Who should be Screened for Macular Degeneration?

We will be at the Haverford YMCA Senior Health & Wellness Fair and we keep getting this question:

Who should be Screened for Macular Degeneration?

If you’re over the age of 50, you may have wondered whether you should be screened for macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This common eye condition affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision used in reading, driving, and recognizing faces. AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults, but the good news is that early detection can help preserve sight.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that has an early form and two advanced forms:

• Early Dry AMD: The most common type, caused by the buildup of small yellow deposits called drusen underneath the retina.  If you have early dry AMD, you might not notice changes in your vision, but you are at risk of developing the advanced forms.
• Advanced Wet AMD: A less common but more severe form, caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking under the retina, often leading to sudden vision loss if untreated.
• Advanced Dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy): The least common slowly progressive form, caused by gradual thinning of the macula and blind spots that expand over time and can cause slowly progressive vision loss.

Who Is at Risk for AMD?

You may benefit from macular degeneration screening if you have any of these risk factors:

• Age: Over 50 (risk increases significantly with age)
• Family history of AMD
• Smoking: Doubles the risk of AMD
• High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
• Obesity and poor diet low in leafy greens and omega-3s
• Light eye color: Slightly higher risk in some studies

What Happens During an AMD Screening?

A screening is quick, painless, and often included as part of a comprehensive eye exam. It may include:

• Vision testing to check central clarity
• Amsler grid test to detect wavy or missing areas in vision
• Dilated retinal exam so your eye doctor can look for drusen or other changes
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to detect early changes in the retina
• Fundus photography for detailed images of the macula

Why Is Early Screening Important?

Many people in the early stages of AMD have no symptoms. By the time vision loss is noticeable, the disease may be more difficult to treat.

• Early Dry AMD can often be slowed with lifestyle changes and, in some cases, AREDS2 supplements.
• Wet AMD and Geographic Atrophy can be treated with medications that help preserve vision.

Catching the disease early means you’ll have more options to protect your eyesight.

When Should I Be Screened for Macular Degeneration?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:

• A baseline eye exam at age 40
• Eye exams every 1–2 years after age 65
• Earlier and more frequent exams if you have risk factors or family history

How to Protect Your Eyes Between Screenings

• Quit smoking if you haven’t already
• Eat a diet rich in spinach, kale, salmon, and nuts
• Maintain a healthy weight and control blood pressure
• Use sunglasses with UV protection
• Monitor your vision at home with an Amsler grid

Schedule Your AMD Screening at Main Line Retina

If you’re wondering, “Should I be screened for macular degeneration?” the answer is simple: if you’re over 50 or have risk factors, the safest step is to schedule an eye exam. At Main Line Retina, we provide comprehensive AMD evaluations with advanced imaging and personalized treatment plans.

Protect your sight—schedule your macular degeneration screening today. 

Call us at 610-710-2020 or Schedule an Appointment Online by clicking here.

Main Line Retina is a boutique retina practice providing personalized care lead by Dr. Hilary Brader, who trained at strong academic institutions (Penn, Harvard) and has been recognized for multiple years as "Top Doctor" by Philadelphia Magazine and Castle Connolly.  Main Line Retina has been recongized for its Commitment to Quality by the American Society of Retina Specialists and serves patients across the Main Line as well as Philadelphia and Delaware County, and is a close drive from  Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Bala Cynwyd, Media, Havertown and surrounding communities.