Macular degeneration causes a gradual decline in central vision. The macula is the portion of the retina responsible for vision in our direct line of sight.
In the early stages of macular degeneration, known as dry macular degeneration, many patients do not notice any visual signs or symptoms. As the disease advances into wet macular degeneration, central vision starts to deteriorate. Faces may be difficult to recognize and printed words may appear blurry. Eventually, blind spots can appear in the central visual field.
Other symptoms of macular degeneration can include visual distortions, such as straight lines that appear wavy, and the need for brighter light when reading.