Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition after age 75, and rare in people under 55. As with glaucoma and other eye disorders, early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss, but how do you know what to look for? Here is an overview of the early signs and eventual symptoms of AMD.*

Early warning signs of AMD

You may not perceive any signs or symptoms in the early stages of AMD, but your eye doctor can detect drusen–small, yellow fat and protein deposits–in your retina, so having regular eye exams is important for maintaining eye health and protecting your vision, particularly if you’re at high risk for developing AMD.

Some risk factors for AMD include:

• Being Caucasian
• Being 55 years or older
• Being a current or past smoker
• Having a family history of the condition

Symptoms of AMD

In the intermediate and advanced stages of AMD, objects may appear less clear. You may notice:

• Colors seeming less vivid and harder to differentiate
• Dark, blurred, or empty spaces in your central vision
• Familiar shapes looking distorted
• Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked

These changes can make it challenging to perform various tasks and activities such as:

• Cooking
• Driving
• Reading
• Recognizing faces

How fast does vision loss occur with AMD?

The speed of vision loss with AMD can vary from person to person. Once the condition has been diagnosed, vision loss can sometimes be delayed or slowed through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, along with certain supplements. 

There are currently no medical treatments for dry AMD, which accounts for 90% of AMD cases, but treatment options for people with wet AMD include:

• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs
• Photodynamic therapy
• Laser photocoagulation

If you know that you are at risk for developing AMD, or notice vision changes that may indicate the condition, contact your eye doctor to schedule an exam. 

*Davenport, S. (2023, January 18). What does macular degeneration look like? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-macular-degeneration-look-like 

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