Retinal Degeneration: Types, Early Symptoms and Treatment Options

Key takeaways

• Retinal degeneration is a group of conditions, not one disease, and each type behaves differently.
• Early symptoms are easy to miss, so a dilated retina check-up can find changes before you notice them.
• Sudden flashes, new floaters, a dark curtain or sudden distortion need a retina exam as soon as possible.
• Treatment aims to protect remaining vision; it varies by type, and results differ from person to person.
• People over 50, with diabetes, high myopia or a family history should ask their doctor about regular screening.

What is retinal degeneration?

Retinal degeneration is a group of conditions in which retinal cells, mainly the photoreceptors (rods and cones) and the tissue that supports them, slowly break down and stop working properly. Because the retina turns light into signals for the brain, this causes progressive vision loss that glasses alone cannot correct.

The retina has two broad working zones. The macula, at the centre, gives sharp detail for reading, recognising faces and driving. The peripheral retina handles side vision and seeing in low light. Different types of degeneration affect different zones, which is why symptoms vary so much.

Most forms are painless and develop slowly. Both eyes are often involved, but not always equally, and the stronger eye can hide problems in the weaker one. Retinal degeneration is also different from a retinal detachment, although some degenerations raise the risk of one.

What are the main types of retinal degeneration?

The most common types are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects central vision in older adults, and retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition that usually begins with night vision and side vision loss. Others include myopic degeneration in high short-sightedness, lattice degeneration of the peripheral retina, and inherited macular conditions such as Stargardt disease.

• Age-related macular degeneration: the "dry" form involves slow thinning and wearing out of the macula. The "wet" form involves abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood and can cause faster changes.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: a group of inherited disorders where rod cells fail first, so night vision and side vision usually go before central vision.
• Myopic degeneration: in high myopia the eye is stretched, and the retina and macula can thin and become more fragile.
• Lattice degeneration: patches of thin peripheral retina, often found in short-sighted people, which can sometimes lead to tears or detachment.
• Inherited macular dystrophies: conditions such as Stargardt disease that usually start earlier in life and affect central vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is a separate retinal condition caused by diabetes. It is not usually called degeneration, but it also needs regular retina care, so people with diabetes should not skip their check-ups.

What are the early symptoms of retinal degeneration?

Early retinal degeneration symptoms include blurred or hazy central vision, straight lines looking wavy, a dark or empty patch in the middle of vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and gradually narrowing side vision. Many people notice nothing at first, which is why a dilated retina check-up can find changes before symptoms start.

• Straight lines, door frames or text appearing bent or distorted
• Needing much more light to read, or colours looking faded
• Trouble adjusting when moving from bright light into a dim room
• Bumping into objects or missing things at the edge of your vision
• A grey, blurry or blank spot that does not go away

A simple home check is the Amsler grid, a printed grid of straight lines. Cover one eye, look at the centre dot with your reading glasses on if you use them, and note any wavy, missing or blurred lines. Repeat with the other eye. It does not replace an eye exam, but a change is a reason to book one.

A common mistake is to put the change down to age or to needing new glasses, and wait. Another is to rely on the better eye. Check each eye separately.

What causes retinal degeneration and who is at risk?

Causes depend on the type. Age is the main risk for macular degeneration, inherited gene changes drive retinitis pigmentosa, and stretching of the eye in high myopia can thin the retina. Smoking, family history and long-standing diabetes or high blood pressure also raise risk, though having a risk factor does not mean you will develop the disease.

• Age: the risk of AMD rises as people get older.
• Genetics: a family history of AMD, retinitis pigmentosa or other inherited retinal disease.
• High myopia: a high short-sighted prescription is linked to thinner, weaker retina.
• Smoking: a well-recognised, changeable risk factor for AMD.
• Systemic health: poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure can damage retinal blood vessels.
• Some long-term medicines: for example, hydroxychloroquine needs regular retinal monitoring.

How does a retina specialist diagnose retinal degeneration?

Diagnosis starts with a dilated eye exam, where the specialist examines the retina with a fundus exam, usually followed by an OCT scan. OCT is a quick, painless test that shows the retinal layers in cross-section. Depending on the findings, visual field testing, fundus photography, angiography, electrical tests of retinal function or genetic testing may be added.

A typical retina check-up goes in stages:

• History: your symptoms, family history, diabetes, medicines and smoking.
• Vision and eye pressure check, with your current glasses if you wear them.
• Dilating drops: these widen the pupil. Your near vision and light sensitivity may be affected for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and consider having someone with you.
• Fundus exam: the specialist looks at the macula, blood vessels and peripheral retina.
• OCT scan: this detects fluid, thinning or scarring that may not be visible during the exam.
• Extra tests if needed: visual field, angiography, electrophysiology or genetic testing, chosen according to your case.

Useful questions to ask: What type do I have? Which part of my retina is affected? How often should I be reviewed? What changes should make me call you sooner? Should family members be checked?

What are the treatment options for retinal degeneration?

Treatment depends on the type and stage. Wet macular degeneration is usually treated with anti-VEGF injections that reduce abnormal vessel leakage, while dry macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are mainly monitored and managed. Treatment aims to protect remaining vision. It cannot promise to restore sight already lost, and results vary between people.

• Wet AMD: anti-VEGF injections into the eye, given as a series of visits with OCT monitoring. How often depends on how the eye responds.
• Dry AMD: regular monitoring, home checks with an Amsler grid, lifestyle measures, and in some intermediate or advanced cases a specific vitamin formulation or other therapy if your doctor advises it. Ask what is appropriate and available for you.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: there is no general cure. Care focuses on regular monitoring, treating related problems such as cataract or macular swelling, low-vision aids, and genetic counselling. Gene-specific treatment applies only to a small group with particular gene changes, and a specialist can tell you if you qualify.
• Myopic degeneration: anti-VEGF injections if abnormal vessels form, and close follow-up of thin areas.
• Lattice degeneration: often only observed. If a tear is found, laser treatment around it may be advised to lower the risk of detachment.
• Low-vision support: magnifiers, better lighting and training help many people keep doing daily tasks.

Treatment plans should be made by a retina specialist after examination. Do not start supplements or injections on your own, and avoid anyone who promises a cure.

Can retinal degeneration be prevented or slowed?

Not all retinal degeneration can be prevented, especially inherited forms, but some risk factors can be managed. Not smoking, keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control, eating plenty of leafy vegetables and fish, protecting your eyes from strong sunlight and attending regular retina check-ups may help protect vision or catch problems early.

• Stop smoking, or ask your doctor for help to quit.
• Take diabetes and blood pressure medicines as prescribed and keep follow-up appointments.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection outdoors.
• Keep a varied diet with vegetables, fruit and fish rather than relying on supplements alone.
• Do not skip retina visits just because your vision seems fine.

Who should have regular retina screening?

Adults over 50, people with diabetes, those with high myopia, and anyone with a family history of macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa or other inherited retinal disease should discuss regular retina screening with an eye doctor. How often depends on your age, risk and findings, so your specialist will set the schedule.

• Everyone over 50, even with good vision
• People with diabetes, at least as often as their doctor advises
• People with high myopia or a past retinal tear or detachment
• Relatives of people with inherited retinal disease
• People on long-term medicines that can affect the retina, such as hydroxychloroquine
• Children with a family history of inherited retinal disease or night-vision difficulty

When should you see a retina specialist urgently?

See a retina specialist as soon as possible, ideally the same day, if you notice sudden flashes of light, a sudden shower of new floaters, a dark curtain across your vision, or sudden distortion or loss of central vision. These can signal a retinal tear, detachment or wet macular degeneration, where delay can reduce how much vision can be saved.

Do not wait to see if it settles. If you cannot reach your own doctor quickly, go to the nearest eye emergency service.

The Sight Avenue offers retina services, and our vitreo-retina specialist is Dr Akshi Sharma. We have branches at Greater Kailash, Delhi, and Bakhtawar Chowk, Gurgaon. Call before you travel, describe your symptoms and confirm where and when a retina specialist can see you. Every person's eyes are different, so any diagnosis or treatment plan should come from an in-person examination.

Medically reviewed by Dr Niveshh Babbar — November 2026.

Is retinal degeneration the same as macular degeneration?

Not exactly. Macular degeneration is one type of retinal degeneration that affects the central retina. Retinal degeneration also includes retinitis pigmentosa, myopic degeneration, lattice degeneration and other conditions.

Can retinal degeneration be cured?

Most types cannot be cured. Some can be slowed or controlled, for example wet macular degeneration with anti-VEGF injections. Lost vision usually cannot be restored, and results vary, so ask your retina specialist what to expect in your case.

Does retinal degeneration cause pain or redness?

Usually not. Most forms are painless and the eye looks normal, so the condition can progress without obvious signs. Regular retina check-ups are important for people at higher risk.

Is retinitis pigmentosa hereditary?

Yes, retinitis pigmentosa is usually inherited, although patterns differ between families. A retina specialist can advise on genetic testing and counselling, and on whether relatives should be examined.

How often should I have a retina check-up?

It depends on your age, risk factors and findings. Adults over 50, people with diabetes or high myopia, and those with a family history should ask their doctor to set a schedule. If you already have retinal disease, follow the review dates your specialist gives you.

Will glasses fix vision loss from retinal degeneration?

No. Glasses correct focusing errors, but retinal degeneration damages the retina itself. New glasses may still help with other problems, and low-vision aids can make daily tasks easier.