How is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Detected?
Perich Eye Centers
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Perich Eye Centers 〰️
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is typically detected through a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Macular degeneration is a very serious eye condition, and one of the leading causes of blindness and vision impairment. This disease usually occurs in people over the age of 50, but can begin to develop as young as 40. The eye condition typically manifests with only mild symptoms, such as slight blurriness or vision distortion, and progressively gets worse.
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision you need for straight-ahead activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. AMD does not cause any pain.
The examination may include several tests and evaluations to assess the condition of the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Here are some common methods used to detect AMD:
Visual Acuity Test: This test measures your ability to see details at various distances using an eye chart. It helps determine if your central vision has been affected by AMD.
Dilated Eye Examination: The eye care professional will administer eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing a better view of the back of your eye. They will use a special magnifying lens to examine the macula and retina for signs of AMD, such as drusen (yellow deposits under the retina) or changes in the pigmented cells.
Amsler Grid Test: You may be asked to look at an Amsler grid, which is a pattern of intersecting lines. If you have AMD, you may see wavy or distorted lines or blank spots on the grid. (See below for more on this)
Fluorescein Angiography: This test involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein in your arm, which travels to the blood vessels in your eyes. The eye care professional will take photographs as the dye circulates, highlighting any abnormalities or leakages in the blood vessels.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test uses light waves to produce cross-sectional images of the retina. It can reveal detailed information about the thickness and structure of the macula, allowing the detection of any abnormalities.
It's important to note that early detection of AMD can greatly improve the effectiveness of treatment and management options. Regular eye examinations, especially for individuals over the age of 50 or with a family history of AMD, are crucial for early detection and timely intervention.
What are the symptoms of AMD?
The symptoms of macular degeneration will get worse over time, which makes it extremely important to have an eye exam as soon as you notice anything even slightly wrong with your vision.
Symptoms may include:
Blurriness Difficulty seeing light or dark colors
Blind spots in central vision
Loss of visual acuity
Visual distortions
Objects that have straight lines looking slightly bent
Size or color of certain objects not looking the same in each of your eyes
Amsler Grid
This image is the Amsler Grid.
This simple test may be able to detect changes as they first appear in cases of Macular Degeneration:
If You Have Reading Glasses, Please Put Them On – Keep The Amsler Grid 12 Inches Away
Cover One Of Your Eyes
Keep Your Eye Completely Focused On The Dot In The Center
While You Look At The Center, Make Sure That The Small Squares Are All The Same Size And That All Of The Lines Are Straight
If Any Area On The Grid Starts Looking Discolored, Blurred, Or Distorted, Please Contact Our Practice Immediately To Schedule An Eye Exam
Please Repeat The Test On The Other Eye
What can I do to protect my vision?
To protect your vision, we recommend that you have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, so that we can monitor your condition and check for other signs of eye disease.
During your visit, it is also possible that we will advise that you take the AREDS supplementation.
During an eye exam, we may ask you to look at an Amsler grid. This is an eye test that involves covering one eye and staring at a black dot in the center of a lined grid.
Signs that are indicative of AMD include seeing some of the lines in the grid as missing and the pattern in the grid appearing wavy.
It is important to know that Dry AMD can become Wet AMD. This is why we at Perich Eye Center recommend you schedule an appointment to come see us for testing in person.
Can my lifestyle make a difference?
Yes, lifestyle changes can help make a difference in not just your overall health but in protecting your vision as well. Here are some tips we recommend to help reduce your risk of developing AMD:
-Refrain from smoking. If you are a current smoker, we recommend that you get the support you need to help you quit
-Eat a healthy diet full of greens, vegetables, fruits and fresh fish - Avoid red meat and pork
-Exercise, do yoga, and meditate
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Develop good strategies to reduce and deal with stress - Monitor your blood pressure.
What is the newest research regarding AMD?
According to scientists at the National Eye Institute, studies are being done to see if transplanting healthy cells into a diseased retina can be accomplished. Genetic and hereditary factors are also being studied. Currently there are initiatory anti-inflammatory treatments being looked at to treat the wet form of AMD.
If you or a loved one are concerned about your eye health or have further questions, we would love to speak with you and take a look at your eyes to see how we can help. Please see the list of our convenient Central Florida locations by clicking here or scrolling down further on this page to find the location nearest to you!
