Age related macular degeneration
ARMD can be either dry or wet.
Dry Form
The dry form is the result of the aging process, thinning of macular tissues and pigment deposits in the macula. Dry ARMD is common and not as serious as wet ARMD.
Wet Form
Wet ARMD can result in serious vision loss. Wet ARMD results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula. These abnormal blood vessels leak and form scar tissue, resulting in blind spots in the retina.

The amsler grid, which has black lines arranged in a graph/square pattern, is used by optometrists to detect ARMD.
The cause of ARMD is unknown. Risk factors for ARMD include family history, smoking, high blood pressure, overweight, poor diet, female and being of European descent.
Other treatments include visidyne therapy, laser and radiation therapy. The best preventative measure is to eat a balanced diet which is rich in leafy green vegetables, wear sunglasses for blocking UV light, regularly exercise and quit smoking.