Overview
The macula is the small central patch of retina responsible for detailed vision — reading, faces, driving. Age-related macular degeneration damages it, leaving peripheral vision intact. People do not go completely blind from it, but they lose exactly the vision they use most.
Dry AMD is gradual and accounts for most cases. Wet AMD, where abnormal vessels leak under the retina, is much less common but can destroy central vision in weeks — and it is treatable if caught early.
What are the common symptoms?
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines that look bent or wavy — door frames, tiles, text
- A dark or empty patch in the middle of vision
- Needing much more light to read
- Difficulty recognising faces
- Colours looking less vivid
What causes it, and who is at risk?
- Age — the dominant risk factor, rising sharply after 60
- Smoking, which multiplies risk several times over
- Family history and specific genetic variants
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Lighter iris colour, and cumulative UV exposure
- Diet low in leafy greens and omega-3
How is it treated?
Nothing reverses dry AMD, but progression can be slowed and wet AMD can be controlled. Speed matters for the wet form.
- Anti-VEGF injections into the eye for wet AMD, repeated on a schedule
- AREDS2 supplements for intermediate dry AMD, on advice — not for everyone
- Stopping smoking, which is the most effective single action
- Home monitoring with an Amsler grid to catch distortion early
- Regular OCT imaging
- Low vision services: magnifiers, lighting and reading technology
When to get seen quickly
New distortion of straight lines, or a new dark patch in central vision, needs assessment within days. That is how wet AMD announces itself, and treatment started early preserves far more vision.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can tell you what is actually going on.