Learn the signs and effects of macular degeneration

Common symptoms of macular degeneration can include blurred or missing words, dark areas in central vision, and straight lines that look distorted or wavy. Learning the signs of AMD can help you know when to speak with an eye doctor.

Learn the signs and effects of macular degeneration

Common symptoms can include blurred or missing words, dark areas in central vision, and straight lines that look distorted or wavy

Macular degeneration can change how you read, see faces, and focus on detail

Explore the common signs, types, and treatment pathways for this central vision condition in one place

What is macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common macular disease that mainly affects people as they get older. It affects the macula, which is a small area in the centre of the retina at the back of the eye.

The macula plays an important role in sharp central vision. We use this part of the eye when we read, drive, recognise faces and see fine details.

There are two main forms of macular degeneration AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. They can affect vision in different ways.

In some people, AMD causes little or no noticeable change in its early stages. As it develops, it can lead to loss of central vision. This does not usually mean that you lose all your sight. Your side vision may remain, but tasks that need clear central vision can become more difficult.

Age is one of the main risk factors for AMD. Most cases develop in people over the age of 50, although other forms of macular disease can affect younger people.

Other risk factors can also play a role. These include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and having a family history of AMD.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop AMD. However, knowing your risk can help you make informed choices about your eye care.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all support general eye health.

The symptoms of AMD can vary from person to person. Some people may have few symptoms in the early stages, which is why early detection is important.

Common signs of AMD can include:

  • Blurred, jumping or missing words/letters on a page.
  • Dark or empty areas appear in your central vision.
  • Straight lines appear distorted or wavy.

These changes can affect everyday activities. You may find it harder to read, drive, recognise faces or see small details.

If you notice a new change in your central vision, speak with an eye care professional. Sudden changes in vision should be assessed promptly.

There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration: dry AMD and wet AMD.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of age-related macular degeneration. It usually develops slowly.

In the early stages, you may have no noticeable changes to your vision. An eye doctor may see small deposits called drusen during an eye examination.

As dry AMD develops, central vision can become less clear. Some people may find that reading becomes harder or that they need more light to see clearly.

In more advanced cases, dry AMD can cause significant loss of central vision.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common but can cause faster changes in vision.

Also called wet age-related macular degeneration, it occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath or around the retina. These blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, which can damage the macula.

Symptoms of wet AMD can develop quickly. Straight lines may suddenly appear bent or wavy, or a dark or blurred area may appear in the centre of your vision.

Because wet AMD can cause rapid changes, prompt assessment and treatment are important.

Many people do not realise they have a macular problem until changes in their vision become noticeable. Regular eye checks can help with early detection.

Your eye doctor can use several tests to check the macula and other parts of the eye.

Amsler grid

An Amsler grid is a simple test used to check your central vision. It contains a pattern of straight lines with a small dot in the centre.

When looking at the grid, you may be asked to cover one eye at a time and focus on the centre dot. If some lines look wavy, broken or missing, this can be a sign that further assessment is needed.

An Amsler grid can be useful for monitoring changes, but it does not replace a full eye examination.

Optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that creates detailed images of the retina.

Your eye doctor can use an optical coherence tomography OCT scan to examine the layers of the retina and look for changes around the macula. It can help identify fluid, swelling, drusen and other changes linked to macular disease.

Dilated eye examination

During a dilated eye examination, your eye doctor may use eye drops to enlarge your pupils. This gives them a better view of the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.

Your doctor can then check the macula and other parts of the retina for signs of AMD or other eye conditions.

Fluorescein angiography

Fluorescein angiography may be used when your eye doctor needs more information about the blood vessels in the retina.

A small amount of fluorescent dye is given through a vein in your hand or arm. A special camera is then used to take images as the dye travels through the blood vessels in the eye.

This can help identify abnormal blood vessels and areas where fluid is leaking.

Avoid smoking, exercise regularly, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eat a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables, nuts & fish.

The most suitable approach depends on the type and stage of AMD.

Diet and lifestyle

A healthy, balanced diet can support general eye health. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, fish and nuts can be part of a healthy diet.

If you smoke, stopping can also help reduce one of the known risk factors for AMD.

Your eye care professional can provide advice based on your individual needs and eye health.

Nutritional supplements

Certain nutritional supplements may be recommended for some people with specific forms or stages of AMD.

Not everyone with AMD needs supplements. Some high-dose eye supplements may also be unsuitable for people with certain health conditions or for smokers, depending on the ingredients.

Your eye doctor can advise whether a supplement may be appropriate for you.

Eye injections for wet AMD

Eye injections are an important treatment for many people with wet AMD.

These are known as intravitreal injections because the medicine is injected into the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye.

Anti-VEGF medicines are commonly used as part of the treatment for wet AMD. VEGF is a protein that can encourage abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

Anti-VEGF treatment aims to reduce abnormal blood vessel activity and fluid around the macula. This may help stabilise vision and, in some cases, improve it.

Treatment often involves a series of intravitreal injections over time. The number and timing of injections can vary between patients.

Your eye doctor will explain the expected treatment plan, possible benefits and potential side effects before treatment.

Clear guidance for your eye care journey

Eye treatment options can vary from person to person. We help you understand what is happening and what care may be right for you

Step 1: REACH OUT

The first step is to book an assessment so your symptoms, concerns, or vision goals can be discussed with the clinic. Give our friendly team a call or use our easy contact form to get in touch.

Step 2: WE’LL MEET

At your visit, our refractive surgeons will examine your eyes, explain the findings, and talk through the treatment options that may be appropriate for your condition and needs.

Step 3: ENJOY COMFORT

After treatment, the aim is to help you see more clearly, feel more comfortable, and manage your eye health with greater confidence. Depending on your condition and treatment plan, this may make daily life feel easier and more manageable.

Find comfort and clarity for your eyes

Contact us to discover the next step toward healthier, more comfortable vision

Hi, I’m Dr John Males

I’m the founder and principal surgeon at Envision Eye Centre, specialising in laser vision correction, cataract, and corneal surgery. With over 20 years’ experience, I’ve been involved in introducing advanced procedures such as SMILE® and laser-assisted cataract surgery in Australia. I’ve held leadership roles at St Vincent’s Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, and I continue to contribute to teaching and research through the University of Sydney. My focus is always on delivering safe, precise, and personalised care, using the latest technology to help patients achieve the best possible visual outcomes.

Dr John Males

M.B B. Sc. (Med)(Hons) MMed (Clin Epi) FRANZCO