What type of visual loss occurs with macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration primarily affects the central part of the retina known as the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision that is crucial for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. As this condition progresses, individuals experience a gradual loss of central vision, leading to blind spots or a blurred area in the center of their vision. This central vision loss is characteristic of macular degeneration and can significantly impact quality of life by making it challenging to perform tasks that require fine visual acuity.

In contrast, peripheral vision loss is typically associated with conditions such as glaucoma, while complete vision loss refers to the total inability to see, which is not a typical outcome of macular degeneration. Color vision loss may occur due to other types of retinal or optic nerve involvement but is not a primary feature of macular degeneration. Therefore, the focus on central vision loss is key to understanding the implications and symptoms of this common eye condition.