How to Recognize Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that can lead to central vision loss. AMD makes it difficult to see straight ahead. People with macular degeneration have trouble completing everyday tasks like reading, driving, and working. 

Macular degeneration can worsen over time. And some types of macular degeneration can get worse more quickly than others. But treatment can sometimes slow how quickly macular degeneration worsens. Recognizing the symptoms of macular degeneration is the first step to getting a diagnosis and treatment. Let’s take a look at the most common symptoms of macular degeneration. 

What are the most common macular degeneration symptoms?

When macular degeneration gets worse, people notice that straight lines appear wavy, distorted or bent. This is a symptom of metamorphopsia or distorted vision. 

You may notice that:

• Lines of printed text look wavy or bent.

• Straight objects — like signs, window blinds, or edges of books — look curved or bent.

• Flat objects look round.

Macular degeneration can also lead to other vision changes like:

• Blurring in the central vision

• Gray, white, or black spots in vision (scotoma)

• Trouble seeing in low light or darkness

• Colors looking less bright or washed out

• Objects appearing larger or smaller than they actually are

What are the earliest symptoms of macular degeneration?

People with early-stage macular degeneration usually don’t have any vision changes. They may only find out they have macular degeneration during a routine eye exam. 

As macular degeneration worsens, people may notice blurring of their central vision. They may also notice that they need brighter lights to see print or when doing work. 

Which conditions share symptoms with macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration isn’t the only eye condition that causes distorted vision. Other conditions that affect the macula can cause similar symptoms. These conditions include:

• Diabetic retinopathy 

• Diabetic macular edema

• Retinal hemorrhages

• Central serous retinopathy

• Severe nearsightedness (myopia)

When should you be worried about macular degeneration symptoms?

If you notice any new vision changes, talk with your eye doctor right away. Vision changes can be a sign of a new or worsening eye condition.

If you’ve already received a diagnosis of macular degeneration, changes in your vision can be a sign that your condition is getting worse. If your macular degeneration suddenly or rapidly worsens, it may be a sign you’re developing wet macular degeneration. If this is the case, you may need treatment with anti-VEGF eye injections to keep your vision safe.

Make sure to use your Amsler grids regularly to check if you have new changes in your vision.  These grids can help you spot new symptoms of metamorphopsia and scotomas.

At what age does macular degeneration usually begin?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is more common among people who are older than 55 years. The risk of developing AMD increases as people get older.

Younger people can develop macular degeneration, too. These types of macular degeneration are usually genetic. 

Who’s most at risk of macular degeneration?

People older than 55 years are at the highest risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). You’re also at higher risk of developing AMD if your parents or siblings have AMD, too.

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing AMD. 

Can you stop macular degeneration from getting worse?

There’s no cure for macular degeneration. And there’s no treatment for early-stage macular degeneration or late-stage dry macular degeneration. But there are steps you can take to keep your vision healthy:

• If you smoke, consider quitting. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start.

• Take macular degeneration vitamins if your eye doctor recommends them.

• Eat a diet that promotes eye health.

• See your eye doctor right away if you notice any changes in your vision

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Written by:

Nishika Reddy, MD

Nishika Reddy, MD, is an attending physician at the University of Utah. She provides comprehensive and cornea medical care at the Moran Eye Center and serves as clinical assistant professor.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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