Understanding the Importance of Eye Exams

As I walked into my local Lens Crafters, I had one thought: I just want contacts, and not the hassle of an annual exam. Unfortunately, state law mandates that I undergo an eye examination before I can order contacts, which meant I was stuck at the clinic. To make matters worse, I usually pay out of pocket for these routine checks, adding to my frustration.

After a brief wait, an assistant led me to the back for initial tests, which included assessments for depth perception and color blindness. The tonometer puffed air into my eyes to check for glaucoma. I was restless; it was Saturday morning, and I had a lot on my plate, feeling like I was wasting time at the eyewear store.

Finally, a substitute optometrist entered with a commanding presence and placed a futuristic-looking phoropter in front of me. “Can you see better with this lens or that one?” he asked, adjusting the lenses. He confirmed what I already suspected—my vision hadn’t changed.

Then he handed me an unexpected chart filled with tiny squares. “Hold this twelve inches away and focus on the center dot,” he instructed. “Look for any irregular lines or breaks; I need to check for macular degeneration.”

I hesitated. My brother was diagnosed with macular degeneration in his early 50s and has since made significant lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and supplements. I had never encountered this test before, but I realized I was in the hands of a different optometrist.

Take the Amsler Grid Test

I focused on the dot and was taken aback. The lines appeared distorted in the lower-left section, with several jagged and disrupted. Alarmed, I shared my observations with the eye doctor, who immediately looked concerned. He reexamined my eyes with an ophthalmoscope and reassured me that while he didn’t see anything alarming, I needed to consult a retinal specialist for a more thorough evaluation. He handed me the chart, advising me to check it at least twice daily and to seek emergency care if I noticed any changes or flashing lights.

I promptly scheduled an appointment with a retinal specialist and began researching macular degeneration. I was shocked to learn that approximately 10 million Americans are affected, typically beginning around the age of 55.

Macular Degeneration: A Common Concern

Macular degeneration is more prevalent than cataracts or glaucoma combined.

Risk Factors

• Family history of macular degeneration
• Being overweight
• Smoking habits
• High blood pressure
• European descent
• Diet high in saturated fats

Symptoms

• Blurred vision
• Dark spots in the central field of vision
• Wavy or distorted lines in straight edges

There are two primary types of macular degeneration:

• Dry: The most prevalent form, affecting 90% of sufferers. It occurs when small yellow protein deposits, known as drusen, build up beneath the macula, causing it to thin and dry over time. This form progresses gradually and rarely leads to complete loss of central vision, although it can occasionally develop into the more aggressive type.
• Wet: This severe type can quickly result in vision loss. It arises from abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina and macula, where fluid leaks, causing bulging and loss of central vision, often leading to dark spots.

Treatment Options

• Dry: Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for this type. However, certain vitamins and nutrients may slow its progression. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) identified a combination of vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, copper, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene as potentially beneficial.
• Wet: Two main treatments are available to inhibit further blood vessel growth:
  • Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF): This involves injecting a drug that blocks VEGF, a protein that promotes new blood vessel formation. This treatment can slow or even stop further development.
  • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This method combines a light-sensitive drug and laser treatment to eliminate excess blood vessels in the eye. Sometimes, both treatments are used in conjunction.

After my appointment with the retinal specialist, I was diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy, a condition caused by fluid buildup beneath the retina. This condition might be linked to an inactive spot of macular degeneration or another unknown issue.

Now, I take supplements for macular degeneration and have annual monitoring to track any changes.

The Value of Early Detection

Without the straightforward Amsler Grid Test, I might have remained undiagnosed and unchecked!

I now appreciate the importance of my yearly eye exams and encourage others to prioritize regular check-ups. I strongly recommend printing a copy of the Amsler Grid and holding it twelve inches away from your eyes. You never know what you might discover.

Annie

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