What's That Blurry Spot? A Guide to Macular Degeneration Symptoms

You may notice a blurry patch in the center of your vision and assume you just need new glasses. You might blink, rub your eyes, or give it time, hoping it fades away. When that blur keeps returning, it deserves your attention. Changes like these often point to problems with the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

In Santa Monica, California, board-certified ophthalmologist E. Joseph Nadji, MD, and our team help patients recognize the early signs of macular degeneration to protect their sight before vision loss becomes permanent.

How macular degeneration affects vision

Macular degeneration damages the macula, the small but powerful area at the center of your retina. This region allows you to read, recognize faces, and see fine details clearly. When it begins to deteriorate, your central vision suffers, even though your peripheral vision often remains intact.

Many people describe the early changes as subtle. Straight lines may start to look wavy. Colors may appear dull. A dark or blurry spot may form in the middle of your field of vision. These symptoms can develop slowly, which makes them easy to ignore at first.

The following symptoms are some of the most common ways macular degeneration begins to affect daily vision.

Blurry spots that interfere with daily activities

One of the most common early signs of macular degeneration is a blurry or distorted area in the center of your vision. You may notice it while reading, texting, or watching television. Letters may fade in and out, and faces may appear less defined.

Having a blurry spot at the center of your vision can be frustrating because you can still see around the edges. You may walk and move normally, yet tasks that require precision become difficult. That contrast can delay people from seeking care, but early evaluation plays a major role in preserving vision.

Wavy lines and distorted shapes

Macular degeneration can change the way your eyes interpret straight lines. Door frames, window blinds, and table edges may appear bent or uneven. The distortion often signals that the macula is no longer sending accurate visual information to the brain.

If you ever notice that familiar shapes look warped, you should take it seriously. This type of change doesn’t come from simple eye strain. It often indicates damage to the retina that requires professional attention.

Trouble seeing in low light

You may start to struggle in dim environments before you notice obvious blurring. Restaurants, movie theaters, and evening settings may feel darker than usual. You may need brighter lights to read or complete close-up tasks.

Macular degeneration reduces your eyes’ ability to adapt to changes in lighting. When you recognize this pattern early, you give yourself a better chance to slow further decline.

Colors that lose their vibrancy

Many patients with macular degeneration notice that colors appear less vivid over time. Bright reds may look muted. Blues and greens may blend together. This shift happens because the macula plays a key role in color perception.

When color changes occur along with blurriness or distortion, they often confirm that the macula needs evaluation.

Dark or empty spots in central vision

As macular degeneration progresses, some people develop a dark or empty spot in the middle of their vision. This area may start small and gradually expand. You may still see clearly on the sides, but the center feels blocked or missing.

This symptom can interfere with reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It can also affect independence if left untreated.

Why early evaluation makes a difference

Macular degeneration doesn’t cause pain, which makes it easy to overlook. You may feel fine while your vision slowly changes. Regular eye exams allow Dr. Nadji to detect subtle signs before major damage occurs. Early diagnosis opens the door to treatments that can slow progression and help preserve the vision you rely on every day.

If you notice blurry spots, wavy lines, fading colors, or difficulty seeing in low light, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to take a proactive step toward protecting your vision.