Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central, detailed sight, such as reading and recognising faces. It is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, and usually affects people over 50.
Types of AMD
- Dry AMD develops slowly over years. It is the most common type
- Wet AMD happens when new, weak blood vessels grow under the macula and leak. It can damage sight quickly, within days or weeks, but can be treated
Symptoms
- blurred or distorted central vision
- straight lines looking wavy
- a blank or dark patch in the middle of your sight
- finding it harder to read, see faces or adapt to changes in light
- seeing shapes or people that are not there (Charles Bonnet syndrome), which is common and not a mental health problem
What raises the risk?
- getting older
- smoking, which more than doubles the risk
- family history
Read about treatment for macular degeneration.
Common questions
Will I go blind from macular degeneration?
AMD does not usually cause complete blindness. It affects the middle of your sight, but most people keep their side vision, which helps them get around.
What is an Amsler grid?
It is a square grid of lines with a dot in the middle. Looking at it regularly, one eye at a time, can help you spot early changes such as wavy or missing lines.
Sources we used
- NHS, Age-related macular degeneration
- NICE guideline NG82, Age-related macular degeneration
- Macular Society
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