Symptoms and Signs of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration usually produces a slow, painless loss of vision. Early signs of vision loss related to AMD include seeing shadowy areas in your central vision or experiencing unusually fuzzy or distorted vision.

Viewing a chart of black lines arranged in a graph pattern, known as the Amsler grid, is one way to recognize these vision problems.

An eye doctor often detects early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms occur. This normally is accomplished through a retinal exam. A brief test using an Amsler Grid that measures your central vision may be performed when AMD is suspected. If the eyecare practitioner detects some defect in your central vision, such as distortion or blurriness, a special test called a fluorescein angiography may be ordered to specifically examine the retinal blood vessels surrounding the macula.

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