macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a medical condition predominantly found in elderly adults in which the center of the inner lining of the eye, known as the macula area of the retina, suffers thinning, atrophy, and in some cases bleeding. This can result in loss of central vision, which entails inability to see fine details, to read, or to recognize faces. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is the leading cause of central vision loss (blindness) in the United States today for those over the age of fifty years. Although some macular dystrophies that affect younger individuals are sometimes referred to as macular degeneration, the term generally refers to age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD).
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Macular degeneration is the progressive deterioration of a critical region of the retina called the macula. [more]Macular degeneration - Community and Resources

Noun
1. degeneration of the cells of the macula lutea which results in blurred vision and can cause blindness; usually age-related
(hypernym) degeneration, devolution

Gradual breakdown of the macula, the central part of the retina.

loss of central vision in one or both eyes as a result of malfunctioning cone cells in the retina.
Two types: "wet " (disciform) and "dry" (atrophic). Also known as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD), and previously known as senile macular degeneration.
For more information, See What Is Macular Degeneration? and Eye Diseases on the MD Support web site.