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Age related vision loss affects thousands of people in the UK...

Age-related Macula Degeneration (also known as AMD) is a progressive condition which affects a small part of the retina at the back of your eye called the macula. The resulting problems of AMD include distorted or blurry central vision, sensitivity to light and may affect one or both eyes. The impact it has on your eyesight means looking directly at something – such as a newspaper or the television – becomes extremely difficult to see clearly. Over a period of time, your slightly blurry or distorted vision will develop a ‘blank spot’ in your central vision.

How Age-related Macula Degeneration affects your vision

There are two types of Age-related Macula Degeneration. There is ‘wet’ (neovascular) or ‘dry’ (nonneovascular).

About 10% of those who suffer from macula degeneration have wet AMD. This type occurs when new vessels form to improve the blood supply to oxygen-deprived tissue in the retina. The most common is ‘dry’ macula degeneration, gradual deterioration of cells over years. This form of AMD is marked by ‘drusen’ which are small deposits of damaged cell waste within the retina and prevent the flow of healthy nutrients to the retina and macula – vital for seeing any detail. AMD does not affect peripheral vision or lead to total blindness.

If I have macular degeneration,what can I do about it?

Getting older can be tough at the best of times and remaining fit and well – physically and mentally – is key to long term happiness. But what if you suffer with an eyesight deteriorating condition such as AMD? Not being able to see loved ones properly or read a good book can lead to frustration, misery and ultimately depression.