Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of sight loss in people over 50 in the UK. It damages the macula — the central part of the retina — blurring straight-ahead vision while leaving peripheral vision intact. There are two forms: dry AMD (gradual, around 90% of cases) and wet AMD (sudden, caused by leaking blood vessels). Wet AMD treated promptly with anti-VEGF injections can often have its vision loss stopped, and dry AMD progression slowed with supplements and lifestyle change — so early diagnosis matters.
What is macular degeneration?
The macula is the small, highly sensitive centre of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision — reading, driving and recognising faces. In AMD the cells of the macula gradually break down with age, while the surrounding retina that provides side vision is usually spared. This is why AMD affects central vision but does not cause complete blindness.
There are two main types. Dry AMD develops slowly as deposits called drusen build up and the macula thins. Wet AMD is less common but more aggressive: abnormal new blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid distortion and central vision loss. Dry AMD can convert to wet, so any sudden change should be checked urgently.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
AMD affects central vision, and the symptoms depend on the type and stage:
- Blurred or fuzzy central vision, making reading and detail harder
- Distortion — straight lines such as door frames look wavy or bent
- A dark, empty or blurred patch in the centre of vision
- Difficulty recognising faces and needing brighter light to read
- Colours appearing less bright
Sudden distortion or a rapid drop in central vision suggests wet AMD and should be assessed within days, as prompt injection treatment protects sight.
Central vision blurring or distorting? An AMD assessment with OCT imaging identifies the type and starts the right treatment quickly.
Book an AMD assessmentCauses & risk factors
AMD is driven by ageing of the macula, with several factors increasing the risk:
- Age over 50 — the strongest risk factor
- Smoking — the most important modifiable risk; smokers develop AMD earlier
- Family history and genetics — variants such as CFH increase susceptibility
- Caucasian heritage and a light iris colour
- High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity
- A diet low in leafy green vegetables and oily fish
How macular degeneration is diagnosed
Diagnosis is quick and painless, combining examination with detailed retinal imaging:
- OCT (optical coherence tomography) — the key scan, showing drusen, thinning and any fluid that indicates wet AMD.
- Dilated fundus examination — the consultant examines the macula directly.
- Amsler grid test — a simple chart that detects distortion in central vision.
- Fundus autofluorescence — maps areas of atrophy in dry AMD.
- OCT angiography or fluorescein angiography — images the abnormal vessels in suspected wet AMD.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on whether you have dry or wet AMD — see our macular degeneration treatment overview for full detail.
- Dry AMD — AREDS2 supplements to slow progression of intermediate disease, stopping smoking, a healthy diet, and regular OCT monitoring. See dry AMD care.
- Wet AMD — anti-VEGF injections into the eye that dry up the leaking vessels and can stabilise or improve vision; given as a course and then maintained. See wet AMD treatment.
- Low-vision support — magnifiers, lighting advice and rehabilitation to make the most of your remaining vision.