Symptoms and Monitoring of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

The symptoms of AMD may develop gradually, making it difficult to detect in the early stages. Some of the symptoms of AMD include:

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Difficulty seeing details, such as faces or words on a page
• A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
• Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
• Reduced brightness or intensity of colors

It is important to monitor for any changes in your vision and report them to your eye doctor promptly. Regular eye exams are also crucial in detecting AMD early and preventing further vision loss.

During an eye exam, your eye doctor may perform several tests to monitor the health of your eyes, including a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina, allowing your doctor to see the layers of the retina and detect any abnormalities.

In addition to regular eye exams, there are steps you can take to monitor your vision and protect your eyesight, such as eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses and a hat when outdoors.