Did you recently get a diagnosis of AMD? Was it such a shock that you don’t remember much about what the doctor told you about when to get your eyes checked? Or did you not discuss it at all? The latter situation is all too common. Of course, a lot of that depends on the type of AMD (dry or wet) and the severity. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you treat any vision loss as an emergency. Call your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Here’s a great video showing how an eye doctor should examine your eyes and how he/she would be able to detect AMD.
In the video, the narrator states that everyone who is 60 and older should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam once a year. Of course, if you are having problems you should NOT wait a year, call for an appointment as soon as possible. However, if you are at higher risk due to race, age or family history of AMD, that may mean you will see your eye doctor more often.
Between eye exams, you should be monitoring your own vision using an Amsler grid on paper or on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Here is a great article explaining the importance of home monitoring and showing an Amsler grid, where to get one, and how to use it. It also describes the ForeseeHome Monitoring Device which is connected to the doctor’s office. Click here for that article.