Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their 50s and 60s.

It doesn't usually cause total blindness. But it can make everyday activities like reading and recognising faces difficult.

Without treatment, your vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years ("dry AMD"), or quickly over a few weeks or months ("wet AMD").

The exact cause is unknown. It has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration can include:

• Difficulty with activities involving fine detail such as reading or sewing;
• Distorted central vision (for example, straight lines may appear wavy), and;
• Blank or dark spots in your vision.

Vision Matters have developed a vision simulator, this simulator allows you to experience their website as if you had a particular eye condition. To use the vision simulator please follow the link below, this will take you to the Vision Matters website. The link demonstrates how Macular Degeneration can affect vision, you can remove the simulation by selecting 'Off' at the top of the webpage.

Vision Matters Vision Simulator

For more information about Macular Degeneration the NHS website and the Macular Society have lots of useful information, guidance and support.

Image taken from healthand.com