 Age-related macular degeneration, AMD, is a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss. It has been found to share many similarities with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. By studying the retina, researchers have identified a glial activation pattern that occurs at the beginning stages of AMD. This pattern was also observed in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's and MS. Additionally, researchers discovered that a specific type of immune cell, called microlia, plays a role in driving the development of new blood vessels associated with AMD. These findings suggest that the same mechanisms may be involved in both AMD and neurodegenerative diseases. This article was authored by Monic Kutru, Mocello Di Stosio, Eric Song, and others.