Center of macula in center of picture is slightly darker than peripheral macula. This darkness is normal because there is more pigment under the retina here. As many people age, the tissues beneath the macula weaken, causing changes in central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration, the dry type and the wet type, which can affect vision. As the tissues beneath the macula weaken, the central vision gradually becomes less crisp and patients need better lighting in order to read.
Yellow deposits form under the retina.
These deposits are called drusen and are the hallmark of dry macular degeneration. See Figure 2. Note yellow deposits under retina in macula called drusen. Drusen are hallmark of dry macular degeneration. As the tissues beneath the macula continue to weaken, blood vessels which lie at a deeper level can break through this weakened layer and grow beneath the macula itself, like grass growing through cracks in a cement sidewalk.