When the macula doesn”t function well, we experience blurriness or darkness in the center of our vision. Macular degeneration affects both distance and close vision and can make reading difficult or impossible.

Although macular degeneration affects the central vision, it does not affect the side, or peripheral, vision. For example, you could see the outline of the clock but not be able to tell the time. Macular degeneration does not result in total blindness, even with severe damage people have useful peripheral vision and are able to take care of themselves.