What is the macula? The macula is an important part of the human eye located in the center of the retina that performs the function of vision, recognizing most optical signals such as shape, size, color, depth, and distance. If there is an abnormality in it, abnormal vision will occur. What is age-related macular degeneration? Also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it is a degenerative retinal disease that can cause rapid loss of vision, usually as a natural result of degeneration at advanced age, and is the number one cause of severe vision loss in older adults. In developed countries, AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age. The prevalence of AMD in China is as high as 15,5%, and with the accelerated aging of the population, the prevalence of the disease has a significant upward trend. It is expected that the prevalence of AMD will increase by at least 50% by the year 2020. Through the following introduction, we hope you will have a better understanding of AMD. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry AMD, also known as non-exudative or atrophic AMD, is caused by the dysfunction of retinal cells as we age, resulting in cellular malnutrition and gradual atrophy. The progression of the disease is not easily detectable and gets progressively worse over time, making it necessary to receive regular examinations by an ophthalmologist. In wet AMD, also known as neovascular or exudative AMD, new abnormal blood vessels in the choroid proliferate and cross the retinal pigment epithelium. Because of the fragility of the new blood vessels, they are prone to rupture and bleeding or leakage of blood components, leading to retinal detachment, macular edema, and distortion of vision or formation of blind spots, which in turn leads to significant loss of vision. The course of wet AMD progresses rapidly and vision decreases dramatically. 85.1% of untreated wet AMD patients will develop legal blindness within 2 years. The main symptoms of wet AMD, initial symptoms: distorted vision, seeing objects distorted and distorted; progressive symptoms: decreased vision, seeing objects blurred; decreased contrast sensitivity, overall lack of sharpness in the visual field; central dark spot, seeing objects darkened and darkened. What kind of people are susceptible to AMD? 1. Smoking is the most definite, direct and evidence-based cause of AMD, and the risk of wet AMD can be increased by 2-3 times in the smoker population; 2. The older the person, the greater the likelihood of the disease; 3. Women are at high risk; 4. An excessive high-fat diet can increase the risk of wet AMD; 5. Family history, high blood pressure, and white race 6. Excessive light exposure can damage the retina and AMD risk is increased.