Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

What happens in AMD?

The retina senses light at the back of the eye. Damage to its central macula can blur fine detail or leave a blank area in the middle of what you see.

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Why central vision is affected

The macula provides detailed central vision. Illustration only; not a retinal photograph.

Dry and wet AMD

Dry AMD

Drusen deposits and changes in the macula develop over time. Advanced dry AMD can cause geographic atrophy, where retinal cells are lost.

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Wet AMD

Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Vision can deteriorate quickly. Dry AMD may progress to the wet form.

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Symptoms and risk factors

Early AMD may have no symptoms. Later changes include difficulty reading, straight lines appearing bent, or a blurred or dark central patch. Increasing age, smoking and a family history raise the risk.

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How is AMD diagnosed?

A dilated eye examination checks the retina. OCT scans show its layers and help identify fluid. Sometimes angiography is needed to assess abnormal vessels. Your clinician explains the type, stage and follow-up plan.

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Amsler grid test at home

For AMD, a daily check can help you notice changes between appointments. Follow your clinician’s monitoring plan and compare each eye with its usual appearance.

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Amsler grid — check each eye separately

Print at 100% / Actual size. Measure the grid: it should be 10 cm wide and 10 cm high. Do not use Fit to page. Screen size varies; use a correctly sized printout for consistent checks.

Keep looking at the centre dot while checking the surrounding lines.

Use good lighting and wear your usual reading glasses.
Hold the correctly sized grid about 30–40 cm from your eyes, where it is in focus.
Cover one eye without pressing on it. Keep the other eye looking at the central dot; do not scan around the grid.
Notice any bent, wavy, blurred or missing lines, uneven squares, or dark patches. Repeat with the other eye.

Contact your eye-care professional promptly if there is a new change or an existing change becomes worse. Do not wait for your next appointment.

Note the date and which eye has changed; show your eye-care professional.

This is a home monitoring check, not a diagnosis. An unchanged grid does not rule out disease or replace eye examinations.

GCEO Group® · app.gceogroup.org

Treatment depends on the type and stage

Wet AMD: anti-VEGF injections

Injections into the eye reduce abnormal vessel leakage. Repeated treatment and scans are often needed to protect vision; some people also gain vision.

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AREDS2 supplements

Certain intermediate or one-eye advanced AMD patterns may benefit. They are not for everyone and do not prevent AMD. Ask your clinician before starting; older beta-carotene formulas are unsuitable for smokers and former smokers.

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Geographic atrophy

Injections approved in the USA can slow the growth of atrophy, but do not restore lost retinal tissue. Availability differs by country. Discuss potential benefit and risks, including wet AMD and injection complications, with a retina specialist.

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Early dry AMD

Regular review and healthy habits matter. There is no injection treatment for drusen alone. Your clinician decides whether supplements or other care are appropriate.

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Protecting sight and living with AMD

Stop smoking, stay active and include leafy green vegetables and fish in a balanced diet. Manage blood pressure and cholesterol with your healthcare team. Keep eye appointments. Magnifiers, better lighting, accessible devices and vision rehabilitation can support everyday tasks.

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When to seek urgent help

New or worsening distortion, a central dark patch or a drop in vision needs prompt eye assessment. Contact your eye clinic urgently. Sudden major vision loss requires immediate urgent eye care, even if the grid looks unchanged.

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