Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can blur your central vision — the sharp, straight-ahead sight you use to read, recognize faces, drive, or do close work. It happens when aging causes damage to the macula, the part of the retina that controls that kind of vision. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) describes AMD as a leading cause of vision loss for older adults. NEI also says AMD does not cause complete blindness, but losing central vision can still make everyday tasks much harder.

AMD happens slowly in some people and faster in others. If you have early AMD, you may not notice vision loss for a long time. That is one reason regular eye exams matter, even when your sight feels fine.

Types and stages

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Most people with AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD usually progresses slowly, over years, through early, intermediate, and late stages. Wet AMD is less common, is always considered a late stage, and usually causes faster vision loss. Any stage of dry AMD can turn into wet AMD. See Dry vs wet AMD for a fuller comparison.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the stage. According to NEI:

• Early dry AMD does not cause symptoms.
• In intermediate dry AMD, some people still have no symptoms. Others may notice mild blurriness in central vision or trouble seeing in low light.
• In late AMD (wet or dry), many people notice that straight lines look wavy or crooked, a blurry area near the center of vision, later blank spots, colors that seem less bright, and more trouble in low lighting.

Straight lines looking wavy is a warning sign for late AMD. If you notice that, or a sudden blur or a new blank spot, see an eye doctor the same day. More on this is in Warning signs and FAQ.

Who is at higher risk?

NEI says the risk of AMD increases as you get older, and that people age 55 and older are more likely to have it. Risk is also higher for people who have a family history of AMD, are Caucasian, or smoke.

NEI also lists healthy choices that research suggests may lower your risk of AMD or slow vision loss from it: quitting smoking (or not starting), regular physical activity, healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and a diet that includes leafy green vegetables and fish. These steps support eye health; they are not a cure. See Monitoring, lifestyle, and AREDS2 supplements.

How AMD is found

Eye doctors can check for AMD as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Your doctor may also recommend optical coherence tomography (OCT), which takes detailed pictures of the inside of the eye. Learn what a visit is like on What to expect at an eye exam.

Book an exam

You can choose your office and book an exam online, or call Hazleton Eye Specialists at 570-453-2020.

Sources

• National Eye Institute. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Last updated June 22, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2026.
• A full list is on References.

Medical disclaimer. This page is for general education only. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination or a conversation with your own doctors. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine or treatment without talking to the clinician who cares for you. If you notice new wavy lines, a sudden blur, or a blank spot in your central vision, seek same-day care from an eye doctor or an emergency department.