Conditions / Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. Early disease may not cause noticeable symptoms. New waviness, a blurred or blank area in the centre of vision, or any rapid change in one eye should be assessed promptly.

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Central-vision changes

Signs of age-related macular degeneration

Book promptly if straight lines begin to look wavy, a blurred or blank patch appears centrally, or vision changes rapidly in one eye.

AMD may have no early signs

Blurred or fuzzy central vision

Straight lines look wavy or bent

A grey, dark or blank area centrally of sights

Colours appear less vivid

Difficulty reading small print

Faces become harder to recognise

More light is needed for detailed tasks

A new difference in vision between the two eyes

Self-check

Amsler grid · one eye at a time

The Amsler grid can help you notice new distortion in central vision when used one eye at a time. It does not diagnose AMD, show the disease stage or replace a dilated retinal examination and OCT.

Amsler grid self-check

Step 1 of 6

Before you begin

Hold your screen at normal reading distance — about an arm's length (35–40 cm). If you wear reading glasses, put them on. You'll check each eye separately, so have a hand free to cover one eye at a time.

Right eye first

Cover your left eye gently with your hand. With your right eye, look at the dot in the centre of the grid and keep your gaze fixed on it. Without moving your eye, take in the grid around it.

Right eye · what do you see?

While keeping your gaze on the central dot, do all the lines around it look straight and evenly spaced — or do you notice anything unusual?

Now the left eye

Cover your right eye. With your left eye, look at the central dot again and keep your gaze on it.

Left eye · what do you see?

Same question, on this side. Keeping your gaze on the dot, do all the lines look straight and evenly spaced — or do you notice anything unusual?

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This self-check is for guidance only. It does not diagnose AMD and does not replace a clinical examination or OCT imaging. A normal result does not rule out early AMD.

AMD care depends on the type and stage.

The doctor uses examination findings and OCT imaging to decide whether observation, risk-factor advice, nutritional supplements, eye injections for wet AMD, or visual-support services should be discussed.

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Often silent at first

Why regular macular review matters

Early AMD may not affect everyday vision. One eye can also compensate for changes in the other, making gradual loss difficult to notice. A dilated retinal examination and OCT can identify macular changes, establish a baseline and show whether closer monitoring is needed.

  • Early dry AMD may cause no noticeable symptoms
  • Age, family history and smoking history can increase risk
  • New waviness, central blur or a blank patch needs prompt review
  • The appropriate review interval depends on the type and stage
Understanding the diagnosis

Dry and wet AMD are different

AMD comes in two forms
dry, which progresses slowly, and wet, which can change vision fast.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the more common form. It usually develops gradually as the macula changes with age and is described as early, intermediate or late. Early stages may not affect day-to-day vision, which is why examination and imaging matter.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is a late form in which abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. It can cause a faster change in central vision. Anti-VEGF eye injections are the main treatment for wet AMD and may be recommended after examination and retinal imaging confirm the diagnosis.

A specialist examination can confirm the type and stage of AMD

Treatment and Approach

Care depends on the type and stage

Monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices and risk-factor management

AREDS2 supplements may help reduce the risk of progression in appropriate patients.

Anti-VEGF eye injections are the main treatment.

Advanced vision loss — vision rehabilitation and low-vision support can help maintain independence and everyday function.

Treatment and monitoring are tailored to the stage of AMD and the individual eye.
A dilated retinal examination and OCT help determine the type and stage of AMD and whether monitoring, AREDS2 supplements, anti-VEGF injections or vision-rehabilitation services are appropriate.
Book an eye examination

Protecting central vision starts with the right assessment

If straight lines have suddenly become wavy, a central blank area has appeared or vision has changed rapidly in one eye,
arrange a prompt retinal assessment.

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Meet your specialist

Care led by specialists you'll meet in person.

Dr. JD Ferwerda
Lead Ophthalmologist · Cataract and Retina Surgeon

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD: Dutch-trained ophthalmologist specialising in cataracts, lens exchange, retinal disease, glaucoma, and AMD.

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Dr. Artem Kozhechenkov
Refractive Surgeon

Dr. Artem Kozhechenkov, MD

Russian-trained refractive and general ophthalmologist, leads lasik/ laser vision correction at EEC

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