Experiences with
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.
The first symptom is often a blurred or distorted area in the centre of your vision.
If it gets worse, you might struggle to see anything in the middle of your vision.
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.
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.
Do not drive until your vision goes back to normal. This can take at least 4 hours.
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.
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.
Related links
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence
