Macular Degeneration Diagnosis

There are several different tests by which a qualified eye care physician can reach a macular degeneration diagnosis, each more or less useful for detecting different stages of the disease. Pupil dilation, the Amsler grid test, and fluorescein angiograms are currently the most effective ways to diagnose the disease. Read more about each type of macular degeneration test below.

Macular Degeneration Diagnostic Test

There are several procedures often used for macular degeneration diagnosis, each suited to test for different stages and forms of the disease. It is recommended that you see a specialist for a thorough diagnostic macular degeneration test and eye exam if you are over the age of 55 or are noticing any symptoms of macular degeneration.

Pupil Dilation

During a standard eye exam, your eye care specialist may dilate your pupils to get a fuller view of the retina and a closer examination of any possible damage or debris. The patient’s eyes will be blurry for several hours after the test. A visual examination assisted by pupil dilation is one of the best ways to detect the early, or dry, form of macular degeneration. While detection of debris and decayed tissue in the eye does not necessarily mean that the patient will develop macular degeneration, the test is useful for determining whether preventative measures should be taken to defend against it. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner you can begin treatment for macular degeneration.

Amsler Grid Test

One of the easiest methods for detecting macular degeneration is the Amsler grid test. The Amsler test is merely a square grid with black lines running parallel to each other horizontally and vertically, and a black dot in the center for the patient to focus on. A person with normal vision will see the grid as it appears on the page; however, a person with wet macular degeneration will see distortion in the lines, as if the grid has been twisted or has a hole in the middle of it. Early macular degeneration diagnosis may facilitate prevention of further vision loss, or even restore vision that has been lost.

Fluorescein Angiogram

If an eye care specialist suspects a patient is suffering from wet macular degeneration, he or she may order a fluorescein angiogram test. During the procedure, a special dye is injected into the bloodstream through the arm. Within seconds, the dye travels through the body to the eye. A special camera is then used to highlight the dye, allowing the eye care professional to see if there are leaks or problems in the eye — and, if so, where the problems are. While there are currently no treatments available to completely repair the eye after the onset of macular degeneration, catching it early enough may allow medications to prevent further damage or even restore some lost vision.

Locate a Macular Degeneration Specialist through DocShop

If you think you may be experiencing signs of macular degeneration, it is imperative that you seek diagnosis from a qualified eye care professional as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you start experiencing vision loss to seek medical help! Locate a qualified physician to administer the appropriate macular degeneration test.