LOGIN/REGISTER
 
 

Age related Macula Degeneration

Also known as Macula Degeneration
 
The macula is the part of the retina which is used for fine visual tasks.  In macula degeneration this area is damaged by the buildup of deposits and sometimes leakage from blood vessels.  Symptoms include blur and distortion of the central vision. 
Macula degeneration is most common after 70 and often people don’t notice symptoms until their eighties.  People who are at risk of the degeneration will be given an “amsler grid” by their optometrist or eye specialist so they can check for any changes to the vision between eye exams.

Reducing smoking, lowering  blood pressure can reduce risk of macula degeneration.
There are two types of macula degeneration, wet and dry.  In dry degeneration combinations of vitamin and antioxidants help reduce the risk of progression, in the wet form treatment is by laser or injection. 

At Optik Eyecare we have an OCT, a machine which helps to diagnose and monitor macula degeneration.
 

How to Test Yourself with the Amsler Grid

If you need reading glasses, please wear them while you use the Amsler grid. The grid should be at about the same distance from your eyes that any other reading material would be.
 

Cover one eye, then focus on the dot in the center.

  • Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or distorted? (All lines should be straight, all intersections should form right angles and all the squares should be the same size.)
  • Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?
  • Can you see all corners and sides of the grid?
  • Don't forget to test both eyes.

VERY IMPORTANT: Report any irregularity to your eye doctor immediately.

You can mark areas of the chart that you're not seeing properly and bring it with you to your eye exam.

amsler



 

 

Our Details

20 Hall Street
Pukekohe  
   
Phone 09 238 3796
  0800 SEEING
Email [email protected]
   

 
     
f quare
Like us on Facebook