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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. More than half of people who are visually impaired in the UK have lost their sight as a result of AMD. The earlier we give up smoking the better, but it is never too late to stop. Even if you already have AMD, it will progress faster if you continue to smoke.

Macular degeneration affects people in different ways. Symptoms may develop slowly, especially if it’s only in one eye. Although age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is most common among older people, other forms of macular disease can affect people of any age – even children. So whatever your age, please don't ignore the following signs of macular disease: the quicker you act, the more of your sight can be saved.

A clear jelly-like substance called the vitreous humour (or gel) fills the inside of the eye. It allows light to reach the retina (and macula) at the back of the eye. With age, the gel changes, becomes weaker, and shrinks. When this happens, bits called floaters can break loose. They can be seen as specks, flecks or cobwebs that drift around in your field of vision. 

ReadSpeaker allows the text on the website to be read out loud to you. It provides you assistance if you have trouble reading text online. By having the text read out loud to you, you can understand the information on the website more easily. This makes the content more accessible and the website more pleasant to visit. As a user you don’t have to download anything.

What is Skills for Seeing?

One-to-one advice on how to make best use of the vision you have to continue doing the things you love. Combining vision know-how, magnification, lighting and, where it works for you, ‘eccentric viewing’ and ‘steady eye strategy’ techniques.

Eccentric Viewing online training

If you are interested in learning eccentric viewing techniques, our online training is a great place to get started. It will guide you in finding and using your best point of vision through practice exercises and helpful hints and tips.

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When you become a member of the Macular Society you'll have access to the very latest expert advice, information, and support from our team of experts.

Updated May 2024

Whether you are living with macular disease or have been recently diagnosed, we're here to help. Members are at the heart of the Macular Society, and it’s important to provide these terms and conditions to inform you about Membership on applying to become a member. Once you become a member, you accept the terms and conditions set out below, and authorise Macular Society to manage and process your personal information in line with our privacy policy which is compliant with the data protection laws in the UK.

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