--- title: "Age-related macular degeneration: Symptoms & Treatment" description: "Age-related macular degeneration — wet and dry types, symptoms including distorted vision, NHS monitoring, and treatments including anti-VEGF injections." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/macular-degeneration/ robots: noindex --- # Age-related macular degeneration: Symptoms & Treatment Health A–Z Age-related macular degeneration — wet and dry types, symptoms including distorted vision, NHS monitoring, and treatments including anti-VEGF injections. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is age-related macular degeneration? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the UK. It affects the macula — the central part of the retina used for sharp, detailed vision such as reading and recognising faces. Dry AMD is most common and progresses slowly. Wet AMD causes rapid vision loss from abnormal blood vessels but can be treated with eye injections. Regular eye tests and an Amsler grid help detect changes early. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Age-related macular degeneration, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 7 sections ## Key facts about age-related macular degeneration - AMD affects the macula — central vision used for reading, driving, and recognising faces. - Dry AMD is most common — slow progression with drusen deposits; no current cure but lifestyle slows decline. - Wet AMD causes rapid central vision loss — treatable with anti-VEGF injections into the eye if caught early. - Smoking is the biggest modifiable risk factor — doubles AMD risk. - Sudden distortion of straight lines or a dark patch in central vision needs urgent same-day eye assessment. ## Macular degeneration — protecting central vision **Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)** is the **leading cause of severe vision loss** in older people in the UK. It damages the **macula** — the small central area of the retina responsible for **sharp, detailed vision**. AMD does **not cause total blindness** — **peripheral (side) vision** is usually kept — but it can make **reading, driving, and recognising faces** very difficult. ## Dry AMD — slow and common **Dry (atrophic) AMD** accounts for roughly **85 to 90%** of cases. The macula gradually thins and **drusen** (yellow deposits) accumulate. **Symptoms develop slowly:** - Difficulty reading small print - Needing brighter light - Colours appearing less vivid - Gradual blurring of central vision There is **no cure** for dry AMD, but progression can be slowed with **lifestyle changes** and **AREDS2 supplements** in intermediate-stage disease. ## Wet AMD — rapid but treatable **Wet (neovascular) AMD** is less common but more aggressive. **Abnormal blood vessels** grow under the macula, leak fluid, and cause **rapid central vision loss**. **Warning signs — seek same-day assessment:** - Straight lines look wavy or bent — check with an Amsler grid - A dark or blank patch in central vision - Sudden worsening of central vision over days **Anti-VEGF injections** into the eye — ranibizumab, aflibercept, faricimab — stop vessel growth and can **stabilise or improve vision** if treatment starts promptly. ## Risk factors - Age — most common over 65 - Smoking — strongest modifiable risk factor - Family history of AMD - High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease - Obesity - Prolonged sun exposure without eye protection ## Diagnosis and monitoring **Optician or ophthalmologist assessment:** - Visual acuity testing - Dilated retinal examination - OCT scan — detailed macular imaging - Fluorescein angiography — for wet AMD **Home monitoring** — use an **Amsler grid** weekly. Report any new distortion immediately. ## Treatment summary **Dry AMD:** - AREDS2 supplements — vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin — for intermediate dry AMD in both eyes - Lifestyle — stop smoking, healthy diet, exercise - Low vision rehabilitation — magnifiers, lighting, practical support **Wet AMD:** - Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections — monthly initially, then extended intervals - Photodynamic therapy — selected cases - Early treatment gives the best visual outcome ## Living with AMD AMD affects **central vision**, not side vision. Most people retain enough peripheral sight to **move around familiar spaces**. Support includes: - Low vision clinics — NHS referral for aids and training - Registration as sight impaired or severely sight impaired — access to benefits and support - Practical adaptations — large-print books, talking devices, good lighting People with diabetes should also attend **diabetic eye screening** — see [type 2 diabetes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/) — as diabetic retinopathy is a separate threat to vision. ## ! When to see a GP about age-related macular degeneration Book an urgent optician or hospital eye clinic appointment the same day if straight lines look wavy or distorted, you notice a dark or blank patch in the centre of your vision, or central vision suddenly worsens — these may indicate wet AMD needing prompt treatment. See a GP or optician for gradual difficulty reading, needing brighter light, or colours seeming less vivid — routine assessment for AMD. Attend regular eye tests if over 60 — at least every 2 years, yearly if AMD is known. ## Common questions about age-related macular degeneration What is age-related macular degeneration? AMD is an eye condition affecting the macula — the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It does not cause total blindness — peripheral vision is usually preserved — but it can make reading, driving, and recognising faces very difficult. It mainly affects people over 50. What is the difference between dry and wet AMD? Dry AMD (atrophic) is most common — gradual thinning of the macula with drusen deposits; vision declines slowly over years. Wet AMD (neovascular) is less common but more serious — abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid, causing rapid central vision loss. Wet AMD needs urgent treatment. What are the symptoms of AMD? Gradual difficulty reading small print, needing brighter light, colours seeming dull, and a blurred or empty area in central vision. In wet AMD, straight lines may appear wavy or bent (metamorphopsia) and central vision can deteriorate rapidly over days to weeks. How is AMD diagnosed? Opticians and ophthalmologists examine the retina, check visual acuity, and use optical coherence tomography (OCT) — a scan showing macular structure in detail. Fluorescein angiography may be used for wet AMD. The Amsler grid — a simple line grid — helps detect distortion at home. Can AMD be treated? Dry AMD has no cure — nutritional supplements (AREDS2 formula) may slow progression in intermediate disease. Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections into the eye — ranibizumab, aflibercept, or bevacizumab — which stop abnormal vessel growth and can stabilise or improve vision if started early. Can I prevent macular degeneration? You cannot prevent all AMD, but stopping smoking significantly reduces risk. Eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and fish, maintaining healthy blood pressure, exercising, and protecting eyes from UV light all help. Regular eye tests detect early changes. Will I go completely blind with AMD? AMD affects central vision, not peripheral vision — you retain side vision and can usually navigate rooms and remain independent with support. Low vision aids, magnification, good lighting, and social care services help maintain quality of life. ## Sources - [NHS — Age-related macular degeneration](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/) - [NICE — Age-related macular degeneration](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng82) - [NHS — Look after your eyes](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/look-after-your-eyes/)