The age most commonly affected by macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is most common in people over the age of 50 however, other forms of macular disease can affect younger people as well. 

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes vision loss but there are often no symptoms associated with early to intermediate age-related macular degeneration. It isn't painful and you may not notice you have the condition until there is a significant impairment to your vision. 

As AMD affects central vision, it can have a major impact on focused tasks such as reading and writing, colours can become less vibrant, and people's faces can become more difficult to recognise.

Optometrists play a critical role in recognising the signs and symptoms, however certain factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

  • Being over the age of 50 

  • Having a family history of macular degeneration

  • Smoking

  • Having diabetes

  • Being overweight

  • Having cardiovascular disease

  • Having high cholesterol

Specsavers Optometrist David Aldridge talks to AM about age-related macular degeneration and what to look out for. Watch the video above to learn more about it.

This article was created for Specsavers.