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How Much Do You Know About Macular Degeneration?

Take our quiz to test your knowledge of this age-related eye disease

Sarah Elizabeth Adler,

AARP

En español

Published November 11, 2020

8 Questions

How Much Do You Know About Macular Degeneration?

[ {
 "question" : "Macular degeneration affects which part of the eye?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Retina",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "Cornea",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Lens",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Optic nerve",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: A. Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, occurs when the part of the retina — the layer of light-sensitive cells that lines the back of the eye — known as the macula is damaged. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for Americans 65 and older.\n",
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}, {
 "question" : "Risk factors for macular degeneration include:\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Age",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Race",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : " Family history",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "All of the above",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: D. There's no known cause of age-related macular degeneration, but risk factors include age (people 60 and older are more likely to be affected), race (whites are at higher risk than Blacks or Hispanics), as well as a family history of the disease.\n",
 "hint" : "",
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}, {
 "question" : "Which of the following is a symptom of macular degeneration?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Blurred central vision",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : " Loss of peripheral (side) vision",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Impaired ability to see fine detail and color",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Both A and C",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: D. Symptoms of the most common form of age-related macular degeneration, called dry AMD, typically develop slowly. They include blurred or reduced central vision and an impaired ability to see fine details and color. Peripheral (side) vision is not affected, so the condition rarely results in total blindness.\n",
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}, {
 "question" : "The less-common form of macular degeneration is known as ___________ AMD:\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "A. Nonexudative",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "B. Wet",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "C. Open-angle",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "D. Acute",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: B. Wet (exudative or neovascular) age-related macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels underneath the retina leak blood and fluid, permanently damaging the macula and causing vision loss.\n",
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}, {
 "question" : "This form of AMD is more aggressive and affects approximately 10 percent of those with the condition.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Wet AMD",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "Dry AMD",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: A. Wet AMD is the more advanced form of the disease and affects approximately 10 percent of those with age-related macular degeneration. Unlike the dry type, which tends to develop gradually, wet macular degeneration (which starts as dry AMD) can cause a sudden and serious loss of central vision.\n",
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}, {
 "question" : "Some people with age-related macular degeneration have spots known as _____________ on their retinas.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Styes",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Drusen",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "Demodex",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Presbyopia",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: B. Drusen — German for “rocks” — are fatty deposits that can develop on the retina. These spots aren't necessarily a sign of disease, but people who develop too many drusen, large drusen or drusen that develop beneath the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision) are at increased risk of developing macular degeneration.\n",
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}, {
 "question" : "How is macular degeneration treated?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Drug therapy",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Vitamins and supplements",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Laser treatment",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "It depends",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: D. There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but the dry form of the disease can be slowed with specific high-dose vitamins and minerals taken under a doctor's supervision. Wet AMD can be treated with targeted drugs that are injected into the eye as well as laser surgery.\n",
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}, {
 "question" : "What is the best way to avoid serious vision loss from macular degeneration?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Regular eye exams",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Knowing the symptoms",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Lifestyle modifications",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "All of the above",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Answer: D. The earlier someone is diagnosed with macular degeneration, the greater the chance that the disease can be treated successfully — which makes knowing the symptoms of AMD and getting regular eye exams crucial. Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, regular exercise and a nutritious diet can help keep your eyes healthy in the first place.\n",
 "hint" : "",
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} ]

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Sarah Elizabeth Adler is a writer based in Washington, D.C. She has written about science, art and culture for outlets including aarp.org, where she was previously a staff writer, The Atlantic and California magazine.