Although Macular Degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina, it does not affect the side, or peripheral vision. For example, you could see the outline of a clock, but not be able to tell what time it is. In this form, there is damage to the pigment layer under the retina. Because the pigment layer provides nutrition and protection to the retina, when it is damaged, the retina doesn't function properly. The dry form of the disease tends to progress slowly, and causes less severe vision loss.
All macular degeneration starts out as the dry type.
Abnormal blood vessels form under the macula, which leak fluid or blood. Macular degeneration almost always involves both eyes. It is possible to have one eye with the dry type and one eye with the wet type. Macular Degeneration alone does not result in total blindness. People continue to have peripheral vision and are often able to take care of themselves.