Macular degeneration

Key facts Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic painless eye disease that causes central vision loss, and is more common as you get older. You may have no symptoms or you may have difficulty reading and seeing faces clearly, with dark patches in your central vision. Early detection of AMD increases the chance that your doctor can treat you, and can help prevent further loss of vision. You should have regular eye exams, especially if someone in your family has AMD. What is AMD? AMD is a chronic, painless eye disease associated with ageing that causes you to lose central vision.