Understanding macular degeneration

When the center of sight fades.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the tiny central area of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision — reading, faces, fine work.

What's happening

Your macula is your focus zone.

The macula is a pinhead-sized spot at the center of your retina packed with cells for sharp central vision. Peripheral vision stays fine, but the central detail fades.

There are two types: "dry" AMD (most common, slow progression from yellow deposits called drusen) and "wet" AMD (leaky blood vessels, faster vision loss — but treatable with injections).

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Dry AMD

AREDS2 vitamins

Specific formula of vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Wet AMD

Anti-VEGF injections

Eye injections stop abnormal blood vessels. Often monthly at first, then spaced out.

Monitoring

Home Amsler grid

A small grid you check daily. Wavy lines or new dark spots mean call us.

Lifestyle

Smoking + nutrition

Quit smoking, eat leafy greens and fish, wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.

Call us within 24 hours if

Straight lines suddenly look wavy, a new dark spot appears in your central vision, or colors look washed out. These can signal wet AMD — and early treatment saves vision.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

Will I go blind?+

AMD rarely causes total blindness. It affects central vision, but peripheral vision stays intact — most people continue walking around and caring for themselves independently.

Is there a cure?+

Not yet. Dry AMD treatment focuses on slowing progression with nutrition and monitoring. Wet AMD has excellent treatments — monthly or bi-monthly injections preserve and often improve vision.

Should I take AREDS2 vitamins?+

If you have intermediate or advanced AMD in at least one eye, yes — research shows AREDS2 formula vitamins reduce progression risk by about 25%. Not useful for early AMD or prevention.

Why do I need to check my Amsler grid daily?+

Wet AMD can develop suddenly, and early treatment preserves more vision. If straight lines look wavy or a new dark spot appears, call us within 24 hours.

Can I still drive?+

Most people with early or intermediate AMD drive fine. As it progresses, we'll discuss visual requirements for your state and alternatives like ride services or reduced night driving.

When the center of sight fades.

Your macula is your focus zone.

How macular degeneration changes
over time.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

AREDS2 vitamins

Anti-VEGF injections

Home Amsler grid

Smoking + nutrition

Call us within 24 hours if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

When the center of sight fades.

Your macula is your focus zone.

How macular degeneration changesover time.

Here's the plan —and why it works.

AREDS2 vitamins

Anti-VEGF injections

Home Amsler grid

Smoking + nutrition

Call us within 24 hours if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

How macular degeneration changes
over time.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.