For example, you could see the outline of a clock but not be able to tell what time it is. Macular degeneration alone does not result in total blindness. People continue to have some useful vision and are able to take care of themselves. Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body's natural aging process. It is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula.
Vision loss is usually gradual.
It results when abnormal blood vessels form at the back of the eye. These new blood vessels leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. Vision loss may be rapid and severe. Macular degeneration can cause different symptoms in different people. The condition may be hardly noticeable in its early stages.