Macular degeneration, also known as
age-related macular degeneration (
AMD or
ARMD), is a medical condition which may result in
blurred or
no vision in the center of the
visual field. Early on there are often no symptoms. Over time, however, some people experience a gradual worsening of vision that may affect one or both eyes. While it does not result in complete
blindness, loss of central vision can make it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, or perform other activities of daily life.
Visual hallucinations may also occur but these are not serious and do not represent a
mental illness.