29.06.2026

What is AMD? Everything you need to know about age-related macular degeneration

Central vision enables us to read, recognise faces and drive. It relies largely on a very small area of the retina: the macula. When this area deteriorates, the condition is known as age-related macular degeneration — or AMD.

The macula: a central role in vision

Located at the centre of the retina, the macula accounts for only a tiny fraction of the eye, but it is responsible for our sharp vision. It is thanks to the macula that we can make out fine details, read text or recognise a face. Its gradual deterioration therefore has a direct and significant impact on quality of life.

What is AMD?

AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 50 in developed countries. It develops gradually, often without any noticeable symptoms at first, which makes early detection all the more important.

The disease progresses through several stages:

Early stage: deposits are present beneath the retina (drusen), with no noticeable change in vision.
Intermediate stage: the macula begins to thin; blurred spots may appear.
Advanced stage: significant loss of central vision, with the appearance of grey spots or distortions.

Two main forms

Advanced AMD occurs in two distinct forms. The atrophic (or dry) form is characterised by a gradual loss of retinal cells. It progresses slowly but irreversibly. The exudative (or wet) form involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which leak and cause more rapid damage. There are also mixed forms, combining both mechanisms.

thumbnail — The earlier AMD is detected, the more effective the treatment options are. Regular eye tests remain the best form of protection, even if you have no symptoms.

*Watch our explanatory video to find out more, and look out for our upcoming articles on the causes, symptoms and available treatments.*

click overlay image — The earlier AMD is detected, the more effective the treatment options are. Regular eye tests remain the best form of protection, even if you have no symptoms.

*Watch our explanatory video to find out more, and look out for our upcoming articles on the causes, symptoms and available treatments.*

About the author

Dr Aude Ambresin is an ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. She is Medical Director and co-founder of the RétinElysée private retina centre in Lausanne, as well as a consultant in medical retina at Swiss Visio Montchoisi. She is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lausanne.

Dr Ambresin heads a clinical trials unit dedicated to retinal diseases, with particular expertise in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). She actively incorporates new technologies and artificial intelligence into her clinical research.

Her articles have been published in leading medical journals, notably the Revue Médicale Suisse.

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