Seen Differently

All patterns

Central vision loss

Look straight at something, and it's the one thing you can't see.

Typical visionWith central vision loss
Moderate: a grey, blurred patch covers whatever you look at while the edges stay clear. Move your pointer or finger to look around.

Type

Try it

When is the eye appointment, and how many tablets go in each dose?

What's happening

The macula is a small patch at the centre of the retina that handles detail: reading, faces, fine colour. When it's damaged, a blurred or grey patch sits wherever you look, and it moves with your gaze. Side vision usually survives, so people rarely lose all sight, but anything that needs detail becomes very hard.

This simulation is for understanding and empathy. It is not a diagnosis and doesn't replace an eye examination.

What you might notice

A patch that follows you

Moving your eyes just moves the patch.

Faces disappear

You can see someone's outline and hair but not their expression.

Words drop out

Letters and whole words vanish, so sentences stop making sense.

Needing far more light

Bright, direct light helps with what's left.

Where it gets hard

  • Reading prices, post and medicine labels.
  • Recognising people, even family, across a room.
  • Using a phone or a cash machine.
  • Driving, which usually has to stop.

Often caused by

Conditions commonly linked to this pattern.

  • Age-related macular degeneration, dry and wet
  • Geographic atrophy
  • Diabetic macular oedema
  • Macular hole
  • Stargardt disease
  • Cone dystrophy
  • Leber hereditary optic neuropathy

Treatment and support

Wet AMD is treated with regular anti-VEGF injections that can hold or even improve vision. For intermediate dry AMD, the AREDS2 vitamin and mineral formula lowers the risk of progression. In some countries, injections that slow geographic atrophy are approved; they slow its growth but don't restore sight. Low-vision services teach eccentric viewing, using the healthy retina beside the patch, and provide magnifiers and better lighting.

Looking for research you could join? Search ClinicalTrials.gov or the EU Clinical Trials register.

Get checked the same day if

A sudden blur, dark spot or distortion appears in the centre of your vision.

If it's sudden or comes with other symptoms, go to an emergency department.

Where to learn more