Macular Degeneration (Severe Sight Loss)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an advanced stage of a deteriorative process that takes place in all eyes and involves a progressive impairment of the inner layers in the center of the retina. Its primary lesion appears to be the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), possibly resulting from its high rate of molecular degradation.
Throughout the life span, cells of the RPE gradually accumulate molecular debris. These residual bodies (lipofuscin) are remnants of the incomplete degradation of abnormal molecules which have been damaged within the RPE.

Progressive engorgement of RPE cells with these residues is associated with the extrusion of abnormal materials. These extrusions contribute to the further deterioration of the RPE. Loss of vision results from death of visual cells due to degeneration of RPE cell. or the invasion of new blood vessels that invade the region of abnormal membranes.