What significant change happens to vision with macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration primarily affects the central portion of the retina known as the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. When macular degeneration occurs, it leads to changes in this area that often result in distortion, blurriness, or even a complete loss of central vision. Patients may experience visual phenomena such as straight lines appearing wavy or distorted, which directly impacts their ability to perform tasks that require fine detail, like reading or recognizing faces.

While the condition can eventually lead to blind spots or alterations in peripheral vision as the disease progresses, these symptoms are secondary effects of the central vision dysfunction caused by damage to the macula. Heightened sensitivity to light and loss of peripheral vision strength are not typical features associated with macular degeneration and are more representative of other eye conditions. Therefore, distortion in central vision is the most significant and direct consequence of this disease, distinguishing it as the key feature of macular degeneration.