Are there screening tests for macular degeneration?
There is no screening test for macular degeneration such as a mammogram. In general, it is recommended that adults have a full, dilated eye exam by an eye professional every one to two years. As part of that examination, the doctor is often able to identify early signs of macular degeneration, or “drusen,” which are yellow deposits on the macula. In the early stage, an individual has several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen in one or both eyes. And then the intermediate stage is when they have many medium-sized or one or two large drusen. The disease is advanced when they actually see that dry macular degeneration, the breakdown of the cells, or these new abnormal blood vessels that are the hallmark of the wet form. For people with early signs of the disease, more frequent exams may be suggested and the individual may be instructed to use the Amsler grid at home, and call if changes are noted at any time between exams. A regular eye examination is also important to screen for
