Diagnosing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

If you notice any change in your vision, you should see your eye doctor immediately. If you are over the age of 50, if you have a family history of AMD, or if you smoke, you should have routine yearly eye exams to detect AMD. Be sure to visit a medical eye doctor for examination. An eye exam only for glasses or contacts can’t detect the early stages of AMD. Detection of the early signs of AMD is essential to help preserve as much of your vision as possible. 

 

Test Your Vision Daily

In addition to eye exams, it is important to self-monitor for signs of age-related macular degeneration.  Early vision changes often affect only one eye and occur gradually over time.  One simple test you can do at home is to look at an “Amsler grid”.

• Place the grid at eye level with good lighting and stand about 12 inches away

• While wearing your reading glasses, cover one eye and look at the center dot of the grid with the uncovered eye for about one minute

• Notice if the lines are straight and complete

• First do one eye, and then the other

If any part of the grid looks wavy, blurry, or dark or if you have any other symptoms of early vision loss call your eye doctor right away.  An Amsler grid cannot replace a regular eye exam.  Only your eye doctor can determine if you have dry or wet AMD or another eye disease. 

Click here to see a demonstration of the Amsler grid and the importance of screening at home for AMD.

Learn more Living with AMD

 

To listen to the full prescribing information regarding MACUGEN, please click on the link entitled "Important Safety Information" on the menu bar located on the left of the screen.