AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. It causes loss of central vision, making it hard to read, recognize faces, or see details. It is usually age related, and quite common in individuals over 45 years of age.
What to Look For:
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
Blurred or dark spots in the center of your vision
Difficulty seeing fine details
How to Check:
An eye doctor can detect AMD through a retinal exam and tests like the Amsler grid, a simple chart with a grid of lines. If the lines appear wavy or missing, it could indicate AMD. Advanced imaging like OCT provides detailed pictures of the macula to monitor disease progression.