What is dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and how does it impact vision over time?

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic, progressive eye disease that affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It is the most common form of AMD, accounting for nearly 85–90% of all cases, and typically develops slowly as people age, especially after 50. The condition begins when the light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually break down. One of the earliest signs is the accumulation of drusen—tiny yellow deposits beneath the retina—which can interfere with normal retinal function.

In its early stages, dry AMD often causes subtle symptoms such as difficulty seeing in low light, mild blurriness, or needing more light for close-up tasks. As the disease progresses to intermediate and advanced stages, central vision may become increasingly distorted or hazy. In advanced dry AMD, known as geographic atrophy, patches of retinal tissue waste away, leading to significant central vision loss. Importantly, dry AMD does not cause complete blindness, as peripheral vision usually remains intact.

Although there is no cure for dry AMD, lifestyle modifications and medical management can help slow its progression. These include quitting smoking, maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, controlling cardiovascular risk factors, and taking AREDS2 nutritional supplements when recommended. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection, monitoring disease progression, and preventing potential conversion to the more severe wet AMD form