Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects central vision by damaging the macula, making detailed tasks like reading and face recognition harder.

Common symptoms

Blurred central vision, distortion of straight lines, reduced contrast sensitivity, and trouble recognising faces or reading small print.

Description

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina used for detailed straight-ahead vision. It is more common in older adults and can make tasks like reading, recognising faces, and driving more difficult.

There are two main forms: dry AMD, which develops gradually, and wet AMD, which can worsen more quickly due to abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina.

While peripheral (side) vision is usually preserved, central vision can become blurred or distorted. Management may include regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, nutritional support in some cases, and urgent specialist treatment for wet AMD such as anti-VEGF injections.