When to get same-day care

NEI says that straight lines looking wavy is a warning sign for late AMD, and that you should see your eye doctor right away if you notice it. Also seek same-day care from an eye doctor or an emergency department if you have:

• a sudden blur or distortion in your central vision
• a new blank or dark spot near the center of what you see
• a sudden drop in vision in one or both eyes

These changes can have more than one cause, including wet AMD. Do not wait for a routine appointment to find out.

Watching your vision at home

AAO describes an Amsler grid as a tool that can help you notice blurry, distorted, or blank spots. Your eye doctor can show you how to use one. An Amsler grid is a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular dilated exams. Early AMD often has no symptoms, so a “normal” grid does not mean you can skip visits.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have AMD and not notice it?
Yes. NEI says early dry AMD does not cause symptoms, and that some people with intermediate dry AMD still have no symptoms.

Does AMD cause total blindness?
NEI says AMD does not cause complete blindness, but losing central vision can make faces, reading, driving, and close work much harder. A related NEI Q&A notes that even advanced AMD seldom leads to total blindness.

What’s the difference between dry and wet AMD?
Dry AMD is more common and usually slower. Wet AMD involves abnormal leaky blood vessels and usually faster vision loss. Dry AMD can become wet in some people. See Dry vs wet AMD.

What is light therapy for dry AMD?
Photobiomodulation is carefully controlled light delivered to the eye in a clinic. The prescription device discussed on this site is the Valeda Light Delivery System, which the FDA authorized in November 2024 for certain people with dry AMD. Read Light therapy for dry AMD.

Can I tell from this website whether Valeda is right for me?
No. Candidacy depends on measurements and images from your eyes. Your doctor decides after an exam.

Is this site medical advice?
No. It is education. It does not replace an examination or a conversation with your own doctors.

Book an exam

You can choose your office and book an exam online, or call Hazleton Eye Specialists at 570-453-2020.

Sources

• National Eye Institute. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Last updated June 22, 2021.
• National Eye Institute. The latest on AMD.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Understanding Macular Degeneration.

Medical disclaimer. This page is for general education only. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination or a conversation with your own doctors. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine or treatment without talking to the clinician who cares for you. If you notice new wavy lines, a sudden blur, or a blank spot in your central vision, seek same-day care from an eye doctor or an emergency department.