Dry Macula Degeneration (Dry AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the result of damage to the light-sensitive cells in the central part of the retina which are responsible for fine, detailed vision called the macula. It is non-reversible and is the most common cause of severe, permanent visual loss in the UK. There are two types of macular degeneration – ‘dry’ and ‘wet’.

Dry macular degeneration is the most commonly diagnosed type: it accounts for 90% of cases and tends to develop more slowly, with gradual sight loss. As the disease progresses, the layers of the macula slowly become thinner, resulting in reduced function and central visual loss. However, peripheral vision is usually unaffected. People with dry macular degeneration can sometimes go on to develop wet macular degeneration later on.