A macular degeneration eye test can help prevent vision loss. That said, in its early stages the disease can go unnoticed. So early detection is vital to ensuring treatment success.

Age-related macular degeneration (or AMD) occurs when people loose central vision. That is the visual part that people use for things like reading and driving.

AMD usually occurs in older people, but practitioners also think genetics, smoking and diet contribute to the disease.

It’s worth noting that most people affected by macular degeneration will not go blind.

Testing for macular degeneration

There are usually three eye checks during a macular degeneration eye test:

Retinal imaging

An image of the macula is taken using a special device. It then analysed by one of our highly trained optometrists for early signs of the disease.

During this test a specially designed instrument analyses the nerve fibres of the macula for any early signs of disease.

This non-invasive test takes less than a minute and records a baseline value for your macular pigment. Patients with low pigment levels should begin dietary supplements and lifestyle changes to lower their risk of developing the disease.

Treatment after your macular degeneration test

The recommended treatment following your macular degeneration test will depend on the type of AMD we identify.

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help, but in some cases eye injections or even surgery may be required.