Macular Degeneration: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Macular Degeneration?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor, diagnoses and treats macular degeneration. A retina specialist, an eye doctor who focuses on the back of the eye, often treats it too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disorder that slowly destroys sharp, central vision. This makes it hard to see fine details and to read. AMD is common and is a leading cause of vision loss for older adults. It happens when aging damages the macula, the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision.
AMD does not affect side (peripheral) vision, so it causes loss of central vision only. There are two types, dry and wet. Most people with AMD have the dry type, in which the macula gets thinner with age. In wet AMD, new, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and leak blood and fluid.
Symptoms
You may not have any symptoms at first. As the disease gets worse, symptoms can include:
- Straight lines that start to look wavy or crooked.
- A blurry area near the center of your vision. It may get bigger over time, or you may see blank spots.
- Colors that seem less bright than before, and more trouble seeing in low lighting.
AMD is a progressive disease, which means symptoms usually get worse over time.
Causes and who gets it
Health care providers are not sure what causes AMD. Your risk goes up as you get older, and people age 55 and older are more likely to have it. Risk factors include:
- A family history of AMD.
- Being White.
- Cigarette smoking.
- A high-fat diet.
Having late AMD in one eye puts you at higher risk of developing late AMD in your other eye.
How doctors diagnose it
Eye doctors check for AMD during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The doctor looks for changes in the macula and blood vessels and for drusen, which are small yellow deposits. You may be asked to cover one eye and look at a pattern of lines called an Amsler grid. If the straight lines look wavy, it may be a sign of AMD. Other tests may be done:
- A fluorescein angiogram, which uses special dye and a camera to look at blood flow in the retina.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses light waves to view the retina.
Treatment
Treatment for AMD depends on the stage and type. Quitting smoking, regular exercise, and healthy eating can also help.
If you have intermediate AMD, special dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) may help keep it from getting worse. They do not bring back lost vision. Only take them if your eye doctor recommends it. Smokers should not use this supplement.
If you have wet AMD, treatments that may stop further vision loss include:
- Anti-VEGF drugs, which are medicines the doctor injects in your eye.
- Photodynamic therapy, in which a light activates a medicine that is injected into your body to destroy leaking blood vessels.
In August 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an eye injection called Izervay to slow the growth of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD. Its most common side effects were bleeding on the surface of the eye, higher pressure inside the eye, blurred vision, and wet AMD. Low-vision aids such as special lenses, and therapy, can help you use the vision you have more effectively. For dry AMD, visit your eye doctor once a year for a complete eye exam. For wet AMD, you likely need frequent, perhaps monthly, follow-up visits.
When to see a doctor
Contact your eye doctor right away if the lines look wavy. With both types of AMD, central vision loss can occur quickly. If this happens, you need to be seen right away by an ophthalmologist, preferably a retina specialist. See your eye doctor regularly for dilated eye exams.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a sudden change in vision comes with sudden weakness, dizziness, or trouble speaking.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can handle your routine care and follow-up and help you keep track of visits with your eye doctor.
Common questions
What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?
Dry AMD happens when the macula gets thinner with age, and most people with AMD have this type. Wet AMD happens when new, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and leak blood and fluid.
Can macular degeneration cause complete blindness?
No, AMD does not affect side vision, so it causes loss of central vision only. Losing central vision can make it harder to see faces, read, drive, or do close-up work like cooking or fixing things around the house.
Can vitamins help macular degeneration?
They may help some people with intermediate AMD. Only take them if your eye doctor recommends it. Smokers should not use this supplement.
Can macular degeneration be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent it, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk. Not smoking helps. A healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat helps. Regular exercise and a healthy weight help too.
Sources
- National Eye Institute - Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Age-related macular degeneration
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Drug Trials Snapshots: IZERVAY
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
