H35: Other retinal disorders

H35.3: Degeneration of macula and posterior pole

Degeneration of the macula and posterior pole refers to the gradual damage and loss of function in the macula, a small area in the center of the retina, and the posterior pole, the back part of the eye. This condition is usually related to aging, but can also be caused by other factors such as smoking, obesity, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. It primarily affects your central vision, which is crucial for tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Symptoms can include difficulty seeing fine details, blurred or distorted central vision, and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision. Over time, without intervention, this can progress to a significant loss of central vision, though peripheral vision typically remains intact.