Dry Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)
DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (DRY AMD) IS A GRADUAL DETERIORATION OF THE CENTRAL RETINA THAT CAUSES BLURRED OR DISTORTED CENTRAL VISION. LEARN THE SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, STAGES OF DRY AMD, AND WHEN TO SEEK ADVICE.
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Carol PeelWhat Is Dry AMD?
Dry Macular Degeneration, also known as Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD), is a chronic and progressive condition where the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision, slowly deteriorates over time.
Dry AMD accounts for 90% of all AMD cases. It develops gradually, often over many years, and affects the ability to read, recognise faces, drive, and perform tasks requiring fine detail. Although Dry AMD does not cause total blindness, because peripheral vision remains intact, it can significantly reduce central vision and quality of life.
In Dry AMD, the retinal cells gradually thin and drusen, tiny yellow deposits , accumulate under the retina, disrupting its normal function. This process is slow and painless, which means many people are unaware of the condition until it is moderately advanced.
A smaller percentage of patients progress from Dry AMD to Wet AMD, in which abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and can cause rapid, severe central vision loss if not treated promptly. Regular monitoring is therefore essential in all patients with known Dry AMD.
Recognising the Signs
Symptoms usually develop slowly and may affect one or both eyes. Early stages can be mild or barely noticeable. Here is what to look out for.
Causes and Risk Factors
Dry AMD is caused by age-related changes in the macula. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it or accelerating its progression.
Age
The biggest risk factor; most cases occur in people over 55 and risk increases significantly with each decade
Genetics and family history
Variants in complement pathway genes are a strong contributor; a family history significantly increases risk
Smoking
Doubles the risk by damaging the retina and reducing its oxygen supply
Cardiovascular factors
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and vascular disease all affect macular health
Diet and nutrition
Low intake of leafy greens, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids increases risk
Obesity and inactivity
Associated with faster disease progression
UV exposure
Chronic sunlight exposure may contribute to retinal ageing
Gender
Women have a slightly higher risk of developing AMD
Diagnosis and Assessment
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical examination and retinal imaging. Regular monitoring is crucial, particularly in moderate or advanced stages, to detect progression and identify conversion to Wet AMD early.
Dilated retinal examination
The retina is examined after pupil dilation to assess drusen deposits, pigmentation changes, and macular thinning characteristic of Dry AMD.
OCT scan (Optical Coherence Tomography)
Essential for monitoring disease progression and differentiating Dry from Wet AMD. OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retinal layers.
Fundus photography
Photographs document structural changes in the macula over time, providing a record for comparison at follow-up visits.
Amsler grid and OCT-Angiography
Amsler grid testing detects distortion in central vision. OCT-Angiography may be performed to rule out early Wet AMD if conversion is suspected.
When to Seek Advice
You should book an eye examination if you notice increasing difficulty reading despite new glasses, distortion of straight lines, a new central blur or faded patch, reduced colour brightness, or difficulty adapting between bright and dim environments.
Patients with a family history of AMD should also attend for proactive assessment, even without symptoms.
“Any sudden change in central vision, new distortion, a dark patch, or rapid blurring, requires same-day urgent assessment to exclude Wet AMD, which can cause rapid and irreversible vision loss if not treated promptly.”
Treatment Options
There is currently no cure for Dry AMD, but treatment focuses on monitoring progression, protecting remaining vision, and managing any conversion to Wet AMD promptly. These are the options available at the Eye Doctor Clinic.
Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections
The leading treatment for Wet AMD — if Dry AMD converts to Wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections block abnormal vessel growth and protect central vision rapidly and effectively.
Learn moreSteroidal Intravitreal Injections
Reduce inflammation and macular swelling in conditions affecting the retina, providing effective and long-lasting improvement when other treatments are insufficient.
Learn moreMacular Hole / VMT Surgery
A precise retinal procedure that removes traction, closes macular holes, and restores central vision using modern micro-incision techniques.
Learn moreEpiretinal Membrane Surgery
Removes scar tissue from the macula to reduce distortion and improve central vision. A safe, advanced retinal procedure with strong success rates.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Book a Macular Assessment
If you have noticed changes in your central vision, have a family history of AMD, or have been told you have drusen or early macular changes, a specialist assessment at the Eye Doctor Clinic is the right next step. Early monitoring is the most effective way to protect your central vision long term.
