If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, it can seem scary and difficult to understand. The good news is, age-related macular degeneration or AMD is extremely common and can be treated with supplements and the help of your eye care specialist. In fact, age-related macular degeneration is more common than you may think, and approximately 11 million people in the United States are living with some form of this condition. Still, many people struggle to understand what age-related macular degeneration really is.

Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a common eye condition and the leading cause of vision loss for people age 50 and older. It is caused by the center of the retina (known as the macula) deteriorating, which in turn causes the individual to experience multiple symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of age-related macular degeneration is difficulty recognizing faces. This is caused by a dark spot or smudge obstructing the macula, which means the photoreceptor cells are dying. Due to the distorted field of vision, it can be difficult for people with age-related macular degeneration to recognize the faces of loved ones, and understandably causing frustration.

Another symptom of age-related macular degeneration is the inability to see objects when there isn’t much color contrast. For instance, it may be difficult to notice a black plate on a black table, but it would be easier to see the plate if the table was white. The contrast of black and white makes it easier for people with this condition to differentiate, as opposed to colors that are very similar. People with age-related macular degeneration may also experience trouble distinguishing colors like light grey and dark grey, or navy blue and black. This can also lead to difficulties while driving, because traffic lights may appear faint and cause stress for the driver.

Another symptom of age-related macular degeneration that can cause issues while driving is difficulty seeing in dim light. Dark cars and pedestrians dressed in dark clothing can present an issue for people with age-related macular degeneration because they aren’t able to see as well as someone without the condition, and therefore they often can’t react in time. Glares from the headlights of oncoming cars can also make it more difficult to see the road. Driving at night can be hard for many people, but for people living with age-related macular degeneration, it is especially difficult.

Age-related macular degeneration is a stressful but common condition that many people live with, but thankfully it can be treated with supplements like saffron, which helps improve eyesight and macular pigments. Be sure to consult your eye care specialist before taking any supplements, as they can properly diagnose you and come up with solutions specifically designed for your needs.