Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their 50s.
It does not cause total blindness, but it can make things like reading and recognising faces difficult.
Without treatment, your vision may get worse. This can happen gradually over several years, before it can then get worse quickly over a few weeks or months.
The exact cause is unknown. It's been linked to things such as ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.

Last Reviewed
31 January 2025