Symptoms of AMD include the following:
• Blurred or decreased central vision
• Blind spots (scotomas), partial loss of vision
• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia): Straight lines may appear wavy or bent.
• Inability to see in dim light
• Objects appearing suddenly smaller when viewed with one eye than with the other
• AMD is not associated with redness of the eyes or pain.
Signs of AMD include the following:
There are no outwardly visible signs of AMD in the eye. An eye doctor will be able to see signs of AMD by examining the retina with special equipment. The signs may include irregular pigmentation, yellowish deposits, and fluid and/or blood in or under the retina, as discussed below.
When to Seek Medical Care for Macular Degeneration
In general, people older than 45 years should have a complete eye examination with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) every one to two years to screen for AMD, as well as other eye conditions (such as cataracts and glaucoma) that become more common with age. People with a known family history of AMD should be checked yearly.
Once a person is diagnosed with AMD, more frequent follow-up examinations may be needed. Additionally, the eye doctor will ask patients with AMD to monitor their vision at home using a tool known as an Amsler grid. If changes in vision are detected using the grid, patients should promptly notify their ophthalmologist.
Timely treatment of early wet age-related macular degeneration can often prevent further vision loss.
What Are Macular Degeneration Risk Factors?
Many forms of AMD are hereditary (genetically inherited), but because symptoms may not appear until later years, obtaining an accurate family history may be difficult.
Additionally, the following risk factors are also associated with AMD:
• Age: The likelihood of developing macular degeneration increases with age.
• Smoking is a risk factor for both forms of macular degeneration, and smokers with AMD suffer more severe vision loss than nonsmokers with AMD.
• Cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome are also associated with AMD.
• Race: Macular degeneration is more common in whites but occurs in all races.
• Pigmentation: Macular degeneration is more common in people with lightly pigmented skin and light blue eyes.
• Gender: Women get AMD more commonly than men.
Questions to Ask the Eye Doctor About Macular Degeneration
• What can I do to decrease my chances of losing vision?
• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What lifestyle changes should I make?
• What treatment options are available for my condition?
• What low-vision aids are available to help me with my remaining vision?
Questions to Ask the Primary Care Provider (Family Practice Doctor, Internist, Geriatrician)
• How can I improve my overall cardiovascular health?
• How can I get help with smoking cessation?
Symptoms of AMD include the following:
• Blurred or decreased central vision
• Blind spots (scotomas), partial loss of vision
• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia): Straight lines may appear wavy or bent.
• Inability to see in dim light
• Objects appearing suddenly smaller when viewed with one eye than with the other
• AMD is not associated with redness of the eyes or pain.
Signs of AMD include the following:
There are no outwardly visible signs of AMD in the eye. An eye doctor will be able to see signs of AMD by examining the retina with special equipment. The signs may include irregular pigmentation, yellowish deposits, and fluid and/or blood in or under the retina, as discussed below.
When to Seek Medical Care for Macular Degeneration
In general, people older than 45 years should have a complete eye examination with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) every one to two years to screen for AMD, as well as other eye conditions (such as cataracts and glaucoma) that become more common with age. People with a known family history of AMD should be checked yearly.
Once a person is diagnosed with AMD, more frequent follow-up examinations may be needed. Additionally, the eye doctor will ask patients with AMD to monitor their vision at home using a tool known as an Amsler grid. If changes in vision are detected using the grid, patients should promptly notify their ophthalmologist.
Timely treatment of early wet age-related macular degeneration can often prevent further vision loss. Continue Reading
What Exams and Tests Do Doctors Use to Diagnose Macular Degeneration?
An eye doctor will begin with a complete eye examination, which will include asking about any changes in vision and any family history of eye disease.
Initial tests include measurement of the sharpness of vision (visual acuity) and an examination of the retina. During the examination of the retina, the ophthalmologist looks for specific signs of macular degeneration.
• Drusen and irregularities in the pigmentation of the retina are the hallmark signs of dry AMD. Drusen come in different sizes. Large drusen are associated with higher risk of vision loss than smaller drusen.
• Thinning (atrophy) of the pigmented layer of the retina is seen in advanced dry AMD (geographic atrophy). Often it is helpful to take a photograph to document the findings and refer back to the image at follow-up visits to detect any subtle progression of the condition.
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