• Your Optician should be your first port of call. Alternatively, you can speak to your GP who can refer you to an Optician or eye specialist if necessary

What to expect at your eye examination

The eye health check that the optician performs will examine your vision, general eye health and can detect early signs of eye disease, such as AMD. The examination usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes but may take longer if extra tests are required:

1. Discuss the reason for your visit
   Have you noticed changes to your vision or are you just having a routine check-up? Do you have any close relatives with AMD or other eye conditions such as glaucoma?
2. Outer eye
   A light will be shone on the front of your eyes to check their health and how well they react to light.
3. Vision
   You will be asked to read letters on a chart, or identify pictures or matching letters and pictures. If you have experienced any changes to your vision (e.g. blurring, distortion, or blind spots) you should mention these.
4. Eye muscles
   The muscles which control eye movement will be examined to check they are working well.
5. Inner eye
   An instrument called an ophthalmoscope will be used to check the back of your eyes for any changes (e.g. AMD). This shines a light into the eyes to check their health and you will be asked to look in different directions.
6. Are new glasses needed?
   If you need glasses to improve your vision, the exact prescription will be worked out. You will be asked to look at letters or colours on a chart, while wearing various lenses.

When you go for an eye health check, make sure you bring any glasses that you wear, the names of any tablets or medicine you are taking, and the name of your doctor

Some people are at higher risk of developing specific eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease or AMD and may be offered extra tests in their eye health check.

• The field of vision test
  A computerised machine measures how far around you can see. Each eye is tested separately. This test can help to detect glaucoma and other problems.
• The eye pressure test
  An increase in eye pressure may be a sign of glaucoma. There are two ways to test the pressure: by blowing puffs of air at the front of each eye, or after using drops to numb the eyes.
• Dilating eye drops
  To examine the back of the eye more closely, eye drops will be used that make the pupils larger. This can help detect signs of AMD, cataracts and diabetic eye diseases. It can take up to half an hour for the drops to work and the effects can last for a few hours. If you think you might be given dilating eye drops, remember you should not drive afterwards so it is worth making alternative arrangements.

If you think you might have early symptoms of AMD, it’s crucial you see your Optician for an eye health check or talk to your GP. Remember, the sooner AMD is detected, the sooner you can take action to preserve your vision for the future.

There are many organisations and charities that can provide you with further information on AMD.

Royal National Institute of Blind People
(RNIB) is the UK's leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight loss. RNIB campaigns to eliminate avoidable sight loss and support research into the causes and latest treatments of eye disease.
Find out more at www.rnib.org.uk or phone the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

The Macular Disease Society is the specialist UK charity dedicated to helping people with macular degeneration. It provides information and practical support for visually impaired people, their families and carers.
Find out more at www.maculardisease.org or phone the Macular Disease Society Helpline on 0845 241 2041.

AMD Alliance International provides information on early AMD detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services, as well as new prevention suggestions.
Find out more at www.amdalliance.com

The NHS Direct website explains macular degeneration in detail, but can also be contacted 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk