Having poor eyesight is one of the common indications of the aging process. Eye disorder such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is highly likely to occur in the elderly. Luckily, an eye test for macular degeneration is easy to use, even in the comfort of your home. In fact, you can download it on your mobile or on your computer to check your eye health condition. If you have issues with your eyesight, get an eye examination from a qualified specialist.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Also called macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disorder that may deteriorate over time. It is the foremost cause of extreme, permanent vision loss in individuals over age 60.
This condition occurs when the little central area of your retina, known as a macula, gets damage. The retina is the light-sensing tissue at the rear of your eye.
Since the disease may develop as you age, it is frequently called age-related macular degeneration. For the most part, it does not cause blindness. However, it may result in severe vision issues.
Macular Degeneration Diagnosis
It is essential to have a regular eye exam even if your eyesight seems normal. You should also inform your eye doctor about any vision changes you encounter.
Your doctor can administer an assortment of tests to diagnose macular degeneration.
For instance, they can apply special eye drops to widen your eyes and afterward check the back of your eyes for indications of liquid, blood, or yellow deposits.
Other tests your eye doctor can use to diagnose the condition include Amsler grid, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography.
Amsler Grid as Standard Eye Test for Macular Degeneration
Amsler grid is a commonly used eye test for macular degeneration.
Your eye doctor can assess your field of central vision by making you look at an Amsler grid. The pattern of this test is simple, with a dot in the middle. You can use an Amsler grid each day to keep track of your eyesight.
Here are the steps on how to use the Amsler grid even at the comfort of your home:
- Keep the Amsler grid in where you see it consistently. Numerous individuals put an Amsler grid on their fridge door or on their restroom mirror.
- In proper light, see the grid from around 12 to15 inches away. Make sure to wear your prescribed glasses.
- Cover one eye and look straight toward the dot in the middle of the grid with your other eye. See if any of the lines look wavy or bent. Check whether any piece of the grid seems dim, blurry, or out of shape.
- Then, cover your other eye and do the same procedure once more.
If you notice that any lines or portions of the Amsler grid look blurry, wavy, or dim, call your ophthalmologist or eye doctor as soon as possible.
Macular degeneration makes your vision change over time. Most of the time, you may not see these changes when they occur. However, you need to catch vision changes immediately. Addressing them right away can help slow or prevent further loss of sight. Using the Amsler grid every day can help you monitor the progression of your vision. Consult your ophthalmologist to make sure.