Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness. It is just one form of macular disease, which affects the eye's retina.
An estimated 500,000 people in the UK suffer from AMD, 40% of these are over the age of 75.

What is AMD?

AMD is the most common form of macular disease, which affects the central part of the retina. It is an age-related process and usually develops after a person reaches 50 years.
It generally involves both eyes, although they may not be affected at the same time or to the same degree. Some 90% of these cases are dry AMD which cannot be treated but 10% are wet ADM. Dry AMD means visual cells simply stop to function.Wet AMD is by far the most aggressive form of the disease. The condition is caused by the growth of new blood vessels under the centre of the retina. These can leak fluid, causing scar tissue to form and destroying central vision in a period of between two months and three years. Peripheral vision is retained. The condition causes problems reading, seeing small objects and distorted vision.

What are the symptoms?

In the early stages of AMD, central vision may be blurred or distorted. Objects may take an unusual size or shape. This process can happen quickly or develop over several months. People with the condition may become very sensitive to light or actually see lights that are not there. There may be some discomfort, although overall the condition is not painful.