How Do I Know If I Have AMD?

Most people find out they have AMD during a regular visit to the Eye M.D. This kind of doctor is called an ophthalmologist (af-thel-MA-leh-jist). This doctor will do many tests to check if you have AMD.

The Eye M.D. checks your vision using an eye chart. Your Eye M.D. dilates your eyes in order to examine the retina. By looking in the back of the eye, the doctor can check for AMD and look for drusen. Those are the small yellow particles that appear on the retina.

Your doctor should also give you a test using what's called an Amsler grid. If the lines in the center of the grid look wavy or distorted, you might have AMD. While using this test at home, if the Amsler grid ever looks different to you, see your doctor at once. You should then be sent to a retinal specialist, who can treat you.

Sometimes, the doctor will take a picture of the eye. The picture will tell the Eye M.D. if the disease is getting worse. The doctor might also use a dye test to check for the growth or leakage of new blood vessels. This is a sign of wet AMD. If you have any signs of wet AMD, your Eye M.D. will send you to see a retinal specialist.