Figure 1.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The normal retina contains photoreceptors, not shown here, that interact with the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch’s membrane/choriocapillaris (CC) complex, which is supported by the large choroidal blood vessels (not presented). In dry AMD, some RPE cells are damaged, and some are lost when the disease progresses. Some CCs are also lost (broken lines) in dry AMD, but in the wet form of the disease, they are lost almost completely. In wet AMD, RPE cells release several factors (multicolor small objects) that support angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor, which leads to choroidal neovascularization. Fundus color images of dry and wet AMD. Light orange spots in the retina termed drusen can be observed in both dry and wet AMD, whereas wet AMD is featured by hemorrhages and edema. AMD can ruin the central vision of affected individuals.