Macular degeneration

a researcher studying data on a computer screen

We’re funding macular degeneration research studies to help diagnose and treat the condition more effectively, with the aim of ultimately restoring vision, because we believe that people’s sight matters.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition where cells in the middle of the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) die or are damaged, making it difficult to see fine details clearly.

The most common form of macular disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which generally affects people over 50.

5mm The macula is only 5mm across, but is key for seeing fine details and for colour vision

600,000 Age-related macular degeneration affects over 600,000 people across the UK

Causes of macular degeneration

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The macula sits at its centre and allows us to see clearly straight ahead. When macular cells are damaged, visual signals cannot be processed properly, resulting in loss of central vision.

The exact cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not fully understood, but several factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Age: Age is the strongest risk factor. As we get older, the body becomes less efficient at repairing and regenerating cells, which increases vulnerability to macular damage.
Family history: Having close relatives with AMD raises your risk, suggesting genetics play an important role.
Smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels and damages eye tissues. Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers, and in people with certain common AMD-related genes, this risk is even higher. Stopping smoking can also help slow disease progression after diagnosis.
Diet and weight: A diet low in fruit and vegetables may increase risk, as these foods contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. Being overweight, eating high levels of sugar or saturated fats, and drinking excess alcohol can also contribute.
Blood pressure: People with high blood pressure are around 50% more likely to develop AMD than those with normal blood pressure.
Gender: AMD affects men and women equally, although more women are diagnosed because women tend to live longer.

Signs and symptoms of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration mainly affects central vision. People may notice:

blurred or distorted vision
difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
trouble recognising faces
dark or blank patches in the centre of vision

Peripheral (side) vision usually remains intact, which means macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness. However, the loss of central vision can have a major impact on independence and quality of life.

Types of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration isn’t a single condition. Understanding the different types helps researchers develop more targeted treatments.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

There are two main forms:

Dry AMD: The most common type. It develops gradually as waste material builds up under the macula and retinal cells slowly deteriorate. Vision loss is usually mild at first but can progress over time.
Wet AMD: A more severe form, where abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This can cause rapid and significant central vision loss if not treated promptly.

Can macular degeneration be cured?

Some forms of macular degeneration are currently untreatable.

There is also currently no treatment for dry AMD other than closely monitoring the condition to ensure it is not progressing to wet AMD.

WetAMD can be treated by:

shining bright lights into the eye to destroy the abnormal blood vessels damaging the macula, or;
injecting antibodies into the eye which block the production of chemicals which encourage these blood vessels to grow (anti-VEGF injections).

Anti-VEGF injections are effective at halting the progression of wet AMD and preventing further vision loss for 90% of people, but only in rare cases do they restore lost sight.