Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious eye disease, but fortunately, you can still live an active and independent life with AMD. Early diagnosis of AMD, lifestyle changes, and the right treatment can make a big difference – both for your vision and your quality of life. Read on to find out what the symptoms of AMD are, why it occurs, and how the eye disease is treated.
What is AMD?
AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration and is an eye disease that affects the macula in the retina. This is the part of the eye that allows you to see sharply and clearly – it's where we read, recognize faces, and see details. When the macula is damaged, you will experience gradually blurred or distorted central vision, while peripheral (side) vision is often preserved. AMD typically affects people over 60, and is one of the main causes of vision loss in the Western world. The condition was formerly called 'age-related calcification', but it is not caused by calcium.
What does AMD feel like?
Initially, you often feel almost nothing. Symptoms can come on slowly, especially with dry AMD. For example, you will notice that you need stronger light to see clearly, colors may appear paler or washed out, lines such as door frames may look wavy or crooked, and small areas in the center of your field of vision may appear blurry or dark. Many only discover it when it becomes difficult to read, recognize faces, or watch TV. With wet AMD, symptoms can appear suddenly and often in one eye at a time. Many describe it as losing vision in the center, reduced contrast making it harder to distinguish between light and shadow, and distortion of faces and letters.
What are the first symptoms of AMD?
As mentioned, AMD affects central vision, but not peripheral (side) vision. Many therefore do not experience symptoms immediately, but eventually, it starts to become noticeable. Spot the first AMD symptoms:
• Blurred vision, especially in the center of the visual field
• Flickering or dark spots in the central vision
• Difficulty seeing in dim light
• You feel that 'pieces' are missing from the image you see
• Slow adaptation to dark and light
Many describe it as seeing through fog, greasy glasses, or a grainy camera:
"I can see that something is written – but not what it says."
"When I look at a person, their nose and mouth disappear."
"Faces become blurred, and it feels like something is covering the center."
What causes AMD?
There isn't one single cause for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The cause is multifactorial – meaning several factors play a role, such as heredity, age, and lifestyle. Spot the 6 typical factors:
1. Age (the most important risk factor)
AMD primarily affects people over 60, and the risk increases with age.
2. Genetics (heredity)
If you have parents or siblings with AMD, you have an increased risk yourself. Researchers have identified several gene variants that increase the likelihood.
3. Light and UV exposure
Long-term exposure to strong light or UV radiation can increase the risk. Therefore, always wear sunglasses with UV protection – especially in strong sunlight.
4. Smoking
The most well-documented lifestyle factor is smoking, as it impairs blood supply to the eye and increases oxidative stress. Smokers have up to 4 times higher risk of developing AMD.
5. Diet & lifestyle
Lack of antioxidants, zinc, lutein, omega-3, etc. can increase the risk. Unhealthy diet, overweight, and lack of exercise increase inflammation in the body – including in the eye.
6. Circulatory problems
High blood pressure and cholesterol can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Poor blood circulation increases the risk of both dry and wet AMD.
In short: AMD is caused by a combination of age-related degeneration, genetic vulnerability, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and circulatory diseases.
What are dry and wet AMD?
AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration and comes in two main types: dry AMD and wet AMD. Both affect central vision, but in different ways and at different speeds.
1. Dry AMD (atrophic form)
Dry age-related macular degeneration is the most common form (about 85-90% of cases). Here, there is a slower breakdown of retinal cells and an accumulation of waste products called drusen. Vision loss occurs gradually. Spot the typical symptoms of dry AMD:
• Blurred vision in the center of the visual field
• Need for stronger light when reading
• Difficulty recognizing faces
2. Wet AMD (neovascular form)
More rare (about 10-15% of cases), but accounts for the majority of severe vision loss. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina, which leak fluid or blood. This can lead to faster and more severe vision loss. Spot the typical symptoms of wet AMD:
• Rapidly worsening vision
• Wavy or distorted lines (e.g., a door frame looks curved)
• Dark or empty spots in the central vision
How do you detect AMD?
The earlier AMD is detected, the better its progression can be slowed, especially in the wet form. The eye disease is most often detected during an examination by an ophthalmologist using:
• Vision test and visual field analysis: The vision test is the classic test you know from the optician or ophthalmologist. The visual field analysis examines your entire visual field, both what you see straight ahead and what you see on the sides (peripheral vision).
• Fundus photography (photographic recording of the eye's retina): Takes a picture of blood vessels in the retina to look for changes such as drusen (waste products).
• OCT scan (optical coherence tomography): An advanced eye scan that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina – especially the area around the macula, where AMD occurs.
• Amsler grid test (can be performed at home): A simple tool that can help detect early signs of AMD – especially the wet form, where visual distortion can occur quickly. It is a checkered square with a dot in the middle. When you look at it with one eye at a time, it can reveal if lines are wavy, disappearing, or look crooked, which are signs of problems in the macula.
1. Hold the grid 30 to 35 cm away from your face in a well-lit room.
2. Cover one eye.
3. Focus on the central dot for about 10 seconds.
4. Notice if any lines or areas appear blurry or wavy.
5. Repeat with the other eye.
If the eye is healthy, all areas in the Amsler grid should appear clear and uniform. If you experience waves or distortions, you should have your vision tested by an optician or ophthalmologist.
What treatments are available for AMD?
Dry AMD
Dry age-related macular degeneration develops slowly and, unfortunately, cannot be cured, but you can slow its progression and protect your vision with supplements containing zinc, vitamins C and E, lutein, and omega-3. A healthy lifestyle with a varied diet and regular exercise has a significant impact on your vision. Check out our blog post with 10 good tips for healthy eyes. As visual aids, you can use a reading lamp and reading glasses
Wet AMD
Treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration has evolved significantly in recent years. Anti-VEGF treatment is the most common and effective medication for wet AMD, which can stabilize or improve vision – especially if detected early. The medication is injected directly into the eye under local anesthesia to prevent fluid buildup, bleeding, and scarring that can damage central vision. Typically, 3 injections are given initially at 1-month intervals, and then as needed depending on scans and vision.
How do you live with AMD?
Receiving a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration can feel frightening – especially because it affects the central vision that you use for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing details. But fortunately, you can still live an active and independent life with AMD by:
• Adapting your home with good lighting for reading
• Using visual aids and digital tools (reading apps, audiobooks)
• Getting psychological support – vision loss can lead to depression and isolation
• Participating in rehabilitation and courses for people with impaired vision
What does your future look like with AMD?
If you are diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, it's natural to think: "What will my future look like?" Your vision will change, as AMD affects central vision – what you use to read, recognize faces, and see details – but you will not become completely blind! You retain your peripheral vision – this means you can still find your way, orient yourself, and see movement. Many with AMD manage well with visual aids and adaptations.
AMD means change – not an end
The future can still hold quality of life, community, and meaning, even if you have to do things a little differently. Remember...
... AMD affects vision, not life as a whole
You may lose the ability to read small print, see faces clearly, or drive a car, but you retain peripheral vision, the ability to orient yourself, and much more.
... you learn new ways of doing things
With the right aids, habits, and support, you can continue to read, cook, be social, and active.
... your identity does not disappear
AMD changes something physical, but you are still you. Many find that they adapt and discover new strengths.
... there is treatment – especially for wet AMD
Eye injections can stabilize or improve vision, and research is constantly working on new possibilities.
... you are not alone
There are vision consultants, associations, relatives, and others with the same diagnosis. You don't have to face it alone.
