Your G.P. or ophthalmologist will be able to detect AMD through an examination of the eye. To check for signs of the disease, he will use eye drops to dilate the pupils. Dilating the pupils allows your eye care professional to view the back of the eye better.
 
The comprehensive eye exam will include:
 
Visual acuity test: measures how well you will see at various distances.
 
Dilated eye exam: magnifying lens will be used to dilate or enlarge the pupils.
 
Tonometry: instrument used to measure the pressure inside the eye
 
Amsler grid: during the eye exam you may be asked to look at an Amsler grid, which is a grid that looks like a checker board. You will be asked to cover one eye while looking at the black dot in the centre. While staring at the dot, you may notice the straight lines in the grid appear wavy or some of the lines may be missing. These may be signs of AMD.
 
Fluorescein angiogram: If your G.P. believes you have wet AMD, he may suggest a fluorescein angiogram. In this test a special dye is inserted into your arm. Pictures are taken of the dye passes through the blood vessels in your retina. This will allow your health care professional to identify any blood vessels which might be leaking and identify treatment.
 
Learn more about treatment for macular degeneration
 

Latest

Trending