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Early Detections & 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. Early detection and intervention are important to prevent or delaying vision loss.
  • In 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%) by taking a specific vitamin formation1
  • In the “wet” form of AMD, 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
  • Distortion of lines and shapes
  • Difficulty seeing or distinguishing colours
  • Some patients may also develop an obvious blind spot, a scotoma, in the centre of their visual field
  • Peripheral and night vision usually remain unaffected
The minimum recommended frequency of eye examination, according to the Canadian Optometrist Society, for those at low risk of vision problems is as follows:
  • Adult (20 to 64 years) -- Every one to two years
  • Older adult (65 years and older) -- Annually
More frequent exams may be recommended by your eye care professional if they determine you are at higher-risk of vision problems.

While conducting the eye exam, the doctor may ask you to look at an Amsler Grid. This grid is a pattern that resembles a checkerboard. Patients will be asked to cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the center 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.

To help detect in between professional eye exams, Canadians can get their own Amsler Grid by downloading it or by calling 1-800-461-3331.

Having professional eye exams regularly is important as eye doctors are needed to perform various tests to identify eye diseases.

If you notice changes in your vision, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.

For more information or to make a donation to vision research, contact:
The Foundation Fighting Blindness
Tel: 1-800-461-3331 or 416-360-0060
Or donate online at www.ffb.ca
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.


 

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