What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

While the rate of development and the severity of impairment differ greatly between wet AMD and dry AMD, the symptoms can be quite similar. Signs of AMD may include:

• Central vision becomes dim, fuzzy, or less sharp.
• Reading requires more light than in the past.
• It's harder to see people's faces clearly.
• Objects appear distorted or smaller than they really are.
• A new blank or blind spot develops in your central field of vision.
• You have a loss of central vision that does not go away or becomes worse over time.
• Straight lines begin to appear wavy or curved. This is usually the first symptom of wet AMD.

The impact AMD has on one's life depends on lifestyle and the degree of vision loss. Even though AMD may affect central vision, it does not necessarily have to lead to complete blindness as most people retain side peripheral vision; however, it still has a devastating effect on the aging population. The ability to drive, the ability to negotiate stairs or other activities that require clear depth perception, and the ability to tolerate changes in light intensity are all compromised in individuals with AMD.