A nurse assesses an elderly patient diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Which of the following assessment findings would be most consistent with AMD?

Macular degeneration involves the progressive deterioration of the macula, the retinal region responsible for high-acuity vision. Accumulation of drusen or choroidal neovascularization disrupts photoreceptor function, leading to metamorphopsia and a permanent central scotoma that impairs reading and facial recognition. Rationale: A. The loss of peripheral vision, often described as tunnel vision, is the hallmark of glaucoma. Macular degeneration spares the peripheral retina and specifically targets the central field. Increased intraocular pressure typically damages the optic nerve fibers responsible for side vision instead. B. The destruction of the macula directly causes blurring and distortion of images located in the center of the visual field. This is the most characteristic finding as the patient loses the ability to see fine detail. Amsler grid testing is frequently used to monitor these distortions. C. Seeing halos around lights, especially at night, is a classic symptom associated with cataracts or angle-closure glaucoma. These visual phenomena result from light scattering or corneal edema rather than retinal macular atrophy. It is not a primary clinical manifestation of age-related degeneration. D. Sudden, painless, total vision loss is a medical emergency usually indicating a central retinal artery occlusion. Age-related macular degeneration is typically a gradual process occurring over several years. Acute changes in AMD usually involve hemorrhagic leakage rather than immediate total blindness.