Macular degeneration is a common eye disease affecting the central vision of millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina, is damaged by either protein deposits called drusen or abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in Macular Degeneration Prevention and Treatment
Macular degeneration is a common eye disease affecting the central vision of millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina, is damaged by either protein deposits called drusen or abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood.
The condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, making activities such as reading, recognising faces, or driving difficult, and it is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 60 years old.
While no cure exists for macular degeneration, early discovery and treatment have proven to delay its advancement and preserve some vision. As such, regular eye exams are essential for preventing and treating the disease, as they can help identify the signs and symptoms of the disease before they become severe. Eye exams can also help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect any complications or changes in the condition.
What Does a Macular Degeneration Eye Exam Involve?
An eye exam for macular degeneration usually involves one or more of the following tests, depending on the severity of symptoms:
1: Visual acuity test: This test is commonly performed during an eye examination to assess the clarity and sharpness of your vision. It typically involves reading letters or numbers on a standardised chart, known as a Snellen chart, from a specific distance.
The test helps determine the smallest or most distant line of letters or numbers you can accurately read. This measurement is expressed as a fraction, with 20/20 considered normal visual acuity.
2: Dilated eye exam: During a dilated eye exam, special eye drops are used to enlarge, or dilate, your pupils. This allows your eye care professional to examine the structures at the back of your eye, including the retina and macula, using a magnifying lens. By examining the retina and macula, your ophthalmologist can check for signs of drusen (yellow deposits), abnormal blood vessels, fluid accumulation, bleeding, or other abnormalities.
3: Amsler grid test: The Amsler grid test is a simple yet effective way to assess the quality of your central vision. It involves looking at a grid of straight lines with a small dot in the centre. While focusing on the dot, you observe the grid for distortions, wavy lines, missing areas, or blurriness.
Changes in the grid’s appearance can indicate problems with your central vision, such as macular degeneration or other retinal abnormalities. This test can be performed at home and is often used as a monitoring tool for individuals with certain eye conditions.
4: Optical coherence tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to create cross-sectional images of the retina and macula. It provides detailed information about the layers of the retina, allowing eye care professionals to assess their thickness to identify any abnormalities.
5: Fluorescein angiography: This test involves injecting a fluorescent dye, called fluorescein, into a vein in your arm. The dye circulates through the blood vessels in your body, including those in your eyes. As the dye reaches the blood vessels in the retina, a series of photographs are taken to track its passage. This allows for the identification of abnormal blood vessels, leakage, or blockages that may be present in the retina or macula.
6: Indocyanine green angiography: Indocyanine green angiography is a diagnostic test similar to fluorescein angiography but uses an indocyanine green dye. This dye provides more detailed imaging of the blood vessels located deeper within the eye, particularly those beneath the macula. Indocyanine green angiography complements fluorescein angiography by providing a more comprehensive assessment of the retina’s blood flow and vascular structures.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam for Macular Degeneration?
The frequency of eye exams for macular degeneration depends on factors such as age, risk factors, symptoms and type of macular degeneration. However, you should have an eye exam at least once a year if you have any of these risk factors:
- Over 50 years old
- Have a family history of macular degeneration
- Smoking habit
- High blood pressure
- Eat a diet high in saturated fats.
If your physician detects signs of macular degeneration, such as distorted vision, dark spots in your central vision, or difficulty seeing colours, you may need more frequent eye exams.
If you’re diagnosed with the condition, many treatment for macular degeneration, such as anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, or photodynamic therapy exists, and can be very efficient in managing the condition.
Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important for Macular Degeneration Prevention and Treatment?
Regular eye exams are essential for macular degeneration prevention and treatment because they can:
- Help detect macular degeneration early, when it is easier to treat and has less impact on your vision.
- Help prevent further vision loss by identifying and treating any complications or changes in the condition.
- Help maintain your quality of life by providing guidance on low-vision aids, rehabilitation services and support groups.
Conclusion
Macular degeneration is a severe eye disease that can affect your central vision and ability to perform daily activities. However, with regular eye exams, you can prevent, treat and manage this condition effectively and preserve some vision. If you have any risk factors or symptoms of macular degeneration, you should schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor as soon as possible.