What is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is a small area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. In macular degeneration, this region becomes damaged, leading to blurred or distorted vision and difficulty seeing things directly in front of you.
Most commonly affecting older adults, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50, with about 11 million affected in the U.S. alone.
The condition can progress slowly or quickly and may impact one or both eyes. While peripheral vision is usually preserved, central vision loss can make daily activities such as reading and recognizing faces challenging. Regular eye exams and healthy lifestyle choices can help slow progression.
How Macular Degeneration impacts vision
The macula provides sharp, detailed vision. In macular degeneration, the cells in the macula begin to deteriorate, leading to blurred or distorted central vision.
Managing Macular Degeneration with the right tinted lenses
Red
Red tints might seem bold, and they are, but they serve a serious purpose. They block out shorter, high-energy wavelengths that create glare and visual "noise." For some people with advanced AMD or severe contrast loss, red lenses can help isolate what's important in the visual field. They're not for every situation, but when glare is overwhelming or central vision is highly compromised, red can offer a surprising sense of clarity and calm.
Amber
Amber tints are the all-day MVP. They reduce overall glare while warming up your view, helping you see details more easily without straining your eyes. They enhance edge detection and depth, helping objects and text stand out more clearly. Amber works beautifully for outdoor use, but also holds its own indoors under bright lights or screens. For AMD patients dealing with both central vision loss and light sensitivity, amber provides a calm, balanced visual experience that feels gentler and more in control.
Yellow
When central vision starts to fade, boosting contrast becomes essential. Yellow lenses are like visual enhancers. They don’t just block glare, they amplify the good stuff: contrast, sharpness, and definition. For people with macular degeneration, this can make reading, walking outdoors, or spotting facial features feel more manageable, even in low light.
Latest trends for your lens needs
Struggling with photophobia?
Take our quick quiz to uncover the right sunglasses for you.
Are bright lights making your daily life uncomfortable? Finding relief starts with understanding what’s really affecting your vision. Take our Light Sensitivity Quiz to get personalized recommendations for the best sunglasses to protect your eyes.
