Viewing Tips Best Viewed on 800 X 600 pixel screen To Enlarge Text on Explorer and Netscape click here. Many people develop macular degeneration late in life. Less commonly, macular degeneration may be an inherited condition, as in the case of juvenile macular degeneration. Injury, infection, inflammation or extreme nearsightedness may also damage the delicate tissue of the macula.
Vision loss is usually gradual.
These new blood vessels leak fluid and blood. Leaking fluid distorts and blurs central vision, often resulting in dense scar tissue in the macula. Vision loss may be rapid and severe.