Eye condition · Eye diseases
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD damages the center of the retina and blurs central vision in older adults. Learn dry vs wet AMD, the warning signs and today's treatments.
Get help the same day if you have
- Straight lines suddenly looking wavy or bent
- A new dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
- A sudden drop in central vision in one eye
Call an eye doctor now or go to an emergency department. Eye emergencies guide
What it is
The macula is a small area at the center of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. In age-related macular degeneration, the macula is damaged over time. The National Eye Institute describes AMD as the most common cause of vision loss for older adults.
There are two forms:
- Dry AMD is the most common. Yellow deposits called drusen build up and the macula thins slowly. Late dry AMD is called geographic atrophy.
- Wet AMD is less common but faster. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. It can cause sudden vision loss.
Symptoms
- Blurry or fuzzy central vision
- Straight lines that look wavy
- A blank or dark spot in the center of vision
- Colors that look less bright
- Needing more light to read
Early AMD often has no symptoms.
Who is at risk
Risk rises with age, especially after 55. Other risk factors include a family history of AMD, smoking, being white, high blood pressure and a diet low in leafy greens and fish.
How it is diagnosed
A dilated eye exam, the Amsler grid, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and sometimes dye tests (angiography) show the macula in detail.
Treatment
- Intermediate dry AMD: the AREDS2 vitamin and mineral formula can slow progression
- Geographic atrophy: newer injectable medicines can slow its growth for some people
- Wet AMD: anti-VEGF injections into the eye stop leaking vessels and often stabilize or improve vision. Starting early gives the best results
- Low vision rehabilitation: magnifiers, lighting, devices and training to make the most of remaining sight
Prevention and monitoring
Do not smoke, eat leafy greens and fish, stay active and manage blood pressure. If you are at risk, check each eye regularly with our Amsler grid and report changes promptly.
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Questions people ask
Does AMD cause total blindness?
AMD affects central vision, so it can make reading, driving and recognizing faces very hard, but side vision usually remains. People rarely lose all sight from AMD.
Do eye vitamins prevent AMD?
The AREDS2 formula lowered the risk of progression in people who already have intermediate AMD or late AMD in one eye. It is not shown to prevent AMD in people without it.