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What is the macula?
What is the macula?
The macula is a small but very important area at the centre of the retina at the back of the eye. It is responsible for sharp, detailed vision that you use for reading, recognising faces, and seeing fine details. When the macula is healthy, vision is clear and focused; when it is damaged, central vision can become blurred or distorted.
The macula is anatomically the most important structure in the retina that is responsible for the central vision.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It usually develops with ageing and can make activities like reading, recognising faces, and driving more difficult. AMD does not cause total blindness, but it can lead to loss of central vision while side (peripheral) vision remains intact. Early detection is important, as treatments can slow progression in some types of AMD.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) comes in two main types: dry AMD and wet AMD.
Dry AMD is the more common and slower-progressing form. It occurs when the macula gradually becomes thinner and tiny deposits called drusen build up under the retina. Vision usually worsens slowly over time, causing increasing blur and difficulty with reading and fine detail.
Wet AMD is less common but more serious. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, leading to sudden distortion or rapid loss of central vision. Wet AMD often requires urgent treatment, as early intervention can help preserve sight.
Normal Macula
Normal Macula
Healthy macula
Dry AMD
Dry AMD
Present of drusens in the macula
Wet AMD
Wet AMD
Extensive subretinal fluid and macula haemorrhage
What are the symptoms of macular degneration?
What are the symptoms of macular degneration?
Macular degeneration mainly affects your central vision, which is needed for seeing fine details. Common symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision, where straight lines may look wavy and objects appear misshapen. You may notice a dark, grey, or blank spot in the centre of your vision, while side (peripheral) vision usually remains normal. Reading, recognising faces, and seeing small print often become more difficult, especially in low light.
Experience how age-related macular degeneration affects your sight
Experience how age-related macular degeneration affects your sight
What can I do to help?
What can I do to help?
Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can play an important role in protecting their vision through regular monitoring and eye care.
Regular self-monitoring with an Amsler grid, at least once a week, helps detect early changes such as new distortion, waviness, or missing areas in central vision. If any change is noticed, patients should seek eye care promptly.
Ongoing regular visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist are also essential. These visits often include OCT (optical coherence tomography) scans, which can detect subtle changes in the macula early—sometimes before symptoms are obvious—allowing timely treatment and better preservation of vision.
How to Check Your Amsler’s Grid
How to Check Your Amsler’s Grid
The Amsler’s Grid is a simple test you can do at home to monitor the central vision (macula) and detect early changes, especially related to macular degeneration or other retinal conditions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Wear your reading glasses if you normally use them.
Place the grid at eye level, about 30–40 cm away (reading distance).
Cover one eye with your hand (do not press on the eye).
With the open eye, look directly at the central black dot.
Keep looking at the dot and do not move your gaze.
Check the grid around the dot. Look for distortion or loss of grid pattern.
Repeat the test with the other eye.
👉 Test each eye separately, ideally once a week or as advised by your eye specialist. Download your copy of Amsler's Grid now.
What is the treatment of macular degeneration?
What is the treatment of macular degeneration?
Dry AMD
Dry AMD
There is currently no cure for dry AMD, but treatments aim to slow progression and preserve vision.
Lifestyle measures: stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy diet (leafy greens, fish), regular exercise, and good control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
AREDS2 supplements: high-dose vitamins and minerals may reduce the risk of progression in people with intermediate or advanced dry AMD (not suitable for everyone).
Newly licensed intravitreal injections: recent treatments have been approved that target the inflammatory pathways involved in dry AMD. While studies show some positive effect in slowing disease progression, the treatment burden (frequent injections), high cost and modest visual benefit mean that, for many patients, the overall benefit may be limited.
Monitoring: regular eye checks and weekly Amsler grid testing to detect early changes.
Low-vision support: magnifiers, enhanced lighting, and digital aids can help maximise remaining vision if vision loss occurs.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is more aggressive but treatable, especially when diagnosed early.
Anti-VEGF eye injections: these medicines reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the macula. Commonly used injections include:
Avastin
Lucentis
Eylea
Faricimab
Regular OCT scans: used to monitor disease activity and guide treatment intervals.
Early and ongoing treatment: prompt treatment is crucial to stabilise vision and, in some cases, improve sight.
Useful Resources
Useful Resources
Macular Degeneration New Zealand (MDNZ) is a charitable organisation that supports people living with age-related macular degeneration by providing reliable information, education, and advocacy, and by encouraging regular eye checks and early detection. The Low Vision Blind Foundation NZ is a national disability support charity that assists people with low vision or blindness by offering rehabilitation services, mobility training, assistive technology guidance, and community support to help maximise independence and quality of life. Both organisations aim to empower individuals affected by vision loss, but MDNZ focuses specifically on macular degeneration education and awareness, while the Low Vision Blind Foundation provides broader practical support and resources for people with significant vision impairment. Together, they help patients navigate both the medical and everyday living aspects of visual disability in New Zealand.
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