The macula is a small area at the back of the eye which is responsible for fine and reading vision. Conditions affecting the macula reduce the central vision, leaving the peripheral vision intact - for example, you could see the ouline of a clock but not be able to tell what time it is. It affects both distance and close vision and can make some activities, like reading, difficult or impossible. It is the commonest cause of vision loss in Australia.
Macular degeneration can cause different symptoms in different people.
The condition can be hardly noticable in its early stages. Initially patients notice difficulties with near tasks such as sewing. Straight lines may look distorted. Later, central vision may become very poor with dark or empty areas appearing in the centre of vision. Patients may be unable to read.