02/05/2026
👁️🗨️Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It primarily affects people over age 50.
Key points
Two main types:
Dry (atrophic): gradual thinning and accumulation of drusen (yellow deposits) in the macula — most common and progresses slowly.
Wet (neovascular): abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood — less common but can cause rapid, severe central vision loss.
Symptoms: blurred or distorted central vision (straight lines appear wavy), dark or empty spot in central vision, needing brighter light for close work, difficulty recognizing faces. Peripheral (side) vision is usually preserved.
Risk factors: age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, light eye color, and prolonged sun exposure.
Diagnosis: eye exam with dilated pupil, Amsler grid test, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography when needed.
Treatment:
Dry AMD: no cure; monitoring, nutritional supplements (AREDS/AREDS2 formula for certain patients), lifestyle changes (stop smoking, healthy diet, exercise).
Wet AMD: anti-VEGF injections (to block abnormal vessel growth), sometimes laser or photodynamic therapy.
Monitoring and prevention: regular eye exams, home self-check with an Amsler grid, control cardiovascular risks, eat leafy greens and omega-3–rich fish, stop smoking, protect eyes from UV.
See an eye doctor promptly if you notice new distortion, blurriness, or dark spots in central vision.
