This is by far the commonest type, accounting for 90% of all cases of AMD. It can be considered as “macular ageing” whereby some of the retinal layers and light capturing cells (photoreceptors) become less effective. Dry AMD tends to be a slow and initially people may have difficulty with fine detailed vision eg reading small print, even when wearing appropriate spectacles. In more significant cases the central vision becomes more blurred making near and distant tasks difficult. 

There is evidence that life-style changes can help slow disease progression. These include stopping smoking, controlling hypertension, wearing sunglasses and having a healthy diet (or taking mineral and vitamin supplements). If both eyes are affected a low vision aid assessment is usually helpful to discuss lighting and ensure that the best possible optical devices eg stronger spectacles, magnifiers or telescopes are available.