In this video, I detail some of the main signs and symptoms of macular degeneration. If you’re unable to play the video or would simply prefer to digest the information in text form, this is provided under the video.
What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
The important thing about macular degeneration is that people know what symptoms to look out for. The most common symptoms include blurring in the centre of your vision and distortion. For example, you may notice that when you look at two straight lines, there’s some distortion or waviness of the line. Another main symptom is noticing patches of blurring or central visual loss – both of which can occur quite rapidly over a few days or weeks.
The Importance of Self-Checking forMacular Degeneration
It’s vital that people check themselves regularly for signs of dry and wet macular degeneration, as it is not uncommon to have one eye affected and not even notice due to the other eye effectively covering for it. The way to do this is through using an Amsler grid. An Amsler grid is a chart that looks like graph paper with a dot in the centre of it. Put your reading glasses on if you need to; ensure you have adequate lighting above you, and look at the grid with one eye at a time. You should look straight at the central dot without looking elsewhere, concentrating on the dot in the centre. You should then look at the lines around the centre and to the side to make sure they look straight. Also make sure there are no patches missing. If you notice no distortion or missing patches, you’re very likely to be fine.
It’s important to check this in each eye separately in a nice quiet environment where you’re able to concentrate to the best of your ability. I recommend that people check themselves with the Amsler grid regularly. How frequently depends on whether you have any problems with the other eye. For most people who have no symptoms at all but do have a family history of macular degeneration, it’s probably worth checking yourself maybe once a month or so.
