AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the UK. This happens when cells in the macula – the central part of your retina – begin to break down. As the condition progresses, everyday activities such as reading, driving and recognizing faces may become difficult.
AMD becomes more common with age and mainly affects people over the age of 55. It may develop slowly over several years or, in some cases, more rapidly within months. This condition often starts in one eye, although it can eventually affect both.
Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench has been living with AMD since 2012, when she was in her mid-seventies. Now in her nineties, she recently talked about her declining vision in an interview with Trinny Woodall.
Appearing on the fashion expert’s podcast, Fearless, Dame Judi revealed she can no longer go out alone due to the progression of her AMD. Now she always has someone with her when she goes out, as her central vision has deteriorated to such an extent that she feels unsafe moving around in the outside world alone.
His revelations have sparked a fresh appeal for people across the UK to have regular eye tests to help detect AMD early.
Dr Shane Mason, medical director of ophthalmology at Practice Plus Group, UK, explains that Dame Judi’s comments have drawn much-needed attention to the condition which affects millions of people across the UK.
“Dame Judi Dench bravely sharing her experience will really help to raise awareness of AMD and the devastating impact it has on independence and everyday life,” says Mason. “Many people don’t realize that AMD can often be detected much earlier – often in people in their 50s and 60s – through routine eye exams, sometimes before any symptoms appear.”
It is important to have regular eye exams from an ophthalmologist to detect AMD, as early changes in vision may go unnoticed. Knowing the main signs can help you seek prompt treatment and slow the progression of the condition.
Common symptoms of AMD may include:
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Central vision becomes blurred, distorted, or gradually becomes harder to see clearly – even when wearing glasses.
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Challenges with everyday activities such as reading, watching television, driving, or recognizing faces.
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Bright light is required for reading or close-up work.
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Colors appear less bright or washed out.
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Increased sensitivity to bright light or glare.
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Seeing flickering or flashing lights from time to time.
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Straight lines appear wavy, bent, or irregular.
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Visual hallucinations – such as seeing objects that are not really there.
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A small gap in the center of your vision that may gradually become larger over time.
Although some treatments and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of AMD, they cannot restore vision that has already been lost.
“Once AMD’s vision is lost, we can’t get it back,” Mason warns. “Treatment focuses on stabilizing your vision rather than improving it, which is why early diagnosis is so important. The earlier we catch AMD, the better chance we have of preserving your vision and maintaining your independence.”
She says that in the past, many people considered vision loss to be an inevitable part of aging — but that’s no longer the case.
“Regular eye exams help us detect and treat conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration early — often before symptoms develop,” says Mason.
5 Tips to Reduce Your Chances of AMD
Mason encourages everyone not to wait until symptoms of AMD develop, but to get regular eye exams — even if your vision seems normal. This is the most reliable way to detect AMD early and protect your long-term eye health.
She outlines five simple steps you can take after 60 to help reduce your chances of developing this condition:
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Book an eye exam every one to two years — or more often if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.
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Stop smoking – it increases the chance of both cataracts and macular degeneration.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet full of leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables.
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Keep your blood pressure and diabetes well controlled.
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Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing sunglasses during daylight hours.
