What is AMD? - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their 50s and 60s.
• It doesn't cause total blindness. But it can make everyday activities like reading and recognising faces difficult.
• Without treatment, your vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years ("dry AMD"), or quickly over a few weeks or months ("wet AMD").
• The exact cause is unknown. It's been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.

Page last reviewed: 27 March 2018
Next review due: 27 March 2021