In early stages, AMD may have no symptoms at all. When the disease progresses, the symptoms are:

• Distortion (warping) of straight lines

• A decrease in the intensity or brightness of colors

 

As the macular degeneration progresses, AMD symptoms include:
• A gradual or sudden loss of central vision, or

• Dark, blurry areas in the center of vision

 

In some people, AMD advances so slowly that vision loss does not occur for a long time. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in one or both eyes. As AMD progresses, a blurred area near the center of vision is a common symptom. Over time, the blurred area may grow larger or you may develop blank spots in your central vision. Objects also may not appear to be as bright as they used to be.

 

AMD by itself does not lead to complete blindness, with no ability to see. However, the loss of central vision in AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house.