Overview

Other macular diseases

Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are the most common conditions impacting the macula. However, many other macular diseases and conditions can impact sight.

Macular disease is a term that covers a range of painless conditions that affect the central retina (the macula) at the back of the eye.

The conditions vary in prevalence, causes and treatments.

Some, such as Stargardt disease and vitelliform macular dystrophy (Best disease) can appear in childhood due to genetic defects (mutations).

Others can be caused by increased age, structural changes to the eye or trauma. These include macular holes, epiretinal membrane (also known as macular pucker), vitreomacular traction syndrome, retinal detachment, central serous chorioretinopathy and others.

Some of these conditions can be managed with surgery, some with injections and others may only require monitoring. 

What these diseases and conditions have in common is the impact on your central vision. This is because the macula, which is the name given to the area at the very centre of the retina, in the back of your eye, is responsible for detailed central vision. You use it for activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia has a range of information resources on various macular diseases. In the case of genetic macular conditions, we can also refer you to specialised genetic registries and research organisations.

If your particular macular condition is not listed here, please contact us on our National Helpline (1800 111 709) and we’d be happy to find out more information on your behalf.