Do I have age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
If you see distortion or a blur patch in your central vision, you could have Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It is the leading cause of central vision loss in people over the age of 50.
What is AMD?
AMD is the deterioration in the health of the macula, the most visually important part of the retina that is responsible for sharp central vision. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye that converts light rays into electrical impulses and send them to the brain where visual images are formed.
There are 2 types of AMD
Dry and Wet
What is Dry AMD?
What is Wet ARMD?
Why do I need an Amsler grid with dry AMD?
The most common form of AMD is known as the “dry” form. Tiny yellow or white pieces of fatty protein called drusen form at the macula. Eventually, the macula may become thinner and stop working properly. Dry AMD can eventually turn into “wet” AMD—a more severe form of this disease that can steal more vision. The Amsler grid can help you see this happening before it's too late.
Vision in people with AMD usually diminishes gradually, so they may not be aware of how much sight they have lost. That’s why they must use a special testing tool called an Amsler grid.Using this grid is essential to finding any vision changes that are not obvious.