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Condition Focus · Retinal Health
Macular Degeneration
A clear, reassuring guide to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — what it is, the early signs, and how to protect the central vision you rely on every day.
Guidance you can trust, from a UK optometry team
Understanding the condition
What is macular degeneration?
The macula is a tiny but vital area at the centre of the retina, at the back of your eye. It's responsible for your sharp, detailed central vision — the vision you use to read, recognise faces, drive and see colour.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a gradual breakdown of this area. It affects the centre of your sight while usually leaving your peripheral (side) vision intact — so it rarely causes complete blindness, but it can make everyday tasks increasingly difficult.
AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK for people over 50. The good news: with early awareness and the right support, its progression can often be slowed.
A few millimetres wide, it packs in the light-sensitive cells that give you your most precise vision.
The two main types
Dry AMD and Wet AMD
Understanding which type you have helps guide the right care. Most people start with the dry form, which can occasionally develop into the wet form.
The more common form · ~90% of cases
Caused by gradual thinning of the macula and the build-up of tiny yellow protein deposits called drusen. It usually progresses slowly over many years.
- Slow, gradual change to central vision
- Often affects both eyes over time
- Managed with monitoring, lifestyle and nutrition
Less common · but more urgent
Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. This can cause rapid loss of central vision, sometimes within days.
- Sudden or fast-changing vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy or bent
- Needs prompt specialist treatment
If you notice sudden changes to your central vision or straight lines appearing distorted, treat it as urgent — contact an optometrist or eye clinic straight away. Early treatment of wet AMD gives the best chance of preserving sight.
Know your risk
What increases the risk of AMD?
Some factors can't be changed, but several are within your control. Knowing yours helps you and your optometrist stay a step ahead.
Age over 50
The strongest risk factor. Risk rises steadily with each decade after 50.
Family history
A close relative with AMD raises your own risk — worth mentioning at your eye exam.
Smoking
The most significant modifiable risk — smokers are up to 4× more likely to develop AMD.
UV & light exposure
A lifetime of unprotected sun exposure may contribute — good sunglasses help.
Diet & nutrition
A diet low in leafy greens and antioxidants may increase risk over time.
Blood pressure & weight
Cardiovascular health is linked to eye health — managing both supports your vision.
Signs to watch for
Symptoms & early warning signs
AMD often begins quietly, with subtle changes that are easy to dismiss. Because it affects both eyes at different rates, one eye can compensate — which is why regular checks matter.
Blurred or fuzzy central vision — words may look smudged when reading.
Straight lines look wavy or bent — door frames or text lines appear distorted.
A dark or empty patch in the centre of your vision.
Needing brighter light to read, or slow adjustment when light changes.
A simple check you can do at home
The Amsler grid self-check
The Amsler grid is a quick way to monitor your central vision between eye exams. It takes less than a minute per eye.
- Wear your reading glasses if you use them, and hold the grid about 30 cm from your face in good light.
- Cover one eye and focus on the central dot.
- Keeping your gaze on the dot, notice whether any lines look wavy, blurred, missing or dark.
- Repeat with the other eye.
If the lines don't look straight and even, don't panic — but do book an eye examination promptly. This check supports, and never replaces, a professional exam.
Focus on the central dot with one eye covered.
Getting a diagnosis
Diagnosis & when to see a specialist
AMD is diagnosed through a straightforward eye examination. Your optometrist will look at the back of your eye and may use retinal imaging to check the health of your macula in detail.
A dilated eye examination
Drops widen the pupil so the retina and macula can be examined closely.
OCT retinal imaging
A quick, painless scan that produces detailed cross-sections of the retina to detect early changes.
Regular monitoring
Once diagnosed, routine follow-ups track any change so care can be adjusted early.
- →Your central vision changes suddenly or over just a few days
- →Straight lines suddenly appear wavy or distorted
- →A new dark or blank spot appears in your vision
These can be signs of wet AMD, where treatment within days makes a real difference. Contact an optometrist, your GP, or eye casualty (A&E) promptly.
Taking control
Managing & slowing progression
There is currently no cure for dry AMD, but research shows the right habits can help slow it — and there's a lot you can do.
Eat for your eyes
Leafy greens, colourful vegetables and oily fish provide the antioxidants and omega-3s the macula thrives on.
Stop smoking
The single most effective change you can make — it's never too late to reduce your risk.
Protect from UV
Wear good-quality sunglasses on bright days to shield the retina from harmful light.
Keep up regular exams
Routine checks catch changes early, when action is most effective. Monitor with the Amsler grid between visits.
Nutrition & the AREDS2 research
The nutrients that support the macula
A major long-term study known as AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) found that a specific combination of nutrients may help slow the progression of intermediate AMD to its more advanced stages.
These nutrients are naturally concentrated in the macula, where they help filter harmful light and defend against oxidative stress.
| Lutein & Zeaxanthin | Carotenoids that build macular pigment density |
| Vitamin C & E | Antioxidants that help defend against oxidative stress |
| Zinc | An essential mineral that contributes to normal vision |
| Copper | Included to balance higher zinc intake |
Nutritional supplements are not a cure and are not suitable for everyone. Always speak to your optometrist or GP before starting a supplement, particularly if you smoke or take other medication.
From our range · Optional support
Macusure — daily nutritional support for macular health
If you and your optometrist decide a supplement is right for you, Macusure offers an AREDS2-inspired blend of lutein, zeaxanthin, antioxidant vitamins, zinc and copper in one easy daily capsule.
In their words
People managing AMD, in their own words
"I feel far more confident managing my AMD since using Macusure. The team explained everything clearly and the difference in my day-to-day reading is noticeable."
"After my diagnosis I felt lost. The advice here helped me understand what was happening and what I could actually do about it. Genuinely reassuring."
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
This page is for general information and awareness only and does not constitute medical advice or a diagnosis. It is not a substitute for a professional eye examination. If you have concerns about your vision, please consult a GOC-registered optometrist or your GP. Content clinically reviewed by the Ocular Express optometry team — last reviewed July 2026.