Symptoms of Dry AMD
Dry AMD usually develops slowly, gradually affecting your central vision. Learn the signs to look out for and when to get your eyes checked.
Dry age-related macular degeneration is where, over the years, the cells slowly deteriorate as the retinal cells die off and are not renewed and impact the central vision. While the condition is called ‘dry’, this does not mean dry eyes, it is to differentiate between wet AMD.
The effects of dry AMD can vary, for some people they will not notice much of an effect for years, while others may see a change more rapidly. Often, people with dry AMD are able to continue with normalcy for some time before noticing an impact of the condition.
What are the symptoms?
People with macular disease can be affected in different ways within different timeframes.
- Dark spots may appear in your vision or there may be gaps in your vision, particularly first thing in the morning.
- Things happening to objects in front of you, such as changing shape, size, colour or they will appear to have moved or disappeared.
- Colours may fade.
- It may be difficult to adapt from dark to light environments and you may be sensitive to bright lights.
- Reading may become more difficult as words may seem like they are no longer there.
- Straight lines may appear distorted or bent out of place, such as door frames.