AMD Glossary

The loss of central vision in one or both eyes resulting from damage to the macula, a small area near the center of the retina.

A grid of straight lines that looks like graph paper, with a dot in the center of the grid. An Amsler grid is a simple tool used to test for the onset and progression of macular degeneration.

Substances, such as vitamin E and C, that reduce damage from free radicals and so help to protect cells, including cells in the eye.*

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study was a landmark clinical study completed by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in 2001, which proved that taking a high-potency antioxidant and zinc supplement reduced the risk of progression in people with moderate-to-advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).* AREDS is also the name used to describe vitamins that contain this antioxidant and zinc formula.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 was the second landmark clinical study by the National Eye Institute (NEI). Completed in 2013, it built on the results from the original 2001 AREDS study. Based on the results of AREDS2, the NEI recommended an update to the original AREDS antioxidant and zinc formula.

A member of the carotenoid family of vitamins found in vegetables, such as dark leafy green vegetables like kale or spinach. Beta-carotene may be beneficial to eye health.

That part of your vision that allows you to see objects that are straight ahead.

Yellow spots, or deposits, that form beneath the retina; the presence of medium to large drusen may be a sign of AMD.

Also known as atrophic macular degeneration, dry AMD is caused by aging and thinning of eye tissues and is characterized by the presence of yellow spots, known as “drusen,” in the macula. With dry AMD, vision gets worse over time.

A carotenoid that is found in the human eye, primarily in the macula. This antioxidant supports the macular pigments that help filter blue light and protect the macula from oxidative damage.

The part of the retina that is responsible for central vision and seeing fine detail.

Stages of AMD that may include the presence of large drusen, pigment changes in the retina, and/or vision loss resulting from damage to the macula.

One of the government’s National Institutes of Health, the NEI conducts research on treating and preventing diseases that affect the eye or vision.

A physician who is medically trained in eye and vision care and who can offer complete eye care services. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery, and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems.

A healthcare professional who provides primary vision care, which includes diagnosing vision problems, prescribing glasses and medications, and testing for eye diseases and conditions.

The layer of nerve cells lining the back wall inside the eye. This layer senses light and sends signals to the brain so you can see.

An ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the retina.

Vitamin and mineral products that increase the levels of certain beneficial substances in your diet.

An antioxidant found in citrus or colorful fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are vital to helping protect cells (including those in the eyes) from free radicals and oxidative damage.*

An antioxidant found in oils, nuts and other foods. Vitamin E may help support the cells of the eyes.

Also known as exudative macular degeneration, wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels form and leak blood and fluid beneath the retina, causing it to distort or scar. Wet AMD progresses far more rapidly than dry AMD and has more severe effects.

A carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables. Zeaxanthin supports the macular pigments that help filter blue light and protect the macula from oxidative damage.

A trace element that influences cell metabolism through a variety of mechanisms and plays an integral role in maintaining normal function of the eyes.