Diagnosis Of ARMD | Detection of ARMD Age Related Macular Degeration

Dilated retinal evaluation : After dilating the pupils, a retina specialist examines the macula for any degenerative changes.

Fundus Photos : If signs of macular degeneration are found, our retina specialist may take detailed pictures of the retina for future comparison.

Fluorescein angiography (FA): A special, extremely safe dye called fluorescein is injected into the arm. Then, photographs are clicked as the dye passes through the retina. This test determines the location of blood vessel or vascular damage and whether or not laser treatment could be potentially beneficial. Fluorescein angiography is essential to pinpoint the exact location of any planned laser treatment. Most importantly, this test determines whether or not there are leaking blood vessels (wet macular degeneration) which, if found, can be treated with lasers or injections.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This is a noninvasive examination technique that produces a cross-sectional image of the posterior retina in vivo. OCT is particularly useful in determining the specific layers of retinal involvement as well as the presence of macular inflammation or swelling.

An extremely useful standardized test that may indicate macular problems or worsening of age-related macular degeneration is the Amsler grid. The Amsler grid consists of a square grid with a dark dot in the middle. Broken or distorted lines or a blurred or missing area of vision could be one of the first signs of age-related macular degeneration. The grid also helps to monitor changes in vision once changes have been detected or treatment initiated.