People with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often do not know they have the disease during its early stages. They may dismiss early warning signs, like trouble seeing at night, as part of the normal aging process. Ignoring these symptoms only delays diagnosis, possibly leading to more significant vision loss.
Advanced AMD Detection at Asheville Vision and Wellness
At Asheville Vision and Wellness, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic technologies to detect age-related macular degeneration as early as possible. Our multi-test approach provides a more complete picture of your eye health than any single test alone.
Your Asheville Vision doctor may recommend AMD screening if you:
- Experience night vision problems
- Are over age 50
- Have a family history of AMD
- Are Caucasian (white)
- Have other risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or cardiovascular disease
Our AMD Diagnostic Technology
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT uses a scanning laser to take detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. This allows your doctor to see the individual layers of the retina and detect subtle structural changes associated with AMD — often before any vision loss has occurred. OCT is one of the most important tools for both diagnosing and monitoring macular degeneration over time.
Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)
The Rabin Cone Contrast Test is an advanced color vision test that measures how well each type of cone cell in your retina responds to color. Because AMD can affect color perception early in the disease process, the RCCT is highly sensitive to subtle changes that traditional eye charts and screening methods may miss. This test helps your doctor detect AMD-related vision changes at their earliest stage.
RETeval ERG (Electroretinography)
The RETeval is a quick, non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of your retina in response to light. It provides objective data about how well the retina is functioning, helping your doctor identify AMD-related damage that may not yet be visible on imaging alone. Combined with OCT and the RCCT, the RETeval gives us one of the most thorough AMD evaluations available.
A Comfortable, Thorough Experience
Each of these tests is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. Your doctor will walk you through every step and review the results with you so you understand exactly what your eyes are telling us.
Preventing Blindness
When AMD is caught early, you and your doctor have valuable time to develop a plan to delay further symptoms and protect your vision.
Proactive Steps to Delay or Prevent Vision Loss:
- Lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and exercise and quitting smoking
- Eye health supplements
- Blue light protection
- UVA and UVB sunglasses
Your doctor will also want to monitor your vision with regular testing. If needed, you'll be able to begin additional treatment as soon as late-stage AMD is detected.