AMD Resource Center

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Resource Center

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, affects nearly 20 million Americans age 40 and older.1 It gradually affects central vision, the sharp, detailed sight we rely on to read, drive and recognize the faces of the people we love.

Whether you have just been diagnosed, are caring for a parent or partner, or want to help advance research, the Foundation Fighting Blindness built this resource center for you. Here you will find clear information about every stage of AMD, the treatments available today, the research underway, and support for daily life.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases, including AMD.

Explore the resource center

  • Stages of AMD: What early/intermediate dry AMD, geographic atrophy and wet AMD are, the symptoms of each, and questions to ask your eye doctor.
  • Treatments: Approved treatments for every stage of AMD, side by side, and the therapies now in clinical trials.
  • Foundation-Funded Research: How the Foundation's research investments are driving new treatments and what comes next.
  • Living With AMD: Support for patients and caregivers, real stories, and practical tips for daily life.
  • Content Library: Videos, podcasts, webinars, infographics and the latest AMD news in one place.
  • Newly diagnosed? Start with the basics and the questions to bring to your next appointment.

Understanding the AMD journey

AMD usually develops slowly, in stages, but not everyone progresses to a later stage. Early and intermediate AMD are marked by deposits called drusen. For some people, AMD advances to geographic atrophy (advanced dry AMD), wet AMD, or both.

Diagram of the stages of AMD, shown as close-ups of the macula. In early AMD, small yellow deposits called drusen sit under the retina. In intermediate AMD, they are larger. Late AMD may take one or both forms: geographic atrophy, where retinal cells are lost, or wet AMD, where new blood vessels leak fluid.

Quick Links for AMD Resources

  • Stages of AMD

    Compare Stages

  • Treatments by Stage

  • AMD Research

Watch: What is AMD?

In this short video, learn how AMD affects the retina and what it means for your vision.

The information provided by the Foundation Fighting Blindness is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Some of the information provided has been obtained from widely used third-party public sources, but the Foundation is unable to independently verify the accuracy of all of such information. The Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment, product, clinical trial, company, or provider, including those mentioned in our content or featured through our partners and sponsors. Every person's condition is unique. Please talk with your qualified eye care professional about the treatment options that are right for you.