How AMD Affects Vision?
AMD affects the ability to see centrally both far and near, but, in
most cases, it does not have an impact on peripheral vision. For
instance, someone with AMD might be able to see the numbers on the
edge of a clock but may not be able to see the clock's hands.
AMD can occur in one eye at first. Typically both eyes will be
affected to some degree, although the disease may not develop in
each eye at the same time and may not progress in each eye at the
same rate.
AMD can result in legal blindness (20/200 in the better eye),
although it almost never results in total blindness. The majority of
people with advanced AMD retain normal peripheral vision. Since
visual acuity of 20/50 is required for driving in Canada, many
people with AMD are unable to continue driving. However with the
proper support and rehabilitation training, they can continue to
remain independent, read and perform most daily activities.
Normal Vision vs. Vision with AMD
Normal Vision
Vision with AMD
Photo Source: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health