Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects a small part of the retina at the back of the eye, called the macula.

AMD causes difficulties with central vision, but does not usually lead to a total loss of eyesight. The condition affects the vision we use to look at something directly, such as when we’re reading, watching television or looking at people’s faces. AMD often makes central vision distorted or blurry, and over a period of time, it may cause a blank patch in our central vision while many people’s side or peripheral vision is unaffected.