Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AMD affects people in different ways. Symptoms may develop slowly if you have dry AMD, especially if it’s only in one eye. However, as the condition progresses, your ability to see clearly will change.

Symptoms:

• Gaps or dark spots (like a smudge on glasses) may appear in your vision, especially first thing in the morning.

• Objects in front of you might change shape, size or colour or seem to move or disappear.

• Colours can fade.

• You may find bright light glaring and uncomfortable or find it difficult to adapt when moving from dark to light environments.

• Words might disappear when you are reading.

• Straight lines such as door frames and lampposts may appear distorted or bent.

How can I tell if my sight is getting worse?

This distortion can be checked using an Amsler grid (shown later in this programme) or against everyday household grids such as bathroom tiles or a window frame.

Some people with AMD experience Charles Bonnet Syndrome.