Macular degeneration makes close work like threading a needle or reading a book difficult or impossible. When the macula doesn't function correctly, we experience blurriness or darkness in the center of our vision. Although macular degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina, it does not affect peripheral vision. For example, you could see a clock but not be able to tell what time it is. Macular degeneration alone does not result in total blindness.
Most people continue to have some useful vision and are able to live independently.
This is the most common form. In this type of macular degeneration, the delicate tissues of the macula become thinned and slowly lose function. The Wet Stage. This is less common, but is typically more damaging. The wet type of macular degeneration is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the macula.