The blind spot, or scotoma may also be complete, or absolute where nothing is transmitted through it. While there are many forms of macular degeneration, such as Stargardt’s Syndrome which effects individuals in their teens and twenties, most often macular degeneration affects individuals who are sixty years of age and older.

ARMD — Age Related Macular Degeneration — is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in this age grouping. It is anticipated that blindness and visual impairment will exceed 6.3 million Americans who have macular degeneration. It is important to know that macular degeneration alone will not result in total blindness and will only affect the macular area of the retina.

Peripheral vision may not be affected by this disease and should remain intact. Due to this, oftentimes magnification can be a benefit in utilizing the remaining peripheral vision and eccentric viewing or learning how to look at the side of the blind spot may also be of assistance to individuals with this disease.

Currently, a great amount of research is being done by the National Eye Institute on learning more about the causes of macular degeneration and the possible treatment of this eye condition. There is currently no treatment which has proven to be effective in eliminating the effects of macular degeneration.