Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (often age-related macular degeneration, or AMD) is a common eye condition in older adults that affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It blurs or creates a blind spot in the center of vision while usually leaving peripheral (side) vision intact.

What it means day to day

Because central vision handles reading and fine detail, macular degeneration makes tasks like reading the mail, recognizing faces, and seeing prescriptions difficult — even though a person can still navigate a room. High contrast helps more than magnification alone: electronic video magnifiers with high-contrast color modes (such as white text on a black background) are a gold standard recommended by low-vision specialists.

Helpful aids

Illuminated and electronic low-vision magnifiers, bright glare-free lighting, and large, high-contrast devices all help. See our guide to low-vision aids for seniors. Macular degeneration should be diagnosed and managed by an ophthalmologist.