Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) does not have noticeable symptoms and is usually unrecognized until it affects both eyes. Symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• Metamorphopsia - Straight lines start to appear distorted, or the center of vision becomes distorted

• Scotoma - Dark, blurry areas appear in the center of vision

• Blurred vision

Having one or more of these symptoms may not mean you have AMD. But, if you have any of these symptoms, you should see your eye doctor right away.

You may be at a higher risk for developing AMD if you have a family history of AMD, if you are female, white, or a smoker.

How does macular degeneration affect your vision?

This vision simulator below was made to show what a patient with AMD might see and how the condition changes over time.

How do I use this?
Drag the white rectangular button below from left to right or simply click anywhere along the white line and it will move to the spot you clicked. When the button is in the left position, it shows the view from a healthy eye. When the button is in the right position, it shows what the view might look like for someone with advanced stage disease.

This is a simulation only and is not meant as an exact reflection of a person with macular degeneration. Only your doctor can tell you if you have an eye disease and what will happen to your sight.

Visit VisionSimulator.com to view a simulation of AMD and other conditions.

What happens during age-related macular degeneration?

AMD occurs when the center of the retina is damaged. This part of the retina is called the macula. The macula is the part of the eye that helps us to see fine details. When it is damaged, the vision in the center of the eye blurs or darkens. Side vision does not often change. Most people keep enough useful vision to live on their own. But, tasks like reading and driving sooner or later become impossible. This eye condition is the leading cause of vision loss in seniors. But as a rule, it does not lead to total blindness.

Types of age-related macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the most common form found in more than 90% of people with the disease. Dry AMD occurs when the macular tissues of the eye get thin and slowly lose function. However, dry AMD only accounts for approximately 10% of AMD-related vision loss. Wet macular degeneration is caused by leaking blood vessels that grow behind the macula. These leaks cause scar tissue to form on the macula. While the wet stage of the disease is less common, it often does more damage than the dry stage. If it is not treated, wet AMD may get worse rapidly. This is why regular eye exams are so important.

Diagnosing age-related macular degeneration

During an eye exam, you may be asked to look at an Amsler grid. You can also test yourself at home with the grid. The pattern of the grid resembles a checkerboard.

• Cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the center of the grid
• While staring at the dot, you may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy or missing. These may be signs of AMD
• It’s important to test each eye individually to avoid the better eye supporting the weaker eye

Treating age-related macular degeneration

If you experience the symptoms of AMD, or see changes in the pattern of the Amsler grid, it is important to see an eye care specialist as soon as possible. While there is no cure for dry stage disease at this time, you should still see an eye doctor often so that your condition can be watched. Your doctor may also want you to take vitamins C and E plus zinc to help slow the disease.

Some cases of wet stage disease can be treated with lasers. The laser treatment seals off leaking blood vessels. This can slow or even prevent more damage to the eye. No treatment can restore sight that has already been lost due to dry or wet stage disease.

See a medical eye doctor (also known as an ophthalmologist) for diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. If you don’t have an ophthalmologist, you can find one near you with the Eye Doctor Finder.

Please note, no 2 cases are exactly alike. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor for a diagnosis.