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Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the central part of the retina. It blurs the central vision needed for reading and recognising faces.
Causes & risk factors
- Ageing (the main risk factor)
- Family history
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet low in leafy greens
- Excess sunlight exposure
Common symptoms
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- A dark or blank patch in the centre of vision
- Difficulty reading or recognising faces
- Colours appearing less bright
- Side vision usually stays normal
Tests & diagnosis
- Dilated retinal examination
- Amsler grid test
- OCT scan of the macula
- Retinal photography
- Fluorescein angiography
Treatment & management
- Stopping smoking and eating a diet rich in leafy greens
- Eye injections for the wet type
- Special vitamin supplements in selected cases
- Low-vision aids for reading
- Regular monitoring with an Amsler grid
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden distortion of straight lines
- A new blank spot in central vision
- Rapid drop in central vision
- Difficulty reading that is getting worse
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about macular degeneration. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Will macular degeneration make me fully blind?
It affects central vision but usually spares side vision, so most people keep enough sight to get around, though reading can become difficult.
What is the Amsler grid for?
It is a simple grid you look at to spot wavy lines or blank patches early, so any change can be reported to your eye doctor quickly.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.