Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can worsen over time. It is the main cause of severe and permanent vision loss in people over the age of 60. This happens when the small central part of your retina, called the macula, wears out. The retina is the light-sensitive nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Because the disease occurs with age, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration. It does not usually cause blindness, but can cause serious vision problems. Another form of macular degeneration, called Stargardt disease or juvenile macular degeneration, affects children and young adults.