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