Deterioration of the macula can result in blurriness, dark areas and distortion; usually noticeable in central vision and making reading, driving and recognizing faces difficult.

Ninety percent of ARMD cases can be considered dry; however, 10 to 15 percent develop abnormal blood vessels which leak fluid, leading to severe vision loss – known as wet macular degeneration.

Amsler Grid

When diagnosed with the dry form of macular degeneration, their doctor may suggest using an Amsler grid at home in order to monitor any central vision loss caused by their disease and to schedule an eye exam if any changes arise – potentially slowing down progression and associated visual deficits.

An Amsler grid is a series of lines resembling a checkerboard. When using it, patients hold it about 12 inches away from their face while wearing their regular reading glasses (if applicable). After covering one eye at a time and viewing the black dot in the center of the square grid grid they observe any distortions such as blank areas or wavy ones in its lines. Once finished this process repeats itself.

If the Amsler grid lines appear distorted or absent, this could be an early indicator of macular degeneration. Patients should immediately schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist to identify what caused it and learn how to treat it, while monitoring response to treatment.

Ophthalmologists use various tests in addition to the Amsler grid in order to diagnose macular degeneration vision problems, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) that examines retinal layers and detects fluid in the macula. Fluorescein angiography is another diagnostic tool. This process involves injecting dye into one arm, and digitally imaging the retina with it. The dye helps doctors detect abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or are leaking from macula area. Laser therapy is often successful at treating abnormal blood vessels and restoring central vision, so regular visits to an ophthalmologist will ensure early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Angiography

Macular degeneration is a disease that impairs central vision, the area that allows you to see details clearly when threading a needle or driving. It occurs when part of your retina called the macula becomes damaged, leading to blurry, darkened areas or distortions in straight-ahead vision, issues with color perception or distortion and problems with color vision – although rarely affecting peripheral (side) vision loss in people over 50. Macular degeneration is currently the leading cause of severe vision loss among adults over 50.

Macular degeneration occurs in two forms: dry and wet. The former form, more prevalent among individuals over time, involves gradual loss of central vision; while wet AMD, which occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath your retina and leak, bleed, or scar your macula, is more serious, often leading to rapid loss of central vision over a short time period.

Macular degeneration often progresses silently at first, yet regular dilated eye exams can detect it early. The initial sign may include distortion of straight lines or blurry areas in your central vision – sooner it’s detected the sooner steps can be taken to slow its effects and preserve vision loss.

Angiography is a test which allows us to observe more closely the blood vessels under your retina. A special camera takes photos as dye is injected into a vein in your arm and travels through retinal blood vessels creating a colorful image of your retina, helping our doctor assess your condition more thoroughly and select an effective treatment option.

No cure exists for dry macular degeneration; however, you can manage its symptoms through diet rich in Vitamin C, E, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Speak with Dr. Richlin OD & Associates optometrist before taking supplements that might hinder vision loss. In case of wet macular degeneration however, medications can curb abnormal blood vessel growth to prevent leakage harming vision; laser light surgery may reduce abnormal vessels while simultaneously stopping any leakages that might harm vision.

Drusen

Early signs of dry macular degeneration involve yellow deposits known as drusen that accumulate under the retina and can be detected during a comprehensive dilated exam by your eye care provider. People living with drusen often experience blurry central vision while having useful peripheral (side) vision; depending on their size, your doctor can diagnose you as having early, intermediate or late dry AMD.

Drusen are caused by metabolic byproduct deposits accumulating beneath the retina, leading to gradual loss of central vision. At first, however, drusen do not affect daily activities significantly, though as time progresses people may begin noticing blurry or wavy lines appearing in their central vision.

Damage to the macula occurs when cells in the center of your retina stop functioning correctly, rendering its detection and interpretation functions ineffective. Over time, this region becomes damaged so much so that straight ahead vision becomes impossible.

Macular degeneration comes in two varieties, dry and wet. Most people suffer from dry macular degeneration which is characterized by the presence of drusen and usually progresses slower towards advanced macular degeneration than wet AMD. People living with dry AMD should live a lifestyle low in fat with plenty of fruits and vegetables included in their diet for best results.

As the disease advances, drusen can grow larger and cover more area of the retina. People with large drusen are at increased risk for wet AMD; wet AMD is defined by abnormal blood vessels forming underneath the retina called neovascularization that leads to rapid vision loss compared to dry AMD.

Regular monitoring of drusen is important to detect changes. Your eye care professional can use an Amsler grid to look for any wavy or dark areas in your vision; an ocular ultrasound, CT scan or optical coherence tomography scan may also be performed to monitor changes to retina and optic nerve structures. People who smoke, are obese or have family histories of AMD are at increased risk.

Visual Field

Macular degeneration refers to any condition where there is deterioration or breakdown in the central part of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of your eyeball), leading to blurred straight ahead vision and making reading or driving difficult. It typically does not reduce side vision (peripheral vision). You should still be able to perceive fine details with this portion of your eye.

Macular degeneration may develop suddenly or gradually. The dry form is marked by yellow deposits called drusen under the retina that gradually cause blurry, hazy vision in your central field of view and distortions to geometric shapes as well as blurry blind spots within your field of view. Wet macular degeneration on the other hand, involves abnormal blood vessels forming under your retina which cause rapid loss of straight ahead vision with sudden or severe decrease in adapting to low lighting levels or blurred blind spots within your field of vision, leading to rapid loss of straight ahead vision loss that results in rapid loss of straight ahead vision as well.

Visual field testing is conducted by trained professionals using specialized computer software to measure and identify blind spots within your visual field, as well as detect any asymmetry between eyes or whether there may be macular degeneration progressing over time. Testing can help monitor this condition’s progression as well as assess treatment’s success rate and assess any related outcomes.

Your doctor uses the results of the Visual Field test to assess your overall eye health and identify any areas needing immediate attention. He or she can then tailor a macular degeneration treatment plan specifically tailored for your eyes to maximize vision and ensure optimal eye health.

Visual field testing is an efficient, safe, and noninvasive way of diagnosing macular degeneration and other vision conditions. Through combining experience with cutting-edge technology, doctors can interpret these tests more accurately for their patients and produce detailed reports with accurate results.