Atrophic macular degeneration primarily causes what type of vision loss?

Atrophic macular degeneration, also referred to as dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), primarily leads to painless loss of central vision. This condition affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, which is crucial for tasks that require sharp, detailed vision, such as reading or recognizing faces. As the macula deteriorates, individuals will experience a gradual decline in their ability to see fine details and may notice blurred or distorted images directly in their line of sight.

This central vision loss occurs without pain, distinguishing it from conditions that may cause more acute symptoms or involve other aspects of vision such as peripheral vision. In contrast to peripheral vision loss, which is often associated with different conditions affecting the optic nerve or the peripheral retina, atrophic macular degeneration specifically impairs central vision while leaving peripheral vision intact until later stages of the disease.