Vision changes are a normal part of aging. Many people need reading glasses to see up close. Others find it harder to adjust to dim or bright light. These issues can often be fixed with glasses, contacts, or better lighting. But some vision problems may signal a serious eye disease.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older U.S. adults. It occurs when the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye—wears down, particularly in the central area called the macula. In advanced cases, AMD can blur straight-ahead vision, making it hard to recognize faces, read, drive, or do daily tasks.
Risk factors include being 55 or older, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and family history. There are two types of AMD:
Dry AMD (Atrophic AMD) – The more common type, it progresses slowly.
Early stage: No symptoms.
Intermediate stage: Slight blurriness or trouble seeing in low light.
Late stage: Blurry or blank spots in central vision; colors may fade.
Wet AMD (Neovascular AMD) – Less common but more severe.
- Abnormal blood vessels grow and leak, damaging the macula.
- Straight lines may appear wavy.
- Can cause rapid vision loss if untreated.
- Dry AMD can sometimes turn into wet AMD.
Early detection is key. An eye doctor can diagnose AMD using a dilated eye exam, where drops widen the pupils for a clearer view. They may also use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to take detailed retina images.
How to slow AMD progression:
Healthy lifestyle: Eat well, exercise, and avoid smoking.
New treatments: The FDA recently approved the first two drugs for late dry AMD, developed from NIH research. These slow—but don’t reverse—the disease.
Wet AMD treatments: Anti-VEGF injections help stop bleeding and leakage in the eye.
Supplements: AREDS2 vitamins may slow intermediate AMD from worsening.
Future treatments under study:
Stem cell therapy: Scientists are testing lab-grown retinal cells as potential transplants for AMD patients. A clinical trial is currently recruiting participants.
“For early and intermediate AMD, lifestyle changes are crucial,” says Dr. Tiarnán Keenan, an NIH ophthalmologist. “Staying healthy can delay progression and even lower your risk.”
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