Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) / AMD Symptoms

Knowing what to look for means you can take early action.

Early detection is critical for effective treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). And since neither the dry or wet form of the disease causes any pain, it’s important to know the symptoms to look for, and visit your eye care professional regularly.

Common symptoms of dry AMD:¹

Blurred vision – As fewer cells in the macula are able to function, you may see details less clearly in your central vision, such as faces or words in a book. This blurred vision will often go away in brighter light.

Non-seeing areas in central vision – If the loss of these light-sensing cells becomes great, you may see small – but growing – non-seeing areas or scotomas in the center of your vision.

Common symptoms of wet AMD:¹

Straight lines appear crooked – When fluid from leaking blood vessels gathers and lifts the macula, it can distort your vision and make straight lines – like door frames – appear bent or crooked.

Non-seeing areas in central vision – With progressive wet AMD, significant loss of light-sensing cells in the macula, non-seeing areas may develop in your straight-ahead vision, which can result in the loss of central vision.

Using an Amsler grid regularly can help you monitor any changes to your vision. Check your vision using an Amsler Grid.

References

1. Content adapted from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp. Accessed 7/11.