Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a common cause of vision loss in older adults. It affects central vision, the sharp detail you need for reading, driving and recognising faces. Side vision is usually kept, so AMD rarely causes complete blindness, but it can make daily tasks very hard.
Dry and wet AMD
| Dry AMD | Wet AMD | |
|---|---|---|
| How common | Most cases | Less common |
| What happens | The macula thins slowly, with yellow deposits called drusen | Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak |
| Speed | Slow, over years | Can be rapid, over weeks |
| Treatment | Lifestyle measures, and certain supplements for some people | Injections into the eye to stop leaking vessels |
Symptoms to watch for
- Straight lines, such as door frames or tiles, look wavy or bent
- A blurry or dark patch in the centre of your vision
- Difficulty reading or recognising faces
- Colours look less bright
Sudden distortion or a new dark patch needs a prompt eye exam, as it may be wet AMD.
Checking at home
Your doctor may give you an Amsler grid, a square of straight lines with a dot in the centre. Cover one eye at a time and look at the dot while wearing your reading glasses. Report any lines that look wavy, missing or blurred.
Who is at risk
- Age over 50
- Smoking, which is one of the biggest preventable risk factors
- A family history of AMD
- High blood pressure and heart disease
Protecting your sight
- Stop smoking
- Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and fish
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Have a dilated eye exam regularly after 50
- For some people with intermediate AMD, a specific vitamin and mineral formula studied by the US National Eye Institute (AREDS2) can slow progression. Ask your doctor whether it is right for you.
See our retina care service.
Frequently asked questions
Can AMD be cured?
There is no cure, but wet AMD can often be controlled with injections, and lifestyle changes can slow dry AMD.
Will I go blind from AMD?
AMD rarely causes total blindness because side vision is usually kept. Low vision aids can help with daily tasks.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.