Macular Degeneration


Macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible loss of central vision for senior citizens. The macula is located in the center of the retina, the micro-thin membrane that lines three-fourths of the back inside of the eye. Any damage to the macula will result in some loss or even total loss of the individual's powers of central vision.

While there is no substitute for regular examinations by your eye doctor, there is a simple home test available for early detection of macular degeneration. This home test, called the Amsler Grid, was developed a number of years ago by a Swiss eye doctor.

It is especially useful if macular degeneration has already been detected in one eye with the other eye being normal. The odds are that sooner or later the "good" eye will also become affected and early detection increases chances for treatment that will help preserve central vision ability.