AMD stands for Age-related Macular Degeneration and is a condition that affects the macula (the central part of the retina at the back of your eye). The macula is responsible for fine, detailed central visual tasks such as reading. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK.

AMD is characterised by loss of central vision. Other symptoms include blurring, poor colour vision, image distortion and/or blind spots.

Please click on the play button to view a simulation on how AMD related vision changes may progress.

The damage to the macula caused by AMD can result in irreversible vision changes.

The AMD vision changes are different for every person and are largely determined by the form of AMD they have - either 'dry' or 'wet'.

Dry AMD

• Deposits accumulate in the tissue under the macula. This damages the light sensitive cells of the macula (the photoreceptors) and they stop working
• The macula begins to thin, which results in slow, but gradual visual impairment
• The extent of vision changes depends on the location and degree of macular thinning
• In some people, dry AMD can convert to wet AMD, which is a far more severe form of the condition

Wet AMD

• New fragile blood vessels spontaneously grow behind the retina and leak blood and fluid into the tissue at the back of the eye
• This scars the tissue and initially leads to distortion of vision and ultimately loss of central vision
• Progression to this late stage can occur within a few months of the early symptoms

• You are more likely to develop AMD if you are aged 55 or over
• Smoking is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing advanced AMD
• A poor diet and having a close family member with AMD also increases the chances of you developing AMD

• Catching AMD early gives you the best chance of preserving vision for the future
• There is no treatment for dry AMD but giving up smoking and adopting a healthy lifestyle reduce the chances of progression
• If you are at high risk of developing advanced AMD you may benefit from taking specific nutritional supplements, ask your Optician about these
• There are now effective treatments available for wet AMD

Living with AMD can be daunting. You can feel that you lose your independence and have to rely on others. Life may be restricted, especially if you drive and enjoy hobbies such as reading, watching TV, sewing or crosswords.

Although AMD can develop quickly, the good news is that you will never experience total or black blindness, and most people still retain useful side (or peripheral) vision.

That's why it's so important to check for AMD. The sooner AMD is diagnosed the better - action now offers you the best chance of preserving your vision for the future.