Where is the macula?

The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light or an image into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain.

AMD has three stages, all of which may occur in one or both eyes.

  1. Early AMD. People with early AMD have either several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. At this stage, there are no symptoms and no vision loss.
  2. Intermediate AMD. People with intermediate AMD have either many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen. Some people see a blurred spot in the center of their vision. More light may be needed for reading and other tasks.
  3. Advanced AMD. In addition to drusen, people with advanced dry AMD experience geographic atrophy, which is a gradual breakdown of the light-sensitive cells and supporting tissue in the central retinal area. This breakdown causes a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, the blurred spot may get bigger and darker, taking more of your central vision.