Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

The macula is the part of the retina that distinguishes fine details at the center of the field of vision.

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Macular Degeneration

Also called: Age-related macular degeneration, AMD
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly and to do tasks such as reading and driving.

AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. It does not hurt, but it causes cells in the macula to die. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect macular degeneration before the disease causes vision loss. Treatment can slow vision loss. It does not restore vision.

Before you take this test, you should know the difference between an eye check or test and an eye exam done by an eye doctor.
The purpose of this section is to check adults for Macular Degeneration using an Amsler Grid pattern.

Macular Degeneration is a disorder at the back of the eye in which the central part of one's vision is blocked as if a blurred area had been placed in the center of the picture. The image around the blurred area may be clearly visible. An abnormality in the appearance of the Amsler Grid pattern may indicate macular degeneration. If you notice any such abnormality, you should arrange for a professional eye exam. Please note that some people with AMD may not see a distortion on the Amsler grid

What you will need:

a well-lit room
an assistant, if possible
tape
ruler or tape measure
a paper cup

Note About Printers: This test requires you to print the Amsler Grid. The appearance of your printed grid may vary depending on the printer you are using. We have provided a ruler at the top of the grid. In order to get valid eye test results, the ruler should be approximately four inches long. Please measure to make sure. If your grid won't print correctly, contact Prevent Blindness America, and we will send you a copy of the Amsler grid.

Instructions

1. Print the Amsler Grid.

2. Choose a bare wall or door in a well-lighted room away from any window glare to hang up the grid.

3. Tape the test to the wall. The center dot should be at eye level.

4. Measure 14 inches from the wall with your ruler and mark this spot with tape.

5. Stand facing the wall with your heels on the tape marker.

6. Wear the glasses or contact lenses that you normally wear for reading.

7. Look at the dot in the center of the grid.

8. Cover your left eye with a paper cup and continue looking at the dot. You should see all four corners of the grid.

9. If any area of the grid pattern appears distorted (for example wavy, blurred or blank) while you are looking at the dot, tell your helper, if you have one, or make a mental note.

10. Repeat this check with your right eye covered.

What the results mean

If any area of the grid pattern appears distorted (for example, wavy or blurred) while you are looking at the dot with either eye, tell your helper or make a mental note if you're alone.

An abnormality in the appearance of the Amsler Grid pattern may indicate macular degeneration—a disorder at the back of the eye that affects central vision. If you notice any such abnormality, you should arrange for a professional eye exam. Please note that passing this check does not guarantee the absence of macular degeneration. Any noticeable change in your vision should be reported to your eye doctor.