Age-related macular degeneration

What is AMD?Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina that usually develops in people aged 60 years and older.It affects about 8.7% of the world's population and is the leading cause of blindness among people aged 50 and older in industrialised countries.1 AMD affects the macula.When it becomes advanced, it destroys the central vision we use to look straight ahead.This is necessary for recognising faces, reading books or using mobile phone screens, watching television, sewing, preparing food, driving, safely navigating stairs and performing other daily tasks we take for granted.If the macula is damaged, the picture is there but the fine points are not clear.Fortunately, the peripheral vision remains intact.This means that some patients with AMD will retain some independence, and eye workers should reassure them that peripheral vision will not be lost, even if no treatment is possible.