| Signs of Macular Degeneration | | | | Macular Degeneration Grid. The Amsler Grid is a |
| 1. Drusen are yellow or off-white deposits under | | | | grid of horizontal and vertical lines used to monitor |
| the retina. Alone, they do not cause vision loss. | | | | a person's vision. |
| However, an increase in the size and number of | | | | If you notice that any of the straight lines look |
| drusen does increase your risk for age related | | | | like wavy lines, contact your ophthalmologist. It |
| macular degeneration (AMD). | | | | may indicate a problem with your retina, |
| The most common symptoms of macular | | | | particularly the macula, the center of the retina. |
| degeneration are: | | | | A person can monitor their vision at home by |
| 2. Normally straight lines or objects appear wavy | | | | obtaining an Amsler grid from their optometrist or |
| or bent | | | | ophthalmologist or you may find out how to get a |
| 3. A blurry, dark, or blank spot in the center of | | | | free magnetic Amsler Grid by going to the link |
| your vision | | | | below. |
| 4. Difficulty distinguishing colors | | | | Macular degeneration symptoms affect the |
| 5. Difficulty distinguishing detail, such as words in a | | | | straight-ahead or center of your vision, but not |
| book or faces. | | | | your peripheral vision. It is not blindness. |
| The Snellen chart is a chart that has been devised | | | | You will not experience any pain with this vision |
| to measure visual acuity. | | | | loss, so you will not feel any changes. |
| 6. Flashing or strobing waves of light. These are | | | | If a person has AMD in one eye and not the |
| the result of posterior vitreous detachments | | | | other, the good eye often compensates for any |
| (PVD) which cause the misfiring of retinal nerve | | | | vision loss or distortion. Without regular eye |
| cells. They are usually not dangerous. | | | | exams, the change in vision may not be noticed |
| 7. Experiencing double vision. Because AMD often | | | | until the second eye becomes affected. Anytime |
| affects both eyes, the eyes do not lose vision | | | | you have a sudden change in vision, such as: |
| equally, making it difficult for the your eyes to | | | | - blurriness, |
| determine its focal point. | | | | - distortions or |
| 8. Difficulty seeing at a distance | | | | - a blank or empty spot,notify your |
| Macular Degeneration Test | | | | ophthalmologist immediately. |
| You may have heard of a Amsler Grid or a | | | | |