediate stage of AMD. Some people see a blurred 
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Dry AMD

spot in the center of their vision. They often need more 

light to read and to do other tasks.

• Advanced dry AMD. In addition to drusen, people with 

advanced dry AMD have a breakdown of light-sensitive 

cells supporting tissue in the macula. This breakdown can 

cause a blurred spot in the center of your vision, often 

called geographic atrophy. Over time, the blurred spot 

may get bigger and dark, taking away a larger area of 

your straight-ahead vision.

Vision loss and dry AMD

If you have vision loss from dry AMD in one eye only, 

you may not notice any changes in your overall vision. 

With the other eye seeing clearly, you still can drive, 

read, and see fine details.

You may notice changes in your vision if dry AMD 

affects both eyes or if you develop the wet form of the 

disease. In any case, see an eye care professional for a 

comprehensive dilated eye exam if blurring occurs in 

your vision.
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Can the dry form turn into the wet form?

All people who have the wet form had the intermediate 

stage of the dry form first. The dry form also can suddenly 

turn into the wet form, even during early stage AMD. Eye 

care professionals have no way to tell if the dry form will 

turn into the more severe wet form.

Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD at any time. You should 

get an Amsler grid from your eye care professional to check 

your vision for signs of wet AMD.

Diet might help

Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in 

green, leafy vegetables and fish have a lower risk of 

developing AMD.

While there is no definitive proof that changing 

your diet will reduce your risk of developing AMD or 

having it progress, to maintain good health in general, 

there is no reason not to eat a healthy diet, exercise, 

avoid smoking, and see your healthcare professional 

regularly.
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Dry AMD

Here is what an Amsler grid normally looks like.

This is what an Amsler grid might look like to someone 

with AMD.
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A note about early stage dry AMD

Currently, no treatment exists for early stage dry AMD, 

which in many people shows no symptoms or loss of vision. 

Your eye care professional may recommend that you get a 

comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. The 

exam will help determine if your condition is advancing.

If your condition gets worse, your eye care professional 

may suggest that you take a specific high-dose supplement 

that contains antioxidants and zinc. Do not take these 

high-dose supplements unless your doctor recommends 

them. Research shows that high doses of specific vitamins 

and minerals may slow the condition’s progress. (See AgeRelated Eye Disease Study section for details.)

Wet AMD

What is wet AMD?

Wet AMD affects about 10 percent of all people with 

AMD. This type, however, is more severe than the early and 

intermediate stages of the dry form.

Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels behind 

the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood 

vessels can be fragile and leak blood and fluid. The blood 

and fluid cause the macula to swell and damage occurs 

rapidly. The damage may also cause scarring of the retina.
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Wet AMD

Although loss of central vision can happen quickly, eye care 

professionals can slow down or stop the progression of wet 

AMD if it is detected before severe vision loss occurs.

What are the symptoms?

During the early stages of wet AMD straight lines may 

appear wavy. People with wet AMD also may develop a 

blind spot, which results in the loss of central vision.

If you notice these or other changes to your vision, 

contact your eye care professional at once. Again, eye care 

professionals may be able to treat the condition before 

severe vision loss occurs.

Treatment options for wet AMD

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can delay 

the progression of AMD. The earlier it is detected, the 

better your chances of keeping your vision. Wet AMD 

typically results in severe vision loss. However, eye care 

professionals can try different therapies to stop further 

vision loss. You should remember that the therapies 

described below are not a cure. The condition may progress 

even with treatment.
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• Injections. One option to slow the progression of wet 

AMD is to inject drugs into your eye. With wet AMD, 

abnormally high levels of vascular endothelial growth 

factor (VEGF) are secreted in your eyes. This substance 

promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. The 

anti-VEGF injection therapy blocks its effects.

If you get this treatment, you may need multiple 

injections. Your eye care professional may give them 

monthly. Before each injection, your eye care professional 

will numb your eye and clean it with antiseptics. To 

prevent the risk of infection, a doctor may prescribe 

antibiotic drops.

• Photodynamic therapy. This technique involves laser 

treatment of select areas of the retina. First, a drug called 

verteporfin will be injected into a vein in your arm. The 

drug travels through the blood vessels in your body, 

including any new, abnormal blood vessels in your eye. 

Your eye care professional then shines a laser beam into 

your eye to activate the drug in the blood vessels. Once 

activated, the drug destroys the new blood vessels and 

slows the rate of vision loss. This procedure takes about 

20 minutes.

• Laser surgery. Eye care professionals sometimes treat 

certain cases of wet AMD with laser surgery, though this 

is less common than other treatments. This treatment 

is performed in a doctor’s office or eye clinic. It involves 

aiming an intense beam of light at the new blood vessels 

in your eyes to destroy them. However, laser treatment 
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Advanced AMD

Questions to ask about treatment

• What is the treatment for wet AMD?

• When will treatment start and how long will it 

last?

• What are the benefits of this treatment and 

how successful is it?

• What are the risks and side effects associated 

with this treatment and how has this 

information been gathered?

• Should I avoid certain foods, drugs, or activities 

while I am undergoing treatment?

• Are other treatments available?

• When should I follow up after treatment?

also may destroy some surrounding healthy tissue and 

cause more blurred vision.

Advanced AMD

What is advanced AMD?

Both the wet form and the advanced dry form are 

considered advanced AMD. It can occur in the same eye or 

an eye may have just one form or the other. In most cases, 

only advanced AMD can cause vision loss.
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Additional risk

People who have advanced AMD in one eye are at 

especially high risk of developing advanced AMD in the 

other eye.

However, research has shown that high doses of vitamins 

and mineral supplements may slow the progression of 

intermediate AMD to the more advanced stage.

Age-Related Eye Disease Study 

NEI research found that patients taking high doses of 

antioxidants and zinc could reduce their risk of developing 

advanced AMD and experiencing severe vision loss. The 

findings were based on a10-year clinical trial called the AgeRelated Eye Disease Study (AREDS).

What is the AREDS formulation?

The AREDS formulation is a combination of antioxidants 

and zinc. The specific daily amounts of antioxidants and zinc 

tested in the AREDS clinical trial included the following:

• 500 milligrams of vitamin C

• 400 International Units of vitamin E

• 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as the 

equivalent of 25,000 International Units of vitamin A)

• 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide

• 2 milligrams of copper as cupric oxide
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Age-Related Eye Disease Study

This formulation is commonly taken with meals in the 

morning and evening in two equally divided doses.

Researchers added copper to the AREDS formulation to 

prevent copper-deficiency anemia. This condition happens 

in people who take high levels of zinc.

Taking multivitamins

Diet alone will not provide the same high levels of the 

vitamins and minerals found in the AREDS formulation. 

Multivitamins also do not contain the same high levels.

Multivitamins do contain many important vitamins not 

found in the AREDS formulation. Therefore, you may 

want to take a multivitamin along with the AREDS 

formulation.

If you are already taking daily multivitamins and 

your doctor suggests you take the high-dose AREDS 

formulation, be sure you review your vitamin 

supplements with your eye care professional before 

you begin.
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Who should take the AREDS formulation?

The study showed that the formulation was most beneficial 

for people who had:

• Intermediate AMD in one or both eyes

• Advanced AMD (dry or wet) in one eye, but not the other 

eye

People with early stage AMD did not benefit from taking 

the AREDS formulation. 

Always talk to your doctor before taking any formulation.

A note about the AREDS formulation

Researchers stress that the AREDS formulation is not a cure.

It will not restore vision already lost from the condition. But 

it may delay the onset of advanced AMD. It also may help 

people who are at a high risk of developing advanced AMD 

keep their remaining vision.

Loss of Vision

Coping with AMD and vision loss can be a traumatic 

experience. This is especially true of those who have just 

begun to lose their vision or have low vision. Having low 

vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, 

medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to 

do. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV, and 

writing can all seem challenging.
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Loss of Vision

However, help is available. You may not be able to restore 

your vision, but low vision services can help you make the 

most of what is remaining. You can continue enjoying 

friends, family, hobbies, and other interests just as you 

always have. The key is not delaying use of these services.

What is low vision rehabilitation?

Low vision rehabilitation is a specialized practice. It usually 

includes ophthalmologists and optometrists who received 

special training in low vision services. Specialists in low 

vision also work as a team with eye care professionals, social 

workers, vision rehabilitation teachers, and others to help 

people cope with failing eyesight (see box on page 20).

The first step in getting services is a low vision examination. 

It is different from normal eye exams. During this 

appointment, the specialist in low vision will do the 

following:

• Examine your medical history and ask questions about 

your daily routines, hobbies, and goals

• Thoroughly test your vision to make sure current 

prescriptions work

• Introduce you to low vision devices for seeing objects 

that are near and distant

• Make referrals for additional services, such as counseling 

and support groups
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By testing your vision and asking questions, the team is 

better able to choose a low vision device that would work 

best for you. Training can take place at the specialist’s 

office, or a specialist will schedule a visit to set up and 

demonstrate equipment in your home. While there, he or 

she may evaluate lighting, mark appliances, and look for 

safety problems.

The low vision team

Specialist in Low Vision—An ophthalmologist or 

optometrist who is trained to evaluate and treat low 

vision.

Occupational Therapist—A licensed professional who 

teaches you how to use low vision devices.

Rehabilitation Teacher—An educator who teaches you 

different ways to handle the demands of daily living.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Professional—A 

professional who specializes in technologies that 

enable safe travel.

Social Worker—A professional who helps you cope 

with vision loss and emotional stress.

Technology Specialist or Adaptive Technology 

Specialist—A professional who is an expert in assistive 

and adaptive devices.
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Loss of Vision

Where to go for services

Low vision services can take place in different locations, 

including the following:

• Ophthalmology or optometry offices that specialize in 

low vision

• Hospital clinics

• State, nonprofit, or for-profit vision rehabilitation 

organizations

• Independent-living centers

How to find a specialist

To find a specialist in low vision, talk with your eye care 

professional. He or she may be able to refer you to a variety 

of local resources to assist you.

What are some low vision devices?

Because low vision varies from person to person, specialists 

have different tools to help patients deal with vision loss. 

They include the following:

• Reading glasses with high-powered lenses

• Handheld magnifiers 

• Video magnifiers
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• Computers with large-print and speech-output systems

• Large-print reading materials

• Talking watches, clocks, and calculators

Keep in mind that low vision aids without proper diagnosis, 

evaluation, and training may not work for you. It is 

important that you work closely with your low vision 

team to get the best device or combination of aids to help 

improve your ability to see.

Computer aids and other technologies

Today, computers are helping people with low vision with 

reading and writing. New technology can increase text size 

on computer screens and allow computers to read what 

appears on the screen. People with low vision also are 

benefiting from scan-to-read devices, note takers, and other 

advanced technologies.

Questions to ask your eye care 

professional about low vision

• How can I continue my normal, routine 

activities?

• Are there resources to help me?

• Will any special devices help me with reading, 

cooking, or fixing things around the house?

• What training is available to me?

• Where can I find individual or group support to 

cope with my vision loss?
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Coping with AMD

Coping with AMD

AMD and vision loss can profoundly affect your life. This is 

especially true if you lose your vision rapidly.

Even if you experience gradual vision loss, you may not be 

able to live your life the way you used to. These changes 

may force you to quit your job or cut back on volunteer and 

recreational activities. Your relationships with loved ones 

and friends may change. These changes can contribute to 

feelings of loss, lowered self-esteem, isolation, and despair. 

You may worry that you will become a “burden” on loved 

ones and friends. You may even go into denial and hide the 

fact that you have AMD.

These are natural reactions. Millions of people who suffer 

from AMD have these feelings as they try to adjust to their 

diagnosis and vision loss. However, support is available to 

help you maintain a fulfilling life.

AMD and depression

Given the changes, it is not surprising that some people 

who have AMD also experience depression.

Depression is more than just anger or sadness related to 

having AMD. It is a disease in its own right. Symptoms can 

last weeks or months. If untreated, it can worsen other 
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health problems or lead to thoughts of suicide. Sadly, 

depression is the leading cause of suicide among older 

people.

While depression is a serious disease, it can be treated. 

You should never accept it as a “normal” consequence of 

having AMD or getting older. Always remember that help is 

available. You do not have to face vision loss alone.

Signs of depression

• Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, or 

emptiness

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that 

were once enjoyable

• Decreased energy

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making 

decisions

• Weight loss or gain

• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

• Restlessness, irritability

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not 

respond to treatment, such as headaches, 

stomach disorders, and chronic pain
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Coping with AMD

Engaging family and friends

Family and friends are important sources of support. But 

do not feel bad if the people you love most have trouble 

facing your vision loss. They, too, may need time to adjust 

to your diagnosis.

They, too, may be having feelings of shock, helplessness, 

and even anger. After all, it is natural that anything that 

greatly affects you will also affect them. They may need to 

make their own adjustments.

Let them know that they can help simply by being 

themselves.

They can offer comfort by listening and not by feeling they 

have to solve your problems. Tell them it is alright to ask 

questions or to talk about how they feel. Remind them that 

you are the same person you always were.

Coming to terms with the diagnosis and making the most of 

your remaining vision are the keys to living a fulfilling life. 

Your family and friends can be important resources as you 

adjust to living with AMD.
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How to take control

The key to leading a rewarding life—despite vision 

loss—is taking control of the things you can. You can 

begin by doing the following:

• Learning more about your vision loss

• Understanding the grieving process

• Seeking counseling to cope with feelings of 

loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, and depression

• Visiting a specialist in low vision and getting 

devices and learning skills to help you with the 

tasks of everyday living

• Trying to stay positive. People who remain 

hopeful say they are better able to cope with 

the condition and vision loss

Professional counseling

Sometimes it is hard talking with loved ones. If you are 

feeling depressed and need to talk with someone, talk with 

your eye care professional or your regular doctor. He or she 

can refer you to a therapist who can talk with you about 

your feelings and may give you medicine that will help you 

feel less anxious and sad.

State agencies and nonprofit organizations also offer 

counseling services for those with vision loss and can 

provide referrals to other professionals based on individual 

needs.
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Coping with AMD

Just taking the first step and deciding to get treatment can 

make all the difference.

Support groups

Some people find support groups very helpful. In a support 

group, people may talk about their feelings and what 

they are going through. They may share advice or help 

others who are dealing with the same issues. These groups 

typically meet in person or talk online.

People who attend these meetings say they often feel 

better about themselves. They find a new life focus. They 

make new friends. This helps them to cope better with 

AMD.

If you do not feel comfortable talking in front of a crowd, 

you might think about finding another person who has 

AMD.

The chance to talk with someone who understands your 

feelings can help you feel less alone and more hopeful 

about the future.
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Information for family members

Shock, disbelief, depression, and anger are common 

reactions among people who are diagnosed with AMD. 

These feelings can last for days, weeks, months, or even 

years. This can be upsetting to family members and 

caregivers who are trying to be as caring and supportive as 

possible.

Following are some ideas family members might consider:

• Obtain as much information as possible about AMD 

and how it affects sight. Share the information with the 

person who has AMD.

• Find support groups and other resources within the 

community.

• Encourage family and friends to visit and support the 

person with AMD.

• Allow for grieving. This is a natural process.

• Lend support by “being there.”

The Internet offers a wealth of information about AMD, 

treatment, support groups, and other resources. You can 

start your research by visiting: www.nei.nih.gov/health/

maculardegen.
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Coping with AMD

Charles Bonnet syndrome

People with impaired vision sometimes see things they 

know are not there, but look real anyway. They may 

see simple patterns of straight lines or detailed pictures 

of people and buildings. If you experience this, do not 

worry. You are not losing your mind. Your eyes are 

playing tricks on you.

The condition is called “phantom vision” or the Charles 

Bonnet syndrome. It is similar to what happens to 

some people who have lost an arm or leg. Even though 

the limb is gone, these people still feel their toes or 

fingers or experience itching.

There is no cure for the Charles Bonnet syndrome, 

and it is not a sign that AMD is worsening, but the 

condition usually goes away after a year or so.
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Where can I get more information?

For more information about age-related macular 

degeneration, you may wish to contact:

AMD Alliance International

1929 Bayview Avenue

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 3E8

877–AMD–7171

416–486–2500, ext. 7505

E-mail: info@amdalliance.org

www.amdalliance.org

American Academy of Ophthalmology*

P.O. Box 7424

San Francisco, CA 94120–7424

415–561–8500

www.aao.org

American Foundation for the Blind

11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300

New York, NY 10001

800–232–5463

212–502–7600

E-mail: afbinfo@afb.net

www.afb.org
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Where can I get more information?

American Optometric Association*

243 North Lindbergh Boulevard

St. Louis, MO 63141–7851

800–365–2219

314–991–4100

www.aoa.org

Association for Macular Diseases

210 East 64th Street, Eighth Floor

New York, NY 10021–7471

212–605–3719

E-mail: association@retinal-research.org

www.macula.org

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

800–733–2258

www.cclvi.org

EyeCare America

P.O. Box 429098

San Francisco, CA 94142–9098

877–887–6327

E-mail: pubserv@aao.org

www.eyecareamerica.org
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Foundation Fighting Blindness

11435 Cronhill Drive

Owings Mill, MD 21117–2220

800–683–5555

410–568–0150

800–683–5551 (TDD)

E-mail: info@fightblindness.org

www.blindness.org

Lighthouse International

111 East 59th Street

New York, NY 10022–1202

800–829–0500

212–821–9200

212–821–9713 (TTY)

E-mail: info@lighthouse.org

www.lighthouse.org

Macular Degeneration Partnership

A program of the nonprofit Discovery Eye Foundation

6222 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 260

Los Angeles, CA 90048

888–430–9898

310–623–4466

www.amd.org
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Where can I get more information?

National Association for Visually Handicapped

22 West 21st Street, Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10010–6493

212–889–3141

E-mail: navh@navh.org

www.navh.org

National Eye Institute*

National Institutes of Health

2020 Vision Place

Bethesda, MD 20892–3655

301–496–5248

E-mail: 2020@nei.nih.gov

www.nei.nih.gov

Prevent Blindness America

211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700

Chicago, IL 60606

800–331–2020

E-mail: info@preventblindness.org

www.preventblindness.org

Senior Site 

(A program of the American Foundation for the Blind)

800–232–5463

E-mail: seniorsite@afb.net

www.afb.org/seniorsitehome.asp

*These organizations also provide information on low vision.
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Notes

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

National Eye Institute

NIH Publication No: 09–2294

Revised 08/09