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Edited by Missing3886, VermontGal

Two Methods:Detect Macular Degeneration by Its SymptomsConfirm Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic age-related retinal disease that causes a slow loss of vision in people over the age of 50. The 2 stages of macular degeneration are commonly known as wet and dry disease. The dry disease occurs when the macula deteriorates, causing a number of symptoms like blurred vision. The wet disease is an aggressive disease that occurs when blood vessels abnormally develop, and it's usually a complication of the dry disease. There are a number of treatments like vitamins, medications, laser therapy, and vision aids for macular degeneration, but there is no cure.

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EditMethod 1 of 2: Detect Macular Degeneration by Its Symptoms

  1. Detect Macular Degeneration Step 1.jpg
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    Look for signs and symptoms that may help you detect macular degeneration in its early stages.
    • Watch for straight lines that appear broken, crooked, wavy, bent or distorted in your vision. You can check for this symptom easily with a specific vision grid that tests this. Distorted straight lines are generally the first noticeable sign of macular degeneration.
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  2. Detect Macular Degeneration Step 2.jpg
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    Pay close attention to a decline in your central vision, both close-up and distant. People use central vision when they drive, read, look at faces or view pictures. Your central vision allows you to see details, colors and shapes more clearly.
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    Acknowledge changes in the center of your vision. Your sight may become blurry, shadowy, fuzzy or dark. These symptoms worsen as the disease progresses.
  4. Detect Macular Degeneration Step 4.jpg
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    Recognize a dark blank or black spot in the middle of your vision. This can be a sign of macular degeneration. This spot starts out small, grows over time and may eventually lead to blindness.
  5. Detect Macular Degeneration Step 5.jpg
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    Focus your eyes on an object. Cover 1 eye at a time while looking at the object. If the color or size of the item appears to change, macular degeneration may be present in 1 or both eyes.

EditMethod 2 of 2: Confirm Macular Degeneration

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    Schedule an appointment with your opthamologist immediately for a professional opinion, if you experience macular degeneration symptoms.
  2. Detect Macular Degeneration Step 7.jpg
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    Have a routine eye exam. The doctor will look for early signs of macular degeneration. He will dismiss or confirm macular degeneration and determine whether you have the wet or dry disease.
    • An opthamologist may use a specialized microscope, known as an ophthalmoscope, to inspect the retina for abnormalities.
    • When the opthamologist detects drusen, which are small yellow deposits beneath the retina, this confirms early stage macular degeneration.
    • Your opthamologist may measure your central vision with a specific grid to help determine macular degeneration damage.
  3. Detect Macular Degeneration Step 8.jpg
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    Obtain further recommended testing when your opthamologist suspects wet macular degeneration disease.
    • Your doctor may conduct a visual field test with a moving target and a fixed target to measure your forward and side (peripheral) vision. These 2 tests are accurate in detecting blind spots caused by the wet aggressive disease.
    • A fluorescein angiography is an image test that examines the retinal blood vessels around the macula. A medical professional will inject the fluorescein dye into the blood stream. Photographs of the eye will be taken as the blood circulates through the retina. This test provides effective treatment guidelines.
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EditTips

  • You can download a free grid or pick one up from your opthamologist's office to test your vision.
  • Macular degeneration risk factors include being a women, having light skin, having light eye color, being a certain age, smoking, being overweight and having high blood pressure.
  • If you are over the age of 50 and have a family history of macular degeneration, see your opthamologist for a thorough eye exam.
  • Although there is no treatment for dry macular degeneration, it does progress slowly.
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EditWarnings

  • Never ignore macular degeneration symptoms. Although, there is no cure for this disease, you may be able to stop further vision loss with early detection and treatment.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Vision grid


EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Detect Vision Loss

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Conditions and Treatments | Healthy Aging and Senior Lifestyle

Recent edits by: Missing3886

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