Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula — the small central part of the retina you use for reading, recognising faces and seeing fine detail. It is the most common cause of vision loss in Australians over 50. The good news: AMD does not cause complete blindness, and much can be done to protect your sight when it is picked up early.
Does it run in families?
Yes. If a parent, brother or sister has AMD, your own risk is around three to four times higher. It is worth letting your close family know so they can have their eyes checked too.
How you can lower your risk
- Don’t smoke — this is by far the most important step; smoking doubles the risk.
- Eat well — a Mediterranean or pescetarian-style diet rich in leafy green vegetables and oily fish (the omega-3 in fish helps protect the retina).
- Keep your blood pressure controlled — untreated high blood pressure adds to the risk. Looking after your heart and kidneys helps your eyes.
- Protect your eyes from the sun with good-quality sunglasses.
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight.
If you already have AMD, a specific supplement (AREDS2) can slow it down — ask us whether it is right for you.
Warning signs — check each eye on its own
Cover one eye at a time and look at something with straight lines (a door frame or tiled wall). See us promptly if you notice:
- Straight lines looking wavy, bent or distorted
- A blurred, dark or missing patch in your central vision
- Colours looking faded, or difficulty reading in normal light
A sudden change in one eye should be checked urgently — the “wet” form of AMD responds best when treated quickly.
The good news
Early AMD is compatible with excellent vision. For “wet” AMD, regular injection treatments can preserve and often improve sight, and new therapies are emerging for the “dry” form. Regular eye examinations are the key to catching changes early.
