Impact of AMD

Macular degeneration is the #1 cause of severe central vision loss in older people in the United States. It is a serious disease that in some cases can progress quickly and destroy your eyesight. And unfortunately, once vision is lost, it may never be regained.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive condition that damages the part of your retina responsible for central vision. However, it almost never destroys all of your vision. In almost all cases, you will still have your side or peripheral vision, and be able to see shapes, light, and movement. This is similar to what you see when looking out of the corner of your eye.

With advancing age-related macular degeneration, you may notice changes in your central vision. Your vision may be blurry or wavy in the middle. You may not be able to read letters or lines right in front of you on your doctor’s eye chart, in a book, or on signs. You may see dark spots, called scotomas, blocking your vision. Eventually you may not be able to participate in activities that need good central vision, such as sewing, golfing, or driving a car.

The good news is there are medical treatments that can slow wet macular degeneration (neovascular AMD). Your eye doctor can tell you about treatments to help slow vision loss and keep your eyesight longer.