Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their 50s.
• It does not cause total blindness, but it can make things like reading and recognising faces difficult.
• Without treatment, your vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years, before it can then get worse quickly over a few weeks or months.
• The exact cause is unknown. It's been linked to things such as ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.

 Symptoms Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the middle part of your vision, not the edges (peripheral vision).

You can get it in 1 eye or both.

AMD can make things like reading, watching TV, driving or recognising faces difficult.

Other symptoms include:

• seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked
• being sensitive to bright light
• seeing flickering or flashing lights
• seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)

AMD is not painful and does not affect the appearance of your eyes.

Sometimes AMD is found during a routine eye test before you have any symptoms.

 See an optician if: 

• you're worried about your vision

If you have a problem with your eyes, early diagnosis and treatment may help stop your vision getting worse.

 Getting diagnosed Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

What happens at your opticians appointment

You'll be seen by a specialist called an optometrist.

They'll ask you to look into a large microscope with a light so they can look at the back of your eyes and check your vision.

They may put drops in your eyes to make it easier for them to spot any problems. These can make your vision blurry for a few hours.

 Important 

Do not drive until your vision goes back to normal. This can take at least 4 hours.

Referral to a specialist

Sometimes you may be referred to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) or specialist service.

You should be referred within 1 week.

You may have more tests, such as a scan of the back of your eyes.

If you're told you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

If you're diagnosed with AMD, the specialist will talk to you about what it is, what stage it's at, and what the treatment options are.

If you have late AMD, you may go on to develop wet AMD.

Types of AMD

Dry AMD Wet AMD
| Caused by a build-up of a fatty substance called drusen at the back of the eyes  | Caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eyes
| Common  | Less common
| Gets worse gradually (usually over several years)  | Can get worse quickly, sometimes in days or weeks
| No treatment (unless it develops into wet AMD)  | Treatment can help stop vision getting worse

It might be difficult to take in everything the specialist tells you.

If you're unsure about something later, write down any questions you have and make another appointment to go over them.

 Treatments Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

Main treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but there are treatments and support available to help slow down the changes in your vision and help you have the best quality of life.

The type of treatment depends on the stage and the type of late-stage AMD you have: dry AMD or wet AMD.

You'll be supported by different eye specialists. This may include an optometrist and an ophthalmologist.

Treatments for wet AMD include:

• injections of medicine (anti-VEGF) given directly into the eyes
• light treatment to destroy the blood vessels that cause wet AMD

There's currently no treatment for dry AMD, but support is available to help you live with AMD, including help with low vision and lifestyle changes.

Research into possible new treatments for AMD is ongoing. Your specialist can let you know if there are any studies you could take part in.

 Living with AMD Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

Help with low vision

Speak to your eye specialist about a referral to a low-vision clinic if you're having difficulty with daily activities.

Staff at the clinic can give useful advice and practical support.

For example, they can talk to you about:

• useful devices, such as magnifying lenses
• changes you can make to your home, such as brighter lighting
• software and mobile apps that can make computers and phones easier to use

If you have poor vision in both eyes, your specialist may refer you for a type of training called eccentric viewing training.

This involves learning techniques that help make the most of your remaining vision.

Read more about help and support if you have low vision

Staying healthy

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is often linked to lifestyle.

If you have it, try to:

• eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruit, fish and green, leafy vegetables
• exercise regularly
• lose weight if you're overweight
• stop smoking if you smoke

There's some evidence to suggest that certain health supplements might help stop AMD getting worse.

 Important 

Speak to a GP or your specialist if you're considering taking supplements for AMD. They're not suitable for everyone.

Driving

AMD can make it unsafe for you to drive. Ask your specialist if they think you should stop driving.

You're required by law to tell the DVLA about your condition if it:

• affects both eyes
• only affects 1 eye but your remaining vision is below the minimum standards of vision for driving

Monitoring and check-ups

You may have regular check-ups with a specialist to monitor your condition.

Contact your specialist as soon as possible if your vision gets worse or you notice any new symptoms, ideally on the same day if you can.

Keep having routine eye tests (usually every 2 years). They can pick up other eye problems that your AMD check-ups do not look for.

Registering as sight impaired

If your vision continues to get worse, you may want to consider registering your sight loss.

This can make it easier to claim financial benefits, such as help with health costs.

Your specialist can check your vision and complete an official certificate if you meet the requirements to be registered.