Degeneration (ARMD)
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- What is ARMD?
- Symptoms of ARMD
- Causes of ARMD
- Prevention of ARMD
- Risk factors for ARMD
- Complications of ARMD
- When to see a doctor about ARMD
- Diagnosis of ARMD
- Conventional treatment of ARMD
- Alternative/complementary treatment of ARMD
- Living with ARMD
- Caring for someone with ARMD
Diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
Once you have seen your regular doctor, you will be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) who will examine both the eyes for any signs of age-related macular degeneration through the following:
- Eye chart testing - to determine how well you can view the letters in the eye chart from each eye and at different distances; this test shows how clear vision is and at which distance vision becomes distorted
- Eye exam - special eye drops will be administered to each eye (which do not normally cause any pain) which widen the pupil to allow the eye specialist to view your eyes through a magnifying lens machine for signs of age-related macular degeneration; vision may stay blurry after the eye exam, due to the effects of the eye drops, but this effect is temporary (although it is recommended to have someone take you home after the test)
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If the preliminary tests show that there could be a problem of if they are inconclusive, further, more comprehensive tests can be done that will give better results:
- Fluorescein angiogram - in this test, a special dye is injected into a vein in the arm (fluorescein), which soon arrives in the vessels of the eye; this test is performed to look at the circulation of blood in the blood vessels of the retina; the dye highlights any abnormalities or damage to the macular or retina; as the dye passes through the retina, a special camera takes a series of images
- Indocyanine green (ICG) angiogram - in this test, another special dye is injected into a vein in the arm (indocyanine green) which soon arrives in the vessels of the eye; this test is performed to highlight the deeper layers of the retina and makes visible the source of the abnormal blood vessels (this dye may cause the skin and eyes to stay yellow for up to 24 hours after it is administered)
- Optical coherence tomography - this non-invasive imaging test is used identify and display areas where the retina is damaged (either too thin or too thick) or any other changes which are associated with damage to the macular. This test is often used to monitor the response of the macular to treatment
Note: a very small percentage of people may react to the dye used in the angiogram tests - you should discuss any concerns about the dye with your doctor prior to having the test done.
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 14 September 2007 || Last updated: 15 March 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
