Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among Americans age 60 and over, according to the National Eye Institute. Today, 1.8 million adults suffer from age-related macular degeneration; by 2020 that figure is expected to reach 2.9 million. According to the University of Virginia, age-related macular degeneration is the breaking down, or degeneration, of the macula – the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, central vision needed to read or drive.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reports that age-related macular degeneration doubles the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.

Some common symptoms are a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.

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