Macular degeneration is a medical condition that affects the central part of an individual's retina, which is responsible for clear vision. This disease causes blurriness or blind spots in the center of one's visual field and can eventually lead to total loss of sight if not treated properly. There are two types of macular degeneration: wet (neovascular) and dry (atrophic). Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow under the retina, causing leakage or bleeding which damages the retinal cells. Dry AMD is characterized by the thinning of the retina and the accumulation of pigment deposits in the macula, leading to a gradual loss of vision over time. The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown but it is more common in older adults and can be influenced by genetics, lifestyle factors such as smoking or poor diet, and environmental factors like exposure to sunlight.