Eye conditions
What is macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It’s the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60.
The macula is a small area at the centre of the retina, at the back of your eye. It lets you see what’s straight in front of you: the fine detail you need for reading, writing and recognising faces, and colour. In AMD, the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working properly.
AMD isn’t painful and it almost never causes total blindness, because your side vision isn’t affected. But it can make everyday things harder, and without treatment some types can get worse quickly. Regular eye examinations can pick it up early, sometimes before you notice any symptoms.
Know the signs
Symptoms, causes and risk factors
Symptoms
- Straight lines look wavy or crooked
- Blurred or distorted central vision when looking straight at something
- Objects look an unusual size or shape
- Colours seem faded or less bright
- A dark or blank patch in the centre of your vision, in more advanced AMD
- Seeing things that aren't there (visual hallucinations)
Causes
The exact cause of AMD isn’t known, but it develops when the cells of the macula are damaged:
- Dry AMD: a build-up of fatty deposits called drusen at the back of the eye
- Wet AMD: abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula, leaking fluid and blood
- Genes: genetics play a major part, alongside age and lifestyle
Risk factors
Your risk of AMD increases with age, and it’s more common from 60. You’re also more likely to develop it if you:
- Smoke
- Have a family history of AMD
- Have high blood pressure
- Are overweight
- Are white (Caucasian)
- Are a woman, partly because women tend to live longer
Get it checked
When to get help
AMD usually affects both eyes, but one can be affected long before the other. Your “good” eye can make up for the other one, so changes are easy to miss. You can’t wear out your sight, so keep using your good eye as normal. If you think you might have AMD but your symptoms haven’t come on suddenly, book an eye examination. We’ll refer you to an eye specialist if needed. Book an appointment if:
- Straight lines, such as door frames or text, look wavy or bent
- Your central vision is blurred or distorted
- Colours look faded, or you need more light to read
- It's been more than two years since your last eye examination
Get help the same day if:
- Your vision changes suddenly or a lot: contact your GP or go to A&E straight away
- You already have AMD in one eye and get symptoms in the other: contact the hospital that looks after you, or ask your GP for an emergency appointment
- Wet AMD can get worse within days, so quick treatment matters
Types of AMD
Wet and dry AMD
There are two main types of AMD. Dry AMD is far more common: only around 1 in 10 people with AMD have the wet type.
Dry AMD
Caused by a build-up of fatty deposits called drusen at the back of the eye. It develops slowly, usually over years, in three stages: early, intermediate and late. Many people describe it as like colours fading in an old photograph. There's currently no treatment, unless it turns into wet AMD.
Wet AMD
Abnormal blood vessels grow at the back of the eye, causing fluid to build up under the retina, bleeding and scarring. It can get worse quickly, sometimes within days or weeks, but hospital treatment can help stop your vision getting worse.
Will AMD make me blind? AMD almost never leads to total blindness. It only affects your central vision, so almost everyone with AMD keeps enough side (peripheral) vision to get around and stay independent. But advanced AMD can make reading, writing and recognising faces very difficult.
Look after your eyes
Reducing your risk
Research suggests you may be able to lower your risk of AMD by:
- Not smoking: smoking significantly increases the risk of AMD. Stopping helps at any age.
- Eating well: plenty of leafy green vegetables and oily fish. Read more about nutrition and the eye.
- Keeping active and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol healthy.
- Having regular eye examinations, especially if AMD runs in your family. Studies suggest genetics may account for around half or more of AMD risk, so tell us if a relative has it. Read more about family history and eye health.
Protecting your sight
Diagnosis and treatment
AMD is often found during a routine eye examination, before you notice any symptoms. Finding it early means wet AMD can be treated quickly, and dry AMD can be monitored.
What happens at your eye examination
Vision check
We check how well you can see, including your central vision.
Looking at the macula
Your optometrist uses a special lens to look closely at the macula in each eye.
Retinal photos
We take photographs of the back of your eyes to record any changes.
3D OCT scan
An OCT scan shows the layers of the retina in detail, helping us spot AMD early. It's optional, and included for OptiPlan members.
Your results
We'll explain what we've found and, if needed, refer you to an eye specialist.
OCT scans and AMD
OCT (optical coherence tomography) uses light waves to take cross-section images of your retina. It lets your optometrist see each layer and measure its thickness, which helps diagnose AMD and monitor how treatment is working. An OCT scan can show:
- Drusen, the small deposits that build up under the retina
- Changes to the structure of the retina
- New or abnormal blood vessels
- Fluid or bleeding in the eye
OptiPlan members have an OCT scan every 6 months to keep a close eye on any changes. Read more about our 3D OCT scans.
Treatment for AMD
Wet AMD is mainly treated with injections into the eye, given at the hospital:
- They stop vision getting worse in around 9 in 10 people, and improve it in around 3 in 10.
- They’re usually given every 1, 2 or 3 months, for as long as needed.
- Drops numb your eye first, so most people feel little discomfort. Afterwards your eye may feel gritty, red or irritated.
Dry AMD has no treatment at the moment, but research is moving fast. In 2025, a trial at Moorfields Eye Hospital fitted patients with advanced dry AMD with a retinal implant that helped some of them read again.
We don’t provide these treatments ourselves, but we’ll refer you to the hospital eye service if you need them.
Support
Living with AMD
Being diagnosed with AMD can be a lot to take in. There’s plenty of help available, both practical and emotional.
Your feelings
It’s natural to feel upset or angry after a diagnosis. Other people may not understand, because you won’t look as though you have a sight problem.
- Talk to family and friends about what you can and can't see
- Sharing experiences with others who have AMD can help
- Your GP or a social worker can help you find a counsellor
- Local sight loss societies offer support and social groups
Help to see better
We’ll help you make the most of the sight you have.
- Low vision aids: magnifiers and good lighting can make reading easier
- Low vision clinic: ask us about a referral if daily tasks are getting difficult
- Registering as sight impaired can make it easier to get support and some financial help
- Eye nutrition: Nutrof Total is a daily supplement with lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 and vitamins for eye health
Useful contacts
These charities offer free advice, information and emotional support:
- Macular Society helpline: 0300 3030 111
- RNIB helpline: 0303 123 9999
- Your local hospital eye service if you already have AMD and notice changes
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about macular degeneration
What is macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is damage to the macula, the small central part of the retina that gives you sharp, detailed vision for reading, recognising faces and seeing colour. It’s the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60.
What's the difference between wet and dry AMD?
Dry AMD is the most common type and develops slowly over years, as fatty deposits called drusen build up. Wet AMD affects around 1 in 10 people with AMD. Abnormal blood vessels grow at the back of the eye and leak, and it can get worse within days or weeks, but it can be treated.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Straight lines looking wavy, blurred or distorted central vision, objects looking an unusual size or shape, faded colours and, in more advanced AMD, a dark or blank patch in the centre of your vision. AMD isn’t painful.
Does macular degeneration lead to total blindness?
Almost never. AMD only affects your central vision, so almost everyone keeps enough side vision to get around and stay independent. It can make reading, writing and recognising faces difficult.
What should I do if I think I have macular degeneration?
If your symptoms haven’t come on suddenly, book an eye examination and we’ll refer you to a specialist if needed. If your vision changes suddenly or a lot, contact your GP or go to A&E straight away.
Can AMD be treated?
Wet AMD is usually treated with injections into the eye, which stop vision getting worse in around 9 in 10 people. There’s currently no treatment for dry AMD, but research is ongoing.
Can I reduce my risk of AMD?
Not smoking, eating plenty of leafy greens and oily fish, staying active and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol healthy may all lower your risk. Regular eye examinations help catch it early.
Is AMD hereditary?
Genetics play a major part. If a close relative has AMD, you’re more likely to develop it, so tell your optometrist and keep up with regular eye examinations.
How does an OCT scan help with AMD?
An OCT scan shows the layers of your retina in detail, including drusen, fluid and abnormal blood vessels. It helps us spot AMD early and monitor any changes.
Medically reviewed by Amar-Kaash Gandecha, BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP), Prof Cert Glauc, Director and Optometrist. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
Noticed changes in your central vision?
Book an eye examination at our Newark, Anstey, Birstall or Sileby practice. If your vision changes suddenly, contact your GP or go to A&E straight away.