Position of the Macula and Effects of AMD (IMAGE) Institute for Basic Science Caption Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects a site at the back of the eye, called the macula, on the retina. It causes vision to become blurred, distorted and a black spot appears in the center of the eyesight. Credit IBS Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.