Symptoms of macular degeneration included blurry vision, scotomas (blind spots) and distortion. They are created by disruption, or degeneration of the macula. Macular degeneration usually affects patients over the age of 55, both eyes and leads to progressive loss of vision.
Patients with known macular degeneration usually self-monitor with the aid of an Amsler grid. This is basically a piece of graph paper. By checking each eye daily, any blind spots or distortion can be monitored. Persistent changes should be reported to the eye doctor.
Patients without the prior diagnosis should have period eye exams. The exam must include dilation of the pupils to allow proper exam of the retina. The macula is the functional center of the retina and can only be examined with dilation.
There are characteristic findings that cause your doctor to be suspicious of ARMD. Common signs include drusen, scarring, fluid and sometimes blood. These characteristic findings usually are associated with decreased vision, the severity of which depends on whether or not you have wet or dry form.
A retina specialist (a specialized ophthalmologist) is best suited to make the diagnosis. Several tests can be performed including a fluorescein angiogram and possibly an OCT (optical coherence tomography). These tests will aid your physician in making the diagnosis. These tests will also differentiate between the wet and dry form of ARMD.
Presently there is no treatment for dry macular degeneration. There are treatments available for the wet form of the disease.
While there are other retinal problems that can give similar symptoms, in any case it is extremely important that you report any persistent changes in your vision to your eye doctor. The early treatment is instituted, the better the prognosis.
