Macular Degeneration: What the Evidence Actually Says
The wet form can destroy central vision within weeks and is treatable if caught early, which makes speed the deciding factor.
Key takeaways
- Two forms: dry, slowly progressive; wet, rapid and treatable
- Key early sign: straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
- Most useful single change: Check each eye separately, covering the other, using straight lines.
- Commonest mistake: Delaying assessment when lines start to look wavy.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What it is
Damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. It sits within Eye Health. What follows are the published numbers, not the ones that get passed around.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Two forms | dry, slowly progressive; wet, rapid and treatable |
| Key early sign | straight lines appearing wavy or distorted |
| Wet AMD treatment | injections into the eye, urgently |
| Main modifiable risk factor | smoking |
What helps
The advice below comes straight from the guidance cited at the foot of this page.
- Check each eye separately, covering the other, using straight lines
- Stop smoking, which is the largest modifiable risk factor
- Eat a diet rich in leafy greens and oily fish
- Attend regular eye tests, particularly over 50
What to avoid
What to steer clear of, and why it catches people out.
- Delaying assessment when lines start to look wavy
- Testing both eyes together, which masks one-sided change
- Smoking
Where to go next
- Making Sense of Macular Degeneration
- A Working Checklist for Macular Degeneration
- Macular Degeneration — the reference entry
- The Evidence on Screen Use and Eyes, Without the Hype
- Dry Eye: What the Evidence Actually Says
When to speak to a doctor
Seek same-day ophthalmology assessment for sudden distortion of straight lines, a new blurred or blank patch in central vision, or rapid worsening of central vision. Wet macular degeneration is treatable but the window is short. Call 999 or attend eye casualty for sudden painless vision loss.
Where this comes from
- NICE — Age-related macular degeneration
- Macular Society — symptoms
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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