Age-related maculopathy (ARM), also known as macular degeneration, is a condition that affects the macula- the small, central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
When the macula becomes damaged, central vision is affected, while side (peripheral) vision remains intact.
Because ARM affects the area responsible for the fine detail, when it comes to vision, people may notice difficulty reading, trouble recognising faces, reduced clarity when driving and/ or distortion or missing areas in central vision.
ARM does not cause total blindness. Most people retain enough side vision to remain independent.
Many people do not notice early changes. Optometrists use several tests to detect ARM, including:
to examine the macula
for a clearer view of the retina
to check for distortion or missing areas
to examine the layers beneath the surface of the retina
Early detection is essential for timely management.
Age is the biggest risk factor. Over time, waste material that is normally cleared from the retina can build up, forming deposits that distort the macula.
In around 10–15% of cases, fragile new blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak, causing scarring. This is known as wet ARM (or wet macular degeneration).
There are also inherited forms of macular degeneration that are not age-related.
ARM becomes more common with age:
It is more common in women and is a leading cause of significant vision impairment in older adults.
Damage to the retina cannot be reversed, but some treatments can help slow progression or manage the wet form of the disease.
Early diagnosis is vital. You should:
Although ARM cannot be cured, many people benefit from low-vision support, including:
Because ARM affects the area responsible for fine detail, people may notice:
