Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in adults in the UK. It affects central vision, rather than side vision, making it harder for people to see detail when doing certain tasks such as reading and watching television. AMD doesn’t usually cause symptoms in its early stages but may be detected during a routine eye examination.

“We always encourage everyone to have regular eye check-ups,” says Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society. “This is especially important for anyone who notices any changes in their vision.

“Dry age-related macular degeneration is the commonest form of AMD and is the slow process of gradual deterioration of the macula, eventually leading to sight loss. The first signs of dry AMD can be blurred vision or seeing colours as more faded. There is no treatment for this form of AMD, although there is some evidence that nutritional supplements can help slow down its progress.

“In wet AMD, tiny abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula, leaking, scarring and causing rapid sight loss. People can see a change in their vision overnight, noticing that images are distorted and straight lines appear wavy. Wet AMD is treated with relatively new drugs, which are injected into the back of the eye to prevent the growth of blood vessels.”