Why can macular degeneration make reading and detailed work difficult?

Macular degeneration makes reading and detailed work difficult because it specifically compromises the macula lutea, the small area of the retina responsible for central vision and the perception of fine detail.12

The center of the macula, known as the fovea, contains specialized nerve cells called cones that are essential for keen vision in bright light and color perception. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) damages this central area through either the accumulation of deposits (dry ARMD) or the growth of fragile, bleeding blood vessels (wet ARMD). Because this condition directly impairs central visual acuity, it hinders the ability to focus on the fine details required for tasks such as reading, even though peripheral vision typically remains unaffected.12