Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), commonly referred to as macular degeneration, is a type of vision loss that primarily affects your central vision. This means that objects in the center of your field of view become blurry—regardless of their distance—while your peripheral (side) vision usually remains unaffected. This condition is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over the age of 60.

The presentation of macular degeneration can vary. For most people, changes in vision occur gradually, but some individuals experience rapid vision loss. Recognizing early warning signs and understanding common symptoms may encourage you to seek evaluation from an eye care specialist as early as possible.

Early symptoms

There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative). Both affect central vision, but their symptoms may differ. Wet AMD is less common but more severe and tends to cause sudden vision changes. In contrast, dry AMD develops slowly over time and may eventually turn into wet AMD.

Dry AMD occurs when protein deposits called drusen accumulate in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Eye care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists, can detect the presence of drusen during eye exams, often before any symptoms appear.

Although early-stage macular degeneration is not treatable, early diagnosis remains essential. Taking steps to slow its progression and adapting to vision changes can make a significant difference in long-term quality of life.

Intermediate symptoms

During the intermediate stage of dry macular degeneration, symptoms begin to affect your central vision. Initially mild, these symptoms gradually worsen over time as more macular cells become damaged. In the case of wet AMD, symptoms tend to appear more quickly.

Macular degeneration impacts how you see objects directly in front of you. This can interfere with daily activities such as reading, watching television, driving, or using digital devices. Symptoms may include:

  • mild blurriness in the central vision

  • straight lines that appear wavy

  • faded or graying of colors

  • decreased contrast between objects or colors

  • distorted or warped appearance of objects

  • difficulty adapting to low-light environments

  • challenges with reading or screen use

  • increased need for lighting during tasks

  • trouble recognizing faces or details, especially in dim lighting

Because this condition targets the macula, peripheral vision generally remains intact. In most instances, both eyes are affected, although one may be worse than the other.

Advanced symptoms

As macular degeneration advances, vision loss becomes more noticeable and disruptive. Depth perception may decline, and colors may appear faded or lack contrast. Low-light environments can become particularly challenging.

At this stage, symptoms of central vision loss become severe. Areas of blurriness in your vision may expand, darken, or turn into complete blind spots.

Wet AMD is more likely to result in severe vision loss. While advanced dry AMD can make it difficult to read or drive, wet AMD may cause complete central blindness, significantly impacting day-to-day functioning.

When to contact a healthcare provider

If you're at increased risk for macular degeneration, it's important to get your eyes checked annually. Risk factors include age over 55, a family history of the condition, smoking, and certain heart-related conditions.

Speak with your healthcare provider if you notice any vision changes, such as difficulty distinguishing colors or fine details. A particularly common early sign is when straight lines begin to look wavy or distorted.

Since wet AMD can progress rapidly and early treatment may help slow the condition, seek immediate care if you notice:

  • increasing vision difficulties

  • new blurry or blank areas in your central vision

  • distorted or warped appearance of objects

Questions to ask your provider

When consulting your eye care provider, consider asking these helpful questions to better understand your diagnosis and treatment options:

  • Will glasses help reduce my blurry vision?

  • What lifestyle changes can I make to protect my eyes?

  • What treatments are available to manage vision loss?

  • How can I adapt my daily routine to deal with vision changes?

  • Is it still safe for me to drive, and for how long?

A quick review

Macular degeneration is a progressive condition that causes central vision loss. It typically starts with no noticeable symptoms, but as the condition worsens, individuals may experience blurred patches, visual distortions, and difficulty seeing colors clearly.

Recognizing these changes early and consulting with an eye care professional is crucial. Without proper diagnosis and management, macular degeneration can eventually lead to total central blindness, especially in cases of wet AMD.