Methods of Checking for AMD

Macular degeneration often affects both eyes, although not necessarily at the same time. It may initially occur in only one eye and because of this, the symptoms may go unnoticed, as the "good" eye compensates for the "bad" eye. Regular eye exams are the only means of detecting macular degeneration. Early detection of AMD may prevent further vision loss, since treatment is only effective when started early.

You can do a self-check for AMD using and Amsler Grid, which is a small graph-like chart with a central dot that can be used to check for spots of sight loss or blurry or wavy lines. For a copy of an Amsler Grid that you can use to check for AMD, click here.

Your doctor might use an acuity test and\or a dilated fundus examination to detect AMD.

The Acuity Test measures the eye's ability to distinguish details and shapes at specific distances in specific lighting situations. This typically involves a standard eye chart.

A Dilated Fundus Examination uses specialized instrumentation to conduct an extensive evaluation of the internal structures of the eye.

The exam my also include a Fluorescein or Indocyanine green Angiogram. This test allows your doctor to visualization inner eye structures. A non-toxic dye is injected into the patient's arm which moves through the bloodstream, including the blood vessels in the eyes. A rapid sequence of photos are then taken of the retina and macula, which will identify new blood vessel growth and leakage from blood vessels.