New Science Protect yourself against sight loss
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 symptoms include distorted or blurry central vision, sensitivity to light and may affect one or both eyes. Over a period of time, your slightly blurry or distorted vision will develop a ‘blank spot’ in your central vision.
How AMD affects your vision
There are two types of AMD known as ‘wet’ or ‘dry’. 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.
