Macular Degeneration

Also called Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD); A disease of the retina where vision is lost in the macula, degrading the central vision, but mostly preserving the peripheral vision. There are two types:

• In dry AMD, cellular debris called drusen accumulates behind the retina, causing atrophy and scarring to the retina (death of the Photoreceptors).
• In wet AMD, blood vessels grow into the retina and leak fluid and cause hemorrhaging.

Either form of AMD can result in acquired color vision deficiency in its early stages. The defect can be red-green or blue-yellow or both, with the blue-yellow defects slightly more common. The acquired CVD can actually be the first symptom of AMD, which is one reason why acquired CVD often warrants a visit to an Ophthalmologist. However, AMD in individuals younger than 60 is quite rare. [Vemala 2017]