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Diagnosis is done during a routine eye exam where the ophthalmologist will use eye drops in order to dilate or enlarge your pupils. In case you are suffering from dry macular degeneration, the ophthalmologist can easily detect the presence of drusen upon inspection. You will also be asked to look at the Amsler grid, which looks like graph paper. It is possible that you have macular degeneration when you see that some of the lines are wavy. To check if you have symptoms, print the Amsler grid test from the Prevent Blindness website and follow these instructions: Place the reversed chart 24 inches away at eye level. Put your reading glasses on and cover one eye completely with your hand. Focus on the center dot for one minute and repeat steps with the other eye. If any of the lines on the grid appear to be wavy, contact your eye care professional immediately. This method will involve inserting dye into a vein in your arm. The dye is then photographed as it travels to the veins of the retina. It can detect leakages, which can indicate wet macular degeneration. , The dye should be seen in the optic nerve about eight to 12 seconds after injection. The dye should be seen in the retinal area about 11 to 18 seconds after injection. This exam will look at the multiple layers of your retina using light waves. The test can assess the thickness of your retina, the anatomy of the retinal layers, and if there is anything abnormal in the retina like fluid, blood or new blood vessels. The doctor may first dilate your eyes, though OCT can also be performed through an non-dilated pupil. Then you will place your chin on the chin rest to stabilize your head, and refrain from moving. A light beam will be aimed at the eye. Using light waves, the exam can painlessly detect live tissue in a matter of seconds. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main chemical that causes the abnormal growth of blood vessels. When this chemical is suppressed through anti-VEGF agents or antiangiogenics, the growth of the blood vessels can be inhibited. Your doctor will know if this is a suitable option for you. One good example of antiangiogenics is Bevacizumab. The usual dose is an injection of 1.25 to 2.5 milligrams of the drug into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This drug is usually given every four weeks over a period of four to six weeks. The antiangiogenics Ranibizumab is given at 0.5 mg, and Aflibercept is given at 2 mg The procedure will be done with the use of a very fine needle together with local anesthesia to prevent pain. In general, the whole procedure is painless with only slight discomfort. Some side effects include increased intraocular pressure infection, bleeding, and damage to the lens. You should obtain better visual acuity within one year. This can begin as early as two weeks and usually peaks by three months after the third injection. This procedure uses a drug and light therapy to help stop blood vessel growth. It can be an effective treatment for wet macular degeneration only. This is a two-step procedure done in one visit. A drug known as verteporfin or Visudyne, will be administered intravenously. It works by stopping additional blood vessel growth, which occurs in wet macular degeneration, and is done 15 minutes before the photodynamic therapy. Then, light with a correct wavelength will be applied on the eyes, particularly to the abnormal blood vessels. The light will activate the verteporfin, which was administered earlier to seal off the leaky blood vessels. Since the light is tuned to the correct wavelength, it eliminates the threat of visually impairing scar tissue. Ask your doctor if this therapy is safe for you. Anti-VEGF is currently the standard of care first line agent, and PDT is sometimes used in conjunction with anti-VEGF therapy. If you experience any sudden headaches, vision changes or any other unexplained pain while undergoing treatment for macular degeneration, visit the nearest emergency facility and immediately contact your eye doctor.
Visit your ophthalmologist. Take a look at an Amsler grid. Ask your ophthalmologist about an ocular angiogram. Get an optical coherence tomography. Consider an injection of anti-VEGF agents. Look into using photodynamic therapy. Get medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms.