How is AMD Diagnosed?


"I was so shocked that I can’t seem to remember what tests my eye doctor used. All I can remember are flashing lights."

How is AMD Diagnosed?

It is important to talk to a member of your eye care team about any changes to your vision. Even if you think that you may have AMD, an official diagnosis should only be made by an eye care professional. Here are some tests an eye care professional may perform, none of which will harm your vision.

Visual acuity test: Tests your ability to see using a standard eye chart.

Dilated eye examination: Eye drops are placed into your eyes to widen the pupils. This enables careful examination of the retina for any damage.

Fluorescein angiogram: A dye is injected into a vein, which then circulates to the bloodstream of your eyes. Photographs of the retina are then taken to determine if there are any abnormal blood vessels.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): An imaging device is used to help detect any diseases of the retina.

Amsler Grid: A grid with evenly-spaced horizontal and vertical lines, and a black dot in the middle. The Amsler grid test is an easy way to immediately detect any early signs of AMD and can be done at home.

The Amsler grid

Representation of the Amsler grid for someone with AMD*

A distorted Amsler grid. Horizontal and vertical lines are wavy and crooked
near the centre of the grid with a large black spot in the middle.

*This represents only one possible way that the grid may appear distorted and may not apply to all cases.


	Take the Amsler grid test today.