Symptoms

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive condition that begins long before symptoms occur. There are some things to watch for that may indicate a vision problem and that should immediately be told to your eye doctor. These include:

• Straight lines appear distorted, or the center of vision becomes distorted (called metamorphopsia)
  
  
• Dark, blurry areas appear in the center of vision (also known as a scotoma)
  
  
• Faces or objects right in front of you may appear blurry

If you have experienced any of the following then you should tell your eye doctor immediately:

• Difficulty seeing letters or words on a page

• Difficulty seeing while doing fine motor actions such as tying shoes or sewing

• Difficulty with distinguishing contrast.  This may affect driving at night, judging distances, or reading colored letters on colored paper

• More trouble seeing at a distance

• Needing more light to see contrast, such as reading words on colored paper

Having one or more of these symptoms may not mean you have AMD. But, if you have any of these symptoms, you should see your eye doctor right away. Detection of the early signs of AMD is essential to help preserve as much of your vision as possible.

 

Vision Simulator Tool

The vision simulator tool found below was made to show what a patient with wet AMD might see and how vision may change over time.

How do I use the vision simulator tool?
Drag the white rectangular button below from left to right or simply click anywhere along the white line and it will move to the spot you clicked. When the button is in the left position, it shows the view from a healthy eye. When the button is in the right position, it shows what the view might look like for someone with advanced AMD.

This is a simulation only and is not meant as an exact reflection of a person with wet age-related macular degeneration. Only your doctor can tell you if you have an eye disease and what will happen to your sight.

Visit www.VisionSimulator.com to view a simulation of AMD and other conditions.

 

Test Your Vision Daily

Remember that in addition to regular eye exams, it is important to self-monitor for signs of AMD.  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. 

 

Learn more about HOW AMD IS DIAGNOSED

 

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.