sackrat, I'm 52 and a couple of months ago I thought for sure I had age related macular degeneration. There was a spot about the size of my little fingernail held at arms length directly on the optic axis that was slightly yellow tinted and blurry. It was not always there. The doc took 40 flash pictures of my retina (what an experience and cost $250). He said I definately don't have AMD. Big relief. However, when I blink my eyes or move them fast I will see a lingering circle of high contrast "particles" in the exact centerline of sight. Are my symptoms anything like yours? I still get worried even if my doc is a professor at USC! For your benifit check out any ongoing research projects. Here in CA. there is a need for volunteers for a new treatment for AMD. I've also heard about laser activated dyes that patch up the leaky vessels. good luck and please answer my question.