macular degeneration

noun

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of macular degeneration

: progressive deterioration of the macula resulting in a gradual loss of the central part of the visual field; especially : age-related macular degeneration

Recent Examples of macular degeneration from the Web

Unity Biotech is also working toward clinical trials of drugs for glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic neuropathy — all considered diseases of aging.

— melissa healy, latimes.com, "This drug cocktail reduced signs of age-related diseases and extended life in mice and human cells," 10 July 2018
One of the most dramatic examples of the dangers emerged after U.S. Stem Cell Clinic’s treatment of three elderly women suffering from vision loss caused by macular degeneration.

— ron hurtibise, Sun-Sentinel.com, "U.S. senator presses for answers about Sunrise-based stem cell clinic," 26 Apr. 2018
The zeaxanthin is protective against cataracts and macular degeneration.

— sheah rarback, miamiherald, "Ubiquitous mangos taste good - and are good for you, too," 29 June 2018
About 30 years ago Egly began slowly losing his eyesight to macular degeneration, and lost his eyesight completely about five years ago, said his wife, Jane Egly.

— sonali kohli, latimes.com, "Paul Egly, judge who oversaw Los Angeles school integration, dies at 97," 1 July 2018
With age people can develop macular degeneration (which is the light-sensitive nerve tissue in the eye), and using sunglasses may protect these photoreceptors from UV damage.

— adam hurly, GQ, "This Is Why You Need to Wear Sunglasses," 23 June 2018
Cataracts and macular degeneration can take years to develop, but there can also be short-term dangers of the tiny sunglasses trend.

— amanda gardner, Health.com, "Why Those Tiny Sunglasses Celebs Love Aren't Actually Good for Your Eyes," 13 June 2018
People who eat more fish have a much lower risk of developing macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness.

— orthocincy, Cincinnati.com, "Benefits of eating fish," 19 June 2018
The second thing that happened was my dad lost his eyesight to macular degeneration later in life.

— ann killion, SFChronicle.com, "Mom was charmed by Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'macular degeneration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of macular degeneration

1918

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

macular degeneration

noun

medical Definition of macular degeneration

: progressive deterioration of the macula of the eye resulting in a gradual loss of the central part of the visual field; especially : age-related macular degeneration