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How is Macular Degeneration detected? |
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Symptoms and diagnosis |
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 Since
Macular Degeneration is painless and can cause very subtle
changes in vision, getting regular exams from an eye care
professional is the only way it can be diagnosed. One of
the earliest changes seen in Macular Degeneration is
distortion of straight lines. This is a serious change
and should be evaluated by your eye care professional
immediately. It's important to schedule regular eye
exams at least once a year and to see your doctor immediately
if you notice any change in your vision. When you make
an appointment to see your eye care professional, ask if they
test for Macular Degeneration.
If drusen or other early signs of Dry Macular Degeneration are present, your doctor may ask you to use an Amsler Grid to monitor your vision. The Amsler Grid is a simple test that can effectively identify changes in your vision. To get and idea of how it works, take a look at the Amsler Grid examples on the right. It is important to understand that Dry Macular Degeneration can convert to Wet Macular Degeneration. A person with advanced or Wet Macular Degeneration may see distortions in the grid pattern, such as bent and irregular lines, an/or gray, shaded areas. If changes on the Amsler Grid are seen, it's time to seek examination immediately. To be effective, follow your eye care professional's instruction on how to correctly use the Amsler Grid.
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