Living with dry age related macular degeneration (AMD) has changed the way I experience the world, but it has also taught me a lot about resilience, using technology, and asking for help. If you or someone you care about is facing AMD, I know firsthand how overwhelming and frustrating the adventure can feel, especially as vision changes start to impact everyday routines. My hope is that by sharing what I’ve learned, others can find some reassurance, gather practical ideas, and feel less alone as they move forward.
🦉 What Exactly Is AMD?
AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration. This condition affects the macula, which is the small part of the retina responsible for the sharp, central vision I use to read, recognize faces, and see fine details. There are two main types of AMD: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular). Dry AMD is much more common and tends to progress more slowly. This is the version I have, and while my central vision has faded, I can still use my peripheral vision for getting around and living my life.
With dry AMD, the cells in the macula slowly break down, causing a gradual loss of central vision. I first noticed it as some blurriness and a faded spot that wouldn’t go away, even when I cleaned my glasses. For some people, dry AMD stays stable for years, but for others, it can progress and lead to legal blindness.
Wet AMD is less common and happens when abnormal blood vessels grow behind the retina, leaking fluid and causing faster, severe vision loss. Regular checkups are super important for catching signs early and watching any changes.
To help clarify the difference:
Dry AMD
This is the most common type. The macula gradually thins over time. Early on, you may barely notice anything. Over years, it can lead to a more obvious blind spot or hazy area in the center of your sight.
Wet AMD
This happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and begin to leak. Wet AMD often causes faster and more noticeable changes, like distortion or a dark spot appearing suddenly.
Understanding the basics of AMD helped me make sense of what was happening and eased some of the fear. It also helped me recognize what symptoms to watch for. The condition affects central vision — the part used for reading, driving, facial recognition, and fine detail — but it does not impact peripheral vision.
Common symptoms include:
- blurred or missing areas in the center
- straight lines appearing wavy
- difficulty reading
- trouble recognizing faces
- colors that seem less vivid
🌱 Who Is Most at Risk?
AMD isn’t something you can catch or prevent completely, but certain factors make it more likely. Risk goes up with age, and most people diagnosed are over 60. Family history also matters a lot; if a parent or sibling has AMD, I have a higher chance of developing it too.
Other factors play a role as well:
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- obesity
- light-colored eyes
- cardiovascular issues
- diabetes
- prolonged sun exposure
- certain genetic tendencies
Even though some of these risks can’t be changed (I certainly can’t change my relatives!), it helps to know so I can make choices that might support eye health in other ways.
I try to manage what I can — not smoking, eating leafy greens, wearing sunglasses for UV protection, and watching my blood pressure. These small habits help me feel more in control, even when the bigger picture feels uncertain.
💊 Current Treatments: What Actually Helps?
For dry age-related macular degeneration , there is still no cure, but there are ways to slow progression and protect the vision you have. Many doctors recommend AREDS2 supplements for people with intermediate or advanced stages of dry AMD. This vitamin-and-mineral formula was developed through years of research by the National Eye Institute, and my own doctor suggested it for me. Because I take other medications, I made sure to review everything with my care team first.
New Options for Advanced Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy)
For decades, dry AMD had no medical treatments at all — but that has recently changed. Two new FDA-approved medications, Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), are now available for people with geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry AMD. These medications are given as eye injections by a retina specialist. They do not restore lost vision, but they can slow the rate of damage, helping you maintain your remaining vision for a longer period of time. They aren’t appropriate for everyone with dry AMD, but if your doctor has mentioned GA or you’re worried about progression, it may be worth asking whether you’re a candidate.
For wet age-related macular degeneration, treatments look different. Retina specialists use injectable medications called anti-VEGF drugs, which help stop abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce fluid under the retina. These treatments can’t reverse existing damage, but they can prevent a lot of future vision loss — and in some cases even improve clarity. Wet AMD often requires regular monitoring and repeated injections, especially early on.
Researchers continue exploring new possibilities — medications, implants, stem-cell approaches, genetic therapies, and more. I like staying informed through reliable organizations, and if you’re someone who feels comfortable participating in clinical trials, that’s also something to talk about with your doctor.
To make this information easier to digest, here’s a quick breakdown:
Dry AMD
AREDS2 supplements
A specific formula of vitamins and minerals shown to slow progression in people with moderate to advanced AMD.
Healthy eating
Leafy greens, berries, colorful vegetables, and omega-3s support overall eye and macular health.
Lifestyle changes
Quit smoking, manage blood pressure, protect your eyes from UV rays, and reduce glare exposure at home.
New treatments for geographic atrophy
Syfovre and Izervay are FDA-approved injections that can slow the rate of cell loss in people with advanced dry AMD (GA).
Wet AMD
Anti-VEGF injections (Lucentis, Eylea, Vabysmo, Beovu)
These treatments help stop abnormal blood vessels from leaking. Many people experience improvement or stabilization of their vision.
Early detection matters
The sooner wet AMD is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. New distortion, dark spots, or rapid blurring should be checked quickly.
🎯 How AMD Affects Daily Life
One of the hardest parts about AMD is how subtle and slow the changes can be. At first, I noticed straight lines looked a little wavy, then words started missing letters when I read. Over time, it became harder to read street signs, recognize faces, or do small tasks like threading a needle.
Dry AMD doesn’t cause total blindness, but losing sharp vision in the center can change the way you handle the simplest things. Many people living with AMD notice challenges like:
- reading small print
- driving safely, especially at night
- recognizing faces
- seeing details on screens
- preparing food or handling medications
The emotional impact shouldn’t be ignored either. I’ve felt frustration, anxiety, and sometimes a sense of loss. It’s normal to grieve what you’ve lost. What helped me were the small victories — discovering a new tool, realizing a workaround helped, or simply finding the courage to ask for help when I needed it.
📝 Checking Your Vision With the Amsler Grid
One of the most useful tools I keep at home is the Amsler grid — a small square filled with straight lines and a single dot in the center. It seems almost too simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch sudden changes in your central vision.
Using it is easy: I cover one eye, look at the center dot, and see whether any of the lines look wavy, blurry, or missing. Then I repeat with the other eye. I check mine about once a week, especially if something feels “off.”
If I ever see a brand-new distortion, I call my eye clinic right away. Changes in AMD can be subtle at first, and the Amsler grid gives me a chance to catch them before they grow into something harder to manage.
If you’d like a simple, easy-to-follow version of the Amsler grid, the BrightFocus Foundation offers a clear explanation of how it works along with a downloadable grid you can view or print at home.
🛠️ Coping Strategies That Can Make Daily Life Easier
Adapting to low vision takes creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment. Over time, I’ve collected a handful of tools, tricks, and habits that help daily life feel smoother:
Lighting
Task lamps with adjustable arms and bright LED bulbs make cooking, reading, and checking labels much easier.
Magnification
I use handheld magnifiers, video magnifiers, and simple peel-and-stick magnifier strips for books and bottles.
Technology
My phone and tablet are lifesavers — voice assistants help me send texts, look up recipes, and listen to audiobooks.
Labeling
High-contrast markers, bump dots, and tactile stickers keep my pantry, appliances, and medications easy to navigate.
Mobility
I walk more carefully outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat for glare reduction, and plan bus routes ahead of time.
Vision rehabilitation services have also played a big role in helping me stay confident. Occupational therapists, low-vision specialists, and peer groups often have solutions I would never have discovered on my own.
📚 Helpful Resources
When I was newly diagnosed, having trustworthy places to turn made everything less overwhelming. These organizations offered solid information, ideas, and encouragement:
- BrightFocus Foundation – Research updates and stories
- Macular Degeneration Partnership – Patient education and support
- Prevent Blindness — Living Well With Low Vision – Practical guides and tips
- Local services – State agencies, low-vision clinics, and rehab programs often provide hands-on training
Sometimes eye clinics, libraries, or local agencies can point you toward classes, workshops, or technology demonstrations. Community makes a big difference.
🌈 What I’ve Learned
Living with dry AMD and legal blindness isn’t something I would’ve chosen, but I’ve learned that life can still be full of joy, connection, and purpose. I pay attention to my health, stay curious about new tools, and reach out when I need support. None of us have to navigate this alone.
If you’re coming to terms with an AMD diagnosis — or helping someone who is — know that there’s still so much hope. One step at a time, with the right tools and the right people beside you, it’s absolutely possible to adapt, stay independent, and find bright spots each day.
I’ve learned a lot through this process, and if you’d like a closer look at where it all began for me, you can read more in My Journey.