Macular Degeneration
The above image from the National Eye Institute's Site (www.nei.nih.gov) is what a scene may look like for someone with macular degeneration. To its right is an image of what the retina would look like with macular degeneration. It is also called Age-Related Macular Degeneration or ARMD or somtimes AMD.
AMD is a progressive eye condition that damages the macula which is the center part of your visual field.
NEI notes that in 2010 9.1 million Americans were diagnosed to have AMD and it is expected to rise in the future with the possibility of increasing to 17.8 million by 2050.
It is noted that the risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, exposure to UV light, and nutrition. There are also genetic factors regarding family members having the disease. Lighter skin color seems to increase the risk and it is noted to be more common with women.