If my vision changes, should I call my eye specialist?

It’s a common question. Here is a good answer: “What new symptoms should prompt a call to your eye doctor?

“Your doctor will ask you to check your vision at home to help detect any new onset of wet AMD. You should do this by covering one eye at a time (the “good” eye will compensate so you might not notice any change in the diseased eye) and looking at some reading material or a graph like an Amsler grid every few days. If you notice a change like blurry, wavy, or missing lines or letters, give your eye doctor a call. There may be additional concerning symptoms that your doctor will tell you about, depending on your situation.”

What’s an Amsler Grid?

It’s a page with horizontal and vertical lines (a grid) that you use to monitor your vision. The article ‘How to Use an Amsler Grid’ describes it with words and a video. There’s a link to print one or many for yourself. Some people print multiple ones so they mark what they see on any day and have it to compare.

Other Ways to Monitor Your Vision

The article ‘Monitoring the Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration’ says, “The ForeseeHome Monitor® from Notal Vision® is the first FDA-cleared device for patients with dry AMD to monitor the disease at home. It is now a Medicare-covered service for patients enrolled in Medicare across the U.S., and who meet the eligibility criteria for dry AMD at high risk for converting to wet AMD. ”