Survey

Some people with macular degeneration notice that straight lines in a landscape - such as telegraph poles, the sides of buildings or streets, appear wavy. Other symptoms include blurring of type or a page of print, with dark or empty spaces that may block the centre of the field of vision.

Fortunately, macular degeneration rarely results in complete blindness since side vision is usually unaffected. Although activities that require sharp vision such as reading, sewing or driving can be difficult, most people maintain their independence and should be able to get around outside and perform most household duties.

There is (currently) no known cure, but there are many indications that a good diet and healthy life style (particularly not smoking) will considerably reduce the chance of suffering from ARMD.

It is possible to carry out a simple test, to see if you might be suffering already without even knowing about it.  In the early stages vision loss is only small and the brain cleverly covers up the defects so you don't notice.  The AMSLER grid is a simple visual test that you can carry out on yourself in a few minutes - follow this link for the test - 

Normal Vision

Early AMD Some bluring of picture and difficulty in viewing central areas

Later Stages More severe bluring and large central part of picture missing