Age-Related Macular Degeneration FAQ


How do I know if I have Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

The first symptom of AMD is often a change in vision. You may notice that straight lines look wavy. An Amsler Grid chart can help spot this early distortion of vision. In wet AMD, there is more likely to be a sudden blurring or loss of central vision.

Your RVA Retinal Ophthalmologist can give you a definitive diagnosis after a comprehensive retinal examination. The signs of macular degeneration are apparent when the eye is dilated and a special lens is used to see the retina. These may include the presence of drusen in the retina, leaking blood vessels, new growth of blood vessels or swelling of the retina.

Treatment by a Retinal Ophthalmologist can minimize or prevent vision loss caused by AMD. Contact Retina Vitreous Associates to schedule an appointment with a Retinal Ophthalmologist.

What kind of visual problems can macular degeneration cause?

In the affected eye, patients often experience distorted images or blind spots within the central area of vision.

Will I go blind from Macular Degeneration? Will I eventually see nothing but blackness?

If your vision loss is only from age-related macular degeneration, you will not go completely blind. AMD affects the central vision only. Your peripheral vision will remain and you will be able to see "out of the corner of your eye". If you have additional eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, those may affect your peripheral vision.

What kind of vision will I have?

Most patients with severe vision loss from macular degeneration can get around, dress themselves, and prepare their food. Some patients can have more severe vision loss. Some patients may become "legally blind".

How does legal blindness affect life?

Driving is not permitted. Work and hobbies also may be disrupted, but patients have enough vision to continue most daily activities.

Does reading or watching television make my eyes worse?

No. These activities do not affect macular degeneration.

What can prevent macular degeneration?

A comprehensive evaluation by an eye specialist can determine whether an eye is likely to develop macular degeneration. A patient at risk should tell the eye doctor about any vision changes as soon as possible.

How does the doctor evaluate these vision changes?

Dilating the pupil gives the doctor a good view of the macula. Sometimes the doctor needs to put a special lens on the eye or Fluorescein angiography may be required.

What is fluorescein angiography?

It is a special test to measure blood circulation in the retina. Often the test can spot damaged areas where fluid or blood is leaking. Once spotted, problems may be treatable.

Can I measure blurring or loss of vision?

Yes. A home eye chart can detect loss of distance vision. An Amsler Grid chart can help spot early distortion of vision. Changes often are noticeable even without such charts. Patients at risk of developing macular degeneration should arrange for periodic eye exams. Contact Retina Vitreous Associates to schedule an appointment with a Retinal Ophthalmologist.

How often should I use the Amsler Grid?

Every day. Place it in a convenient spot like the bathroom mirror or the front of your refrigerator.

Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary?

Possibly. A gene has been found for a rare type of macular degeneration, but not for the kind that affects most people.

Do younger people ever get macular degeneration?

Yes. The retina can age much faster than the rest of the body and macular degeneration can begin in patients in their 40s and '50s. In these cases, there is often a hereditary factor.

Can laser therapy help fight macular degeneration?

Some forms of macular degeneration are treatable with a laser. Laser photocoagulation may stop bleeding or fluid collections under the macula.

Do most insurance plans cover the tests and laser surgery for macular degeneration?

Yes. The exams and treatments are considered medical problems and are covered by most medical plans.

Can glasses improve vision damaged by macular degeneration?

Several devices may help to improve patient's vision. Stronger reading glasses, magnifiers and closed-circuit television devices may help near vision. Telescopic devices may assist distance vision.

Will I Get Macular Degeneration in My Other Eye?

Most patients with macular degeneration either have the disease in both eyes or are likely to develop in their second eye. Patients who develop "wet" macular degeneration in one eye have an increased chance of developing macular degeneration in their other eye.

I have dry AMD. Does this mean I'm going to get the wet form too?

Development is different in each patient. Some people have only the dry form of macular degeneration for decades and never develop the wet form. However, if you have the dry form, or have AMD in one eye, your risk is definitely higher for getting AMD in the other eye and for developing the wet form. It is important to use the Amsler Grid daily to check for any changes that may occur to ensure early treatment.

I have a cataract. Is it safe to have it removed or will it make my AMD worse?

Cataract removal does not contribute to worsening of age-related macular degeneration. However, when the cataract is removed, some patients report worse AMD vision than before the cataract. This may be due to the fact that their AMD got worse during the time the cataract was developing. But because the cataract is interfering with vision, the patient may not be aware of the central vision changes. Cataracts may also prevent the doctor from seeing through to the back of the eye and noting any AMD changes taking place. You should discuss this issue with your surgeon.

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