Macular degeneration is the general term for a group of disorders affecting the macula, the central part of the retina in the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for central vision, seeing fine detail, and helping distinguish colors.

With macular degeneration the retinal tissues break down resulting in loss of central vision. Symptoms of this disease include blurry or distorted central vision and sometimes a dimming of color vision. People who lose function of the macula often have difficulty with reading, driving, and fine motor tasks such as sewing. If macular degeneration occurs only in one eye, the symptoms may not be as noticeable, as the "good" eye will compensate for the affected eye.

People are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration if:

One test to help detect macular degeneration uses the Amsler Grid. The Amsler Grid, which is basically graph paper, is a tool for checking the reading area of vision and helps detect distorted vision.

If macular degeneration is suspected, a test called flourescein angiography (dye test) is often used. With this test, dye is injected into a vein in the arm or hand and travels through the body to the eyes. Photographs of the retina are taken to show if changes have occurred in the retina and underlying tissue. This dye test is helpful in determining if a patient would benefit from laser surgery, of which Photodynamic Therapy or PDT is the latest.

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, laser treatment can sometimes help slow the process of the disease if detected early enough. Macular degeneration rarely causes total blindness, because it affects a small portion of the retina and is about the size of a capital "O."

Although the central vision can be significantly impaired, the remaining peripheral vision is sufficient to allow for functional activities of daily living. Many people can even continue to read or do close work by using low vision aids such as specially designed reading lights, glasses and magnifiers.

People should do the following:

If you have a family history of macular degeneration or think you might have the disease click here to fill out our quick email form or call our office at 810-732-2272.

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Amsler Grid

This grid is known as the Amsler Grid and is used to help patients monitor their macular degeneration. Patients are given a copy of this grid, so they can perform daily vision tests. The test should be performed on one eye at a time while using reading light and reading glasses.

To take the test now, click on Amsler Grid and print out the grid. Then follow the directions for use. If you notice any distortion click here to fill out our quick email form or call our office at 810-732-2272, and we will be happy to discuss your results.