This is the second of three papers dealing with age-related maculopathy (ARM) and its effects on visual function (Swann, P.G. and Lovie-Kitchin, J.E. Age-related maculopathy. I: A review of its morphology and effects on visual function. Ophthal. Physiol. Opt. 10, 149-158 (1990)). We investigated the nature or character of the central visual field loss in ARM and pre-age related maculopathy (PARM) and compared them with age-matched normal subjects. Central visual fields were examined using the Friedmann Visual Field Analyser, Mark II, the Bausch and Lomb Autoplot Tangent Screen and Amsler charts. The central visual field defects in ARM were predominantly paracentral with a relative sparing of foveal sensitivity. PARM subjects did not show significant visual field defects. However, three PARM subjects did show slight distortions with the Amsler charts. The third paper in this series will compare the efficacy of the three methods of visual field investigation in the detection of these defects.