Symptoms & Diagnosis
Macular degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina. It usually does not affect the eye's side, or peripheral, vision. If you notice words looking blurry on a page, a dark or empty area in the center of your vision, or crookedness of straight lines, you may have symptoms of macular degeneration.
When AMD leads to loss of vision, it usually begins in just one eye, though it may affect the other eye later.
You will notice central vision problems more quickly if both eyes have macular degeneration.
Many people do not realize that they have a macular problem until blurred vision becomes obvious.
> See what vision with AMD looks like
Your ophthalmologist, Eye M.D., can detect early stages of macular degeneration by giving you a simple vision test using a chart called the Amsler grid. See the Amsler grid.
Your doctor may also take special photographs of the eye called fluorescein angiography to find abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
Treatments & More
For additional information about AMD, including how it is treated, visit the AMD section of EyeCare America, an EyeSmart Campaign partner.
Last reviewed and updated in February 2009,
by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
