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There is no cure for macular degeneration but treatments and vision aids can help

	Macular degeneration is a common cause of poor eyesight among older people. Early symptoms include blurry areas on a printed page and objects appearing distorted in your vision. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to better understand the causes of macular degeneration and how to treat the symptoms.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out if dietary supplements or medical treatments rate best for treating this condition.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating macular degeneration. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points about macular degeneration

• The macula is a tiny area in the middle of your retina (the lining inside your eye that captures the images you see and sends them to your brain).
• When cells in the macula get damaged, things in the middle of your vision may look blurred and distorted.
• Macular degeneration usually progresses slowly and almost never leads to total blindness.
• Smoking, high blood pressure, and family history may increase your risk for macular degeneration.
• If you already have macular degeneration in one eye, you have about a 50% chance of getting it in the other eye.

We don’t know how to prevent macular degeneration or reverse the damage to your sight once it happens, but there are treatments to slow down or to prevent further vision loss. Vision aids such as magnifiers, intensive lighting, computer software, and techniques for seeing with the edge of your eye may help you see better and improve your lifestyle.

Our concise condition report and treatment ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for macular degeneration is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we will also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.