Macular Degeneration

Alternate Names : Central Retinal Degeneration

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of macular degeneration begins with a medical history and physical exam. A healthcare provider can detect the problem by dilating the person's pupil and looking at the back of the eye. In another test, individuals look at a grid resembling graph paper. This is called an Amsler grid. If some of the lines appear lost or distorted, a problem with the retina exists.

A fluorescein angiogram is a test in which special photographs are taken of the back of the eye. The test can reveal abnormal vessels under the retina. Indocyanine green angiography uses different wavelengths of light. It detects the sores related to dry macular degeneration.