Condition
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Clinically reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-13
Practical guides
What it is
AMD affects the macula, the small central area of the retina. Side (peripheral) vision is usually preserved, so people rarely go completely blind, but central tasks such as reading, driving and recognising faces become difficult. It mainly affects people over 50 and is a leading cause of sight loss in high-income countries.
Dry AMD versus wet AMD
Dry AMD (atrophic) is more common. The macula thins slowly and drusen deposits build up. Vision fades gradually over years. Wet AMD (neovascular) is less common but more aggressive: abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing sudden distortion or central vision loss. Wet AMD can develop from dry AMD or appear on its own.
Symptoms to watch for
AMD is usually painless. Warning signs include:
- Straight lines looking wavy, bent or missing (metamorphopsia)
- A smudgy, blank or dark patch in the centre of vision
- Difficulty reading small print even with glasses
- Faces or colours looking less clear
- Needing brighter light for close work
Monitoring at home
If you have AMD or risk factors, check each eye separately with an Amsler grid weekly. Cover one eye, look at the centre dot, and note any new waviness, missing areas or size change. New distortion in one eye is a same-week prompt to contact your eye clinic — it may signal wet AMD.
Treatment
Dry AMD has no cure. Smoking cessation, healthy diet, blood pressure control and AREDS2 vitamin supplements (for selected moderate-to-advanced dry AMD) may slow progression — use only formulations tested in trials and discuss with your clinician. Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections into the eye, laser in selected cases, or newer therapies as advised. Early wet AMD treatment preserves more central sight.
When to seek urgent care
Contact your eye team within days for sudden central distortion, a new blank patch, or rapid vision drop in one eye. These can indicate wet AMD. Routine monitoring appointments still matter for dry AMD even when vision feels stable.
Treatments & Surgery
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?
Dry AMD progresses slowly as the macula thins. Wet AMD involves leaky blood vessels under the macula and can cause sudden central vision loss. Wet AMD often needs urgent injections; dry AMD is managed with monitoring and risk reduction.
Does macular degeneration cause complete blindness?
AMD mainly affects central vision. Side vision usually remains, so total blindness is uncommon, but reading, driving and face recognition can be seriously affected.
What is an Amsler grid used for?
It is a simple lined chart to detect new waviness or missing areas in central vision between clinic visits, helping pick up wet AMD early.
Do eye vitamins help macular degeneration?
AREDS2 formula supplements may slow dry AMD progression in certain stages. They are not a substitute for treatment of wet AMD and should be chosen with professional advice.
How is wet AMD treated?
Anti-VEGF injections into the eye are the main treatment, given as a course over months or years. They reduce leakage and can stabilise or improve vision when started promptly.