Understanding Macular Degeneration Symptoms: What to Watch Out For.

August 29th, 2025 

Protecting Your Vision Starts With Awareness

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that targets the central part of your visual field. The macula is located in the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed sight. If you’re over 50, have a family history of the condition, smoke, have high blood pressure, or maintain a poor diet, you’re at an increased risk of developing macular degeneration. If you act fast and catch this condition early, it can make a huge difference in protecting what matters most: your ability to read, drive, and recognise faces.

If you fall into a risk category or notice vision changes, don’t wait: book an eye appointment today.

Spotting the Early Signs

People with Macular Degeneration often show no symptoms in the early stages of the condition. This silent progression means regular eye exams are recommended because early detection gives you more options for treatment, which can preserve your eyesight. 

Early Symptoms May Include:

• Requiring brighter lighting for reading or detailed tasks
  

• Trouble seeing clearly at night or adapting to low light
  

• Colours appear faded or less vibrant.
  

• Increased sensitivity to glare, or slow adaptation when moving between light and dark
  

• Difficulty with fine detail, even while wearing glasses
  

Sometimes, these symptoms affect only one eye at first. The healthy eye can compensate, making changes hard to spot. It can prevent people from getting regular professional eye checks.

Progression: Recognising Key Symptoms as the Disease Advances

If Macular Degeneration worsens, symptoms become more noticeable:

• Blurred or missing area in the centre of vision (loss of central vision)
  

• Straight lines might look bent or patchy.
  

• Noticeable dark or blurry spots right where you focus
  

• Difficulty with reading, driving, or recognising faces
  

• Peripheral (side) vision remains clear, but central changes have the greatest impact on daily life.

Overlooked Symptoms

The first symptoms of macular degeneration are often easy to miss or are seen as normal as they age. People may notice they need more light than usual for reading, or that colours seem dull. Slow adjustment to changes between light and dark, increased sensitivity to glare, or difficulty seeing in low-light settings are all subtle but important clues.

In some cases, the early stages affect just one eye, and the other healthy eye compensates, covering up visual gaps. As a result, minor difficulties can be ignored for months or years. That’s why regular eye examinations remain vital to catch early changes and to protect your vision for the long term.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of Macular Degeneration. It happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, leading to blurred or reduced central vision. This form usually develops gradually over time.

Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss. The main difference is that dry changes are slow, while wet changes can damage vision much faster.

Causes and Risk for Developing Macular Degeneration

• Your risk increases after 50

• Genetic Factors,  it runs in families, and the risk is higher if a close relative has it.

• Macular Degeneration is more common in Caucasians

• Smoking raises the risk by three to four times

• A diet low in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids

• High blood pressure adds to risk

• Obesity and poor heart health are linked to progression

• Too much direct sunlight, long exposure may raise the risk

• Eye damage causes specific changes inside the eye

Some factors, like age and genetics, can’t be changed. But others, such as quitting smoking, eating well, protecting your eyes from the sun, and keeping blood pressure under control, can lower the risk.

How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed Early?

The best way to detect macular degeneration is through routine eye exams, especially if you’re over 50 or have risk factors. Eye care professionals use advanced imaging to spot changes before noticeable symptoms develop. You can put yourself in a good position to catch macular degeneration early by:

• Scheduling an eye exam every two years after 50
  

• Increasing frequency if you have risk factors or symptoms
  

• Considering using an Amsler grid (a simple chart you can use at home) to identify changes between visits
  

If lines on the grid seem wavy or spots appear missing, that’s a sign to contact your optometrist.

Preventive Strategies

The steps you take now can have a positive impact on protecting your eyesight as you age. The most important strategies include having regular eye exams, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and leafy greens, and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise.

Quitting smoking is critical, since it’s the single largest modifiable risk factor for AMD. You can also benefit from controlling high blood pressure and your cholesterol levels, as well as protecting your eyes from bright sunlight with UV-blocking sunglasses. Some studies suggest AREDS2 supplements may help slow progression in those diagnosed with AMD.

Small daily changes, such as a colourful diet, consistent exercise, and avoiding tobacco, can all work together to keep your macula healthy and reduce your risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the earliest signs of macular degeneration?
Needing more light, struggling with night vision, and less vibrant colours can be early red flags, even before noticeable blurring.

Does it always affect both eyes at once?
No. One eye may show symptoms first, and the healthy eye often compensates, making changes easier to miss.

How often should I have an eye exam?
If you’re over 50, schedule at least every two years. More frequent checks are wise if you have risk factors or see changes.

How can I check my vision at home?
Use an Amsler grid regularly. If you see crooked lines or missing areas, see an expert promptly.

Why Book With Springwood Eye Clinic?

Noticing any macular degeneration symptoms or early warning signs? Book an appointment with Springwood Eye Clinic today. Under Dr. Ron Binetter, you’ll get expert assessment and fast access to treatments designed to protect your vision. Timely action can make all the difference.