To understand age-related macular degeneration, it is important to be familiar with the terminology and areas of the eye. The retina is the layer on the inside of your eye that instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses that are sent to your brain. It acts very much like the film in a camera, capturing the image in a form so you can see it. The macula is a small area within your retina. In the center of your macula is an area called the fovea, which is responsible for much of your detailed vision, such as reading and recognizing faces.

Diagram of the Eye

Courtesy of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

To examine your retina, your eye doctor can view the back of your eye and take a picture called a fundus photograph to make sure it's healthy. A fundus photo of a healthy, normal retina is shown below.

Image of the Retina

See how your retina can change with macular degeneration. View pictures of the retina with age-related macular degeneration.