Test for Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder caused gradually by aging. Within the center of your retina is your macula. The macula is responsible for making images sharper and clearer. The macula is also responsible for you being able to see straight ahead. Vision loss with macular degeneration can occur slowly or progress rapidly. According to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is the number one reason for vision loss in older adults (60+) within the U.S. Testing for the disease varies.

Eye Exam

• When you undergo an eye exam, your eye doctor will check for the presence of drusen and mottled pigmentation within your macula. Your macula contains cells that are known as cones and rods. According to the Mayo Clinic, "drusen is a yellowish, fat-like deposit" that is found within the cones and rods of your eyes. Behind the retina is a layer of cells known as retinal pigment epithelium. When the cells begin to deteriorate and lose pigmentation, you develop a mottled appearance within your eye. An eye exam can detect both defects of the macula.

Amsler Grid Test

• An Amsler grid test measures how well your central vision is. When you take the test, you will be required to stare at a grid, with a central focal point. If the lines become distorted, faded, or broken, your physician may determine that you have macular degeneration. The Macular Degeneration Foundation provides a free exam that you can take yourself. If you notice an issue while taking the test, it is important you speak with an eye doctor.

Angiography

• An angiography is used to determine the severity of damage caused by your condition. A dye known as flourescein is given to you via an IV. As the dye courses through your blood vessels in your retina and choroid (a layer of blood vessels between the whites of your eye and retina), photographs are taken. The photographs can determine any changes of macular pigmentation or any macular blood vessels.

Optical Coherence Tomography

• An optical coherence tomography test helps to determine any areas of thickening or thinning within your retina. According to the Mayo Clinic, these signs are connected with macular degeneration. Any amount of abnormal fluid accumulation under the retina or retinal pigment epithelium can also be detected with an optical coherence tomography test.

Prevention/Solution

• Foods that are high in antioxidants may help prevent degenerative disorders of your eyes. High antioxidant foods include leafy green vegetables, fish, egg yolks, corn and almonds. Vitamins A, C, and E and vitamins containing omega-3 fatty acids are also known to lower your risks of developing macular degeneration. If you're a smoker, you should try to quit. According to the Mayo Clinic, smokers are more likely to develop macular degeneration than non-smokers. Also, get your eyes examined often to help in the detection and prevention of macular degeneration.