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A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The scene shows two young boys holding large balls with a wooden fence in the background. The image is distorted by a large blurry spot in the center that blocks the boys' faces.

AMD is a disease affects the part of the retina called the macula. The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells that provide sharp, detailed central vision. As AMD progresses these cells die off and central vision is destroyed. 

A person with AMD may have difficulty recognizing faces and doing tasks such as reading, sewing, or driving.