Macular Society

The Macular Society is the national charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. With over 22,000 members we are the largest membership group in the sight loss sector and the voice of people with macular conditions.

We provide free information and support to improve lives and ensure nobody has to face macular disease alone. There are over 380 Macular Society support groups around the UK.

The macula is a small area at the centre of the retina which is responsible for what we see straight in front of us, allowing us to see fine detail for activities such as reading and writing, as well as our ability to see colour.

Vision can be severely affected if the cells of the macula are damaged and stop working – this is known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Symptoms include blurred vision or distortion (with straight lines appearing wavy and objects appearing to be an unusual size or shape). In more advanced cases, sufferers develop a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight which makes reading, writing and recognising some objects difficult.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting older people. About one in 100 people aged 65-75, and about one in eight people aged over 85 have AMD that is severe enough to cause serious visual loss.

There are two types of MD: wet and dry.

We fund research so that one day we can overcome macular disease.