Symptoms

Wet macular degeneration symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen rapidly. They may include:

• Visual distortions, such as straight lines seeming bent
• Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
• The need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work
• Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels, such as when entering a dimly lit restaurant
• Increased blurriness of printed words
• Decreased intensity or brightness of colors
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• A well-defined blurry spot or blind spot in your field of vision

Macular degeneration doesn't affect side (peripheral) vision, so it rarely causes total blindness.

When to see a doctor

See your eye doctor if:

• You notice changes in your central vision
• Your ability to see colors and fine detail becomes impaired

These changes may be the first indication of macular degeneration, particularly if you're older than age 60.