Eye Test for Diagnosing Macular Degeneration


If you are over 40 years old, regular eye tests will enable your optician to see any signs of AMD.  Eye tests at this age should be taken every 1-2 year’s.  You may have dry AMD if there are yellow spots called drusen, around the macula.  These build up from deposits or debris from deteriorating tissue.  If you show signs of AMD you may be referred to an ophthalmologist.  A good diet is important and supplements have proven to help but you may not be advised to take these until symptoms become clearer. 

If there are any abnormalities in your vision, you should speak with your optometrist (at your opticians) who may refer you to an ophthalmologist.  If you have AMD or there are signs of this condition, the ophthalmologist may begin treatment quite quickly to minimise your loss of vision.  Your ophthalmologist will begin by checking your general medical history.  He/she will then test your eyes and carefully examine the macula by placing eye drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils.  A Fluoresecin Angiogram may be required to check for signs of leaking blood vessels.  The procedure involves giving an injection of special dye in your arm.  This can make some people feel nauscious and dizzy.  The dye travels to the eye where it is possible to see which type of AMD you have.  Photographs are taken of the retina with flashes of blue light.  The photographs indicate the changes occurring in the macula and can help determine the most suitable treatment.  If you drive, it may be unsafe to do so after this appointment.  The eye drops given, impair vision and can last for more than 30 minutes.  Try to get somebody to take you home after a Fluoresecin Angiogram.

If you have AMD you can check its development yourself and should do so perhaps on a monthly basis.  The best way to do this is to keep your normal glasses on (if you wear glasses) and read small print with one eye at a time.  If there is change, then AMD may be progressing into later stages.  Your optometrist/ophthalmologist may give you an Amsler chart to check what your visual distortion is like.  Slowly, straight lines may begin to appear wavy on this graph-like, patterned chart.  

Amsler Chart

amslerchart

  • View the amsler chart in a well-lit room.  Wear your normal glasses or contact lenses, if applicable.
  • Hold the printed grid or face the computer screen, 16 inches away from you (normal reading distance) and cover one eye at a time.
  • Look at the central dot in the chart.
  • Whilst looking at the central dot, see if there is any distortion of lines, or any missing lines on the chart.
  • Check if the spot itself does not disappear when you look away

central fading

Central Fading & Distortion

lower left distortion

Distortion of Lower Left Corner

severe distortion

Severe Central Blind Spot & Distortion

If you experience any such abnormalities, contact your local eye clinic or optician.

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For further information and support on macular disease, contact:

Macular Disease Society

PO Box 1870
Andover
SP10 9AD
Registered Charity No. 1001198
Tel: O845 241 2041
Fax: 01264 350558
Email: info@maculardisease.org
Web: www.maculardisease.org


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