Her research interest include clinical trials evaluating new treatments for age-related macular degeneration, such as photodynamic therapy, submacular surgery, and prophylactic laser to drusen. Dr. Lim, welcome to WebMD Live. The macula is the central portion of the retina that allows us to have sharp central vision. It's the most posterior part of the retina and has the highest concentration of photo receptors, which are cells which process the light falling on the retina to get images. The wet form occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under the retina, causing blood and fluid to accumulate there and inhibiting the transmission of the light signals.
People begin to lose vision.
With today's increasing population, it's approaching epidemic proportion. It's more common in the Caucasian population. It's linked to smoking and ultra violet light exposure. It's also genetic. As of today, there is no absolute cure for the disease.