Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of sight loss in people over 60. AMD rarely leads to total sight loss usually affecting central vision only.
The macula is an area at the back of the eye which allows us to see fine detail. The macula is a key part of the eye for reading and writing and also seeing in colour.
There are two different types of AMD:
‘Dry’ AMD is the most common form of the condition and develops slowly.
‘Wet’ AMD accounts for about 10 percent of all people with AMD.
Both “wet” and “dry” AMD usually involve both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other. This sometimes makes the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the “good” eye is compensating for the loss of sight in the affected eye.
AMD and reading
Because AMD affects the centre of the retina, people with the advanced condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult. A person with AMD may require large print or audio books depending on the severity of the condition.
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- Date: May 2009