There are several procedures often used for macular degeneration diagnosis, each suited to test for different stages and forms of the disease. It is recommended that you see a specialist for a thorough diagnostic macular degeneration test and eye exam if you are over the age of 55 or are noticing any symptoms of macular degeneration.

Pupil Dilation
During a standard eye exam, your eye care specialist may dilate your pupils to get a fuller view of the retina and a closer examination of any possible damage or debris. The patient’s eyes will be blurry for several hours after the test. A visual examination assisted by pupil dilation is one of the best ways to detect the early, or dry, form of macular degeneration. While detection of debris and decayed tissue in the eye does not necessarily mean that the patient will develop macular degeneration, the test is useful for determining whether preventative measures should be taken to defend against it. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner you can begin treatment for macular degeneration.

Amsler Grid Test
One of the easiest methods for detecting macular degeneration is the Amsler grid test. Early macular degeneration diagnosis may facilitate prevention of further vision loss, or even restore vision that has been lost.

In an effort to detect loss of vision associated with macular degeneration, eye doctors across the country are recommending this test to their patients. The test involves looking at a square grid with a dot in the center. The grid should be held 12 inches away from the face. While wearing eye glasses normally worn when reading, the individual covers one eye at a time. With the uncovered eye, the individual stares at the dot in the center of the grid. All four corners of the grid should be visible, and the lines of the grid should appear to be straight and continuous from top to bottom and side to side. If there appear to be any holes or blurry spots, or the lines look wavy, fuzzy, crooked, distorted or broken, the individual should call their eye doctor immediately.

Fluorescein Angiogram
If an eye care specialist suspects a patient is suffering from wet macular degeneration, he or she may order a fluorescein angiogram test. During the procedure, a special dye is injected into the bloodstream through the arm. Within seconds, the dye travels through the body to the eye. A special camera is then used to highlight the dye, allowing the eye care professional to see if there are leaks or problems in the eye — and, if so, where the problems are. While there are currently no treatments available to completely repair the eye after the onset of macular degeneration, catching it early enough may allow medications to prevent further damage or even restore some lost vision.