Age-related macular degeneration: The leading cause of central vision loss in persons over age 55. It is a disease that causes the macula to slowly degenerate.

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS): An NIH-sponsored study that proved vitamins were helpful in slowing the progression of macular degeneration. Part II of this study is ongoing.

Amsler grid: A graph paper-like grid that patients can use to monitor for changes in their macular degeneration.

Avastin: See What is Avastin?

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV): The growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula in wet AMD.

Cornea: The front surface of the eye that is responsible for bending light to a pinpoint focus on the retina.

Drusen: Yellow aging deposits that accumulate underneath the retina in dry AMD. They can weaken the retina.

Fluorescein angiogram: A dye test that is used to help in the diagnosis of wet macular degeneration.

Hot laser: Laser that is sometimes used for cauterizing the abnormal blood vessels that grow underneath the retina in wet AMD.

Lens: A clear structure inside the eye that is responsible for bending light to a pinpoint foucs on the retina. A cataract occurs when the clear lens becomes cloudy due to aging changes.

Low vision specialists: Specialists who can assist patients who have lost some central vision, either through training or use of vision aids.

Lucentis: See What is Lucentis?

Macugen: See What is Macugen?

Macula: The part of the retina responsible for straight ahead central vision.

Macular translocation: A surgery sometimes used for wet AMD that moves the center of the macula to a new and healthier location in the back of the eye.

Optic nerve: The nerve that connects the retina to the brain, where vision actually occurs.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT or Visudyne™): Cold laser treatment that is sometimes used to close the abnormal blood vessels that grow in wet AMD.

Retina: The part of the eye that is like the film of a camera. The retina converts light into an electrical signal.