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.

Similar to glaucoma symptoms, there are few noticeable physical symptoms associated with AMD until vision loss has already begun. However, 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.

Once you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration there are currently only a few treatment options that have been approved by the FDA. Options range from laser therapy to injections all aimed at slowing or stopping the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Each macular degeneration treatment has its potential risks such as spots, floaters, swelling in the eye and increased eye pressure — which can increase your chances of developing glaucoma and requiring glaucoma treatment in the future.

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