Early Detection & Symptoms
How is AMD detected?If you are over the age of 50, you are at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. The good news is that regular eye examinations can detect the onset of AMD before it starts affecting vision. Although treatment options are limited, there are more possibilities for slowing vision loss if the condition is detected early. For example:
- A major U.S. study, known as AREDS (Age-related Eye Disease Study), found that if the “dry” form of AMD is found in time, it’s development can be slowed in more than a quarter of patients (25%) simply by taking a specific vitamin formulation [1]
- In the “wet” form of AMD, without treatment, 75 per cent of vision is lost within the first six months; however, with immediate treatment severe vision loss can be prevented in certain patients
What are the symptoms of AMD?
The symptoms of AMD vary in severity, but the most common signs are:
- Blurring of central vision
- Difficulty seeing fine details, both up close and at a distance, even with the best corrective lenses or glasses
- Distortion of lines and shapes
- Difficulty seeing or distinguishing colours
- Developingan obvious blind spot (called a scotoma) in the centre or near the centre of their visual field
The Canadian Society of Optometrists recommends that even people who have no problems with their vision should see an eye doctor every year after age 65, and at least every two years for adults younger than that.
More frequent exams may be recommended by your eye-care professionals, if they determine that you are at higher-than-normal risk of developing vision problems.
Having professional eye exams regularly is important, as eye doctors can help ensure that any eye problems you may develop are promptly diagnosed and treated. To check for AMD, your doctor will examine your eyes and look for drusen, the deposits that build up in the eyes of people with AMD. Your doctor may be able to see these deposits before you notice any changes in your vision.
He or she may also use a test called the Amsler grid to evaluate your vision. You can also use the Amsler grid at home to check your vision between visits.
This Amsler grid is a pattern that resembles a checkerboard. To use it, you stare at a black dot in the centre of the grid. While staring at the dot, if you notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy, or notice that some of the lines are missing, these may be signs of AMD. You can download a copy of the Amsler grid here or call the FFB at 1-800-461-3331 and we will send it to you.
If you notice changes in your vision, you should contact your eye doctor immediately. However, the smallest, earlierst AMD changes may be missed by the Amsler grid, so be sure to see your eye doctor regularly even if this test suggests that nothing is wrong.
Learn more about the treatments available for AMD. Although treatments for AMD are still limited, trials are underway. Use this link to make an online donation to the AMD research being support by the FFB.
Updated: September 15, 2010. This section has been reviewed by Dr. Peter Kertes, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto and Dr. William Stell, FFB Director of Research Programs and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Calgary.
Learn more about AMD: |
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| What is AMD? | Risk Factors for AMD |
| AMD Prevention | AMD Treatment |
| AMD Research | Frequently Asked Questions |
1. Age-related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, Placebo-controlled, Clinical Trial of High-Dose Supplementation with Vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene, and Zinc for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Vision Loss-Report Number 8 Arch Ophthalmol 2001; 108:697-704.