Symptoms

AMD causes blurred vision and loss of vision in the middle of what you would normally see. This could include losing the ability to see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far, making it hard to read, see people’s faces, or drive. But your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands.

In its early stages, you may not notice changes to your vision, which is why regular eye tests are essential. You should never assume that vision changes are just part of getting older; AMD is not a normal or predetermined consequence of aging. See an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your vision.

The earlier you’re diagnosed, the better.

Some of the signs and symptoms of AMD include:

• Blurry vision and a gradual or sudden loss in your ability to see things clearly.
• Distorted vision, such as straight lines appearing wavy or bent.
• Dark or missing spots in your central vision.
• Difficulty reading, driving, or recognising faces despite wearing glasses.
• Disturbance to colour perception.
• Needing brighter light to read.
• Decreased night vision.

Diagnosing AMD

Your eye care professional will conduct an examination of your eyes which may include:

• Checking your visual acuity, which is your ability to see detail at different distances. This can include recognising letters at varying distances.
• Assessing your peripheral vision with a visual field test, which is your ability to see in your side vision.
• Checking your retina at the back of your eye with an ophthalmoscope by shining a light into your eye and looking through different lenses or using an optical coherence tomography scan (OCT) which creates a 3D cross section image to see the layers in the retina or take a digital colour photo of the retina.
• Checking the surface of your eye and other structures within the eye with a microscope called a slit lamp.
• Measuring the pressure in your eyes.

If your eye care professional sees signs of AMD or diagnoses you with AMD, it is crucial to have regular eye tests to ensure your condition is managed appropriately with the goal of minimising future vision loss.

Self-monitoring of AMD

People at risk of developing AMD or have early signs of AMD may use tools like an Amsler grid to monitor any changes in their central vision.

An Amsler grid is typically a printed card with a grid pattern on it, given to patients to take home. Patients are instructed to view the card with their reading glasses on, with one eye at a time and holding it 30 cm from their face. Whilst viewing the card with one eye, the patient is asked to look directly at the dot in the middle of the grid and to note if they notice any changes in their vision since they last viewed it such as any new blurriness, wavy or bent lines, or dark or blank or out of shape areas within the grid. If any changes are noted, the patient should make an urgent appointment with their eye care professional. Individuals with AMD should use an Amsler grid as recommended by their eye care professional.

For more information

• Talk to your eye care professional.
• Visit Macular Disease Foundation.

Always speak to your GP and eye care professional about the best treatment options for you.