How do I know I have AMD?
If you have noticed any of the following signs you may be developing AMD–
- Distortion (straight lines appear wavy or bent)
- Difficulty seeing at a distance or doing detailed work like sewing, reading, or any other activity that requires fine vision
- Distinguishing faces or anything else that requires looking straight ahead (close up or in the distance) becomes a problem
- Dark or empty spaces begin to block the center of your vision
These symptoms should not be regarded as part of just "getting older". They require urgent attention. Macular degeneration may be hardly noticeable in its early stages as quite often only one eye is affected first and is loosing vision. The second eye will compensate for the loss of vision in the damaged eye. It is essential to have your eyes checked routinely by an eye specialist who can detect any changes before you are at risk of losing vision.