Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, the central area of the retina at the back of the eye that gives us sharp, detailed central vision. As the macula is damaged, the centre of your sight can become blurred, distorted, or develop a dark or blank patch, while peripheral vision usually remains. It most often develops with age.

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of central vision loss in older adults, particularly those over 50, and becomes more common with increasing age. It does not usually cause complete blindness, because side vision is generally preserved, but it can make everyday tasks such as reading and recognising faces difficult. It often affects both eyes over time.

Common symptoms include blurring or a gradual loss of sharp central vision, while side vision stays clear. Straight lines, such as door frames or text, may appear wavy or distorted, colours can seem less bright, and a blank or dark patch may appear in the middle of your sight. Some forms come on more quickly and need prompt assessment.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is closely linked to ageing changes in the macula. Risk factors include older age, a family history of the condition, smoking, high blood pressure, and being overweight. Smoking is one of the most important risk factors that can be changed. Certain ethnic backgrounds and lighter eye colour may also play a role.

An eye specialist diagnoses macular degeneration during an eye examination. They use drops to widen the pupil and examine the macula at the back of the eye, and may ask you to look at a grid pattern to check for distortion in your central vision. Detailed scans of the retina are often used to confirm the type and assess the damage.

Management depends on the type. For the more gradual form, there is no specific cure, but eye specialists may recommend lifestyle steps, monitoring, and sometimes particular dietary supplements. The faster-progressing form can sometimes be treated with injections into the eye to limit damage and preserve vision. Low-vision aids and support can also help people make the most of remaining sight.

It cannot always be prevented, as ageing is a key factor, but several steps may lower the risk or slow its progress. Not smoking is especially important, along with eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and oily fish, keeping blood pressure under control, staying active, and protecting your eyes from strong sunlight. Regular eye checks help detect changes early.