Early warning signs
One of the first signs that should lead the patient to consult is the impression of seeing warped, deformed lines; straight lines appear wavy: this is what is called metamorphopsia.
Very often the patient also complains of a decrease in visual acuity often wrongly attributed to a change of glasses or the onset of cataracts which can often coexist with damage to the macula. He feels the need for more light when reading.
During the examination, the ophthalmologist notes a progressive decrease in visual acuity at distance and near, often associated with reduced perception of contrasts, or a sudden decrease, which most often corresponds to the appearance of new vessels.
In practice, the ophthalmologist uses the Amsler grid by testing eye by eye to explore the macula in the face of such signs.
A complete assessment will then confirm the diagnosis and specify the stage and form of AMD.
At a more advanced stage, a central dark spot (scotoma) appears and obstructs vision in the center of the visual field.
Risk factors
This disease includes a hereditary factor.
A person with AMD in the family increases the risk of being affected by 3 times.
Apart from age, risk factors include smoking, as well as probably high blood pressure, light color of the iris, history of coronary accidents and significant exposure to light.
Evolution of Macular Degeneration
Without treatment, AMD in one eye can become bilateral. There is no cure for this pathology, but its treatment can slow down its progression.
Depending on the type of AMD, its progression will be more or less rapid.
