Macular degeneration is a condition that affects central vision, often developing gradually over time. With early detection and the right support, its impact on everyday life can often be reduced.
Author: Jo Lindley
Last reviewed by: Nikhil Manohar
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a common eye condition that affects the central part of the retina called the macula. It causes gradual loss of central vision, which we rely on for reading, driving, recognising faces and seeing fine detail.
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 50 in the UK [1].
Although there is currently no complete cure for macular degeneration, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help slow its progression and protect your remaining vision. Because the condition often develops gradually and without pain, routine eye examinations are essential for detecting changes early.
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If you’re wondering what is macular degeneration, it is a condition that damages the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, detailed central vision.
As the cells in the macula deteriorate, central vision becomes blurred, distorted or reduced. Peripheral (side) vision usually remains unaffected, which means macular degeneration does not typically cause total blindness, but it can significantly impact daily activities.
There are two main types of macular degeneration:
Dry macular degeneration is the most common form, accounting for around 85–90% of cases [2].
It develops slowly over time as light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually break down. Small yellow deposits called drusen may form beneath the retina. In early stages, symptoms may be mild or unnoticeable.
There is currently no standard treatment for dry macular degeneration, although research has explored photobiomodulation as a possible option. Early studies using specialist light-based devices have shown variable results, with some patients experiencing improvement and others seeing limited benefit.
Wet macular degeneration is less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula.
Wet macular degeneration can cause sudden and severe changes in central vision. Prompt treatment is essential to reduce further vision loss.
If you notice any sudden distortion, blurred central vision or dark patches, seek urgent advice.
In early stages, macular degeneration symptoms may be subtle. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
Wet macular degeneration symptoms can develop rapidly and require urgent assessment.
Many people search for what vision looks like with macular degeneration. Typically, central vision becomes blurred, distorted or shadowed, while peripheral vision remains clear.
Some people describe a smudge or dark spot in the centre of their sight. Others notice that lines appear bent or warped.
Regular eye tests can detect changes before symptoms become severe.
The exact cause of age-related macular degeneration is not fully understood, but research shows that several factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. Age is the most significant risk factor for AMD. The risk increases significantly as we get older and most commonly affects people over 50. You may also be more likely to develop macular degeneration if you have a family history of the condition or if you smoke.
Other health and lifestyle factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight and following a diet low in leafy green vegetables and oily fish, may also contribute to increased risk. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may also play a role, which is why protecting your eyes with good quality sunglasses is important.
While we cannot change our age or genetics, making positive lifestyle choices and attending regular eye examinations can help support long-term retinal health and allow for earlier detection.
Macular degeneration is usually detected during a comprehensive eye examination, often before you notice any changes in your vision.
At Leightons, we use advanced imaging technology to carefully examine the health of your retina and macula. Your optometrist may dilate your pupils using eye drops to allow a clearer view of the back of the eye and identify early signs such as drusen (small yellow deposits) or pigment changes.
We may also carry out:
If wet macular degeneration is suspected, we will arrange prompt referral for further specialist imaging and treatment.
Regular eye examinations are vital, particularly if you are over 50 or have known risk factors. Early diagnosis gives the best opportunity to slow progression and protect your sight.
There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but treatment options depend on whether you have dry or wet AMD.
There is no medical treatment to reverse dry AMD. Management focuses on:
Early detection is key to preventing progression to advanced stages.
Treatment for wet macular degeneration is more urgent and may include:
Although macular degeneration cannot be fully prevented, particularly as age and genetics play a role, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Stopping smoking is one of the most important changes you can make. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in leafy green vegetables and oily fish may also support retinal health, alongside managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy weight.
Wearing a good pair of sunglasses throughout life can also help protect your eyes from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and high-energy visible (blue) light, both of which may contribute to long-term retinal damage.
Regular eye examinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect your vision, allowing early signs of macular degeneration to be detected and monitored over time.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of central vision loss, but early detection and timely treatment can make a significant difference.
At Leightons, our experienced optometrists provide detailed retinal examinations and advanced imaging to detect early signs of age-related macular degeneration.
If you are over 50, have a family history, or have noticed changes in your vision, we are here to help.
Sources
[1] Macular Society (n.d.). Macular degeneration. https://www.macularsociety.org/macular-disease/macular-conditions/macular-degeneration/ (Accessed: 8 January 2026).
[2] Schultz, N.M., Bhardwaj, S., Barclay, C., Gaspar, L. and Schwartz, J. (2021). Global burden of dry age-related macular degeneration: A targeted literature review. Clinical Therapeutics, 43(10), pp. 1792–1818. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34548176/ (Accessed: 31 March 2026).
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