Which statement is true about macular degeneration?

• A. It has a surgical cure.
• B. It begins with peripheral vision loss.
• C. Central vision deteriorates rapidly with full blindness within days.
• D. There is no cure and central vision declines slowly, often with distortion first.

Answer: (D)

Macular degeneration affects the macula, the central part of the retina, so central vision drops while peripheral vision stays relatively intact. There are two forms: dry, which progresses slowly, and wet, which can cause faster loss but can be treated to slow progression. There is no cure for AMD overall. Early changes often include distortion of vision (straight lines appearing wavy) before central vision worsens. Because of this pattern—central vision loss that is gradual, with distortion as an early sign and no cure—the statement that there is no cure and central vision declines slowly, often with distortion first, is the true description.