Diagnosing Macular Degeneration

Many people do not realize that they have a macular problem until blurred vision becomes obvious. Your ophthalmologist can detect early stages of macular degeneration during a medical eye examination that includes the following:

     A simple vision test in which you look at a
         grid resembling graph paper (Amsler grid);

     Viewing the macula with
          an ophthalmoscope;

     Sometimes special photographs,
          called angiograms, are taken to find
          abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
          Fluorescent dye is injected into your arm
          and your eye is photographed as the dye
          passes through the blood vessels in the
          back of the eye.
 
   

Testing Your Vision with the Amsler Grid

You can check your vision daily by using an Amsler grid like the one pictured below. You may find changes in your vision that you wouldn't notice otherwise. Your eye doctor can provide you with a grid to take home. Putting the grid on the front of your refrigerator is a good way to remember to look at it each day.

To use the Amsler grid:

1. Wear your reading glasses and hold this grid at 12-15 inches in good light.
   
   
2. Cover one eye.
   
   
3. Look directly at the center dot with the uncovered eye.
   
   
4. While looking directly at the center dot, note whether all lines of the grid are straight or if any areas are distorted, blurred or dark.
   
   
5. Repeat this procedure with the other eye.
   
   
6. If any area of the grid looks wavy, is missing or looks blurred or dark, contact your eye doctor immediately.