KUALA LUMPUR: Distorted vision in those over 50 may be more than just a speck in the eye and could be a sign of age-related macular degeneration.
Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Go Eng Soon said the condition results in blurred central vision, wavy lines, dark spots and difficulty reading.
"It is also the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in those aged more than 50," he said during a session at the Health Family Day held at Wisma MCA here on Saturday (March 14).
According to Dr Go, risk factors contributing to the condition include smoking and genetics.
He said identifying such cases is similar to how a cardiologist assesses those undergoing angiograms.
"If someone has a heart attack, the doctor will perform an angiogram to see how the blood vessels flow to the heart. The same goes for the eyes here," he said.
He said those at home can look out for early signs through an Amsler Grid test.
The test involves a grid with straight horizontal and vertical lines with central dots.
It is used to monitor central vision and check for early signs of retinal diseases.
"Close one of your eyes and focus on it and observe if the lines seem crooked or if there is a blurred point.
"If it does seem so, it is best to seek an appointment with an ophthalmologist," he said.
Dr Go was among the speakers at the Health Family Day programme themed "Give to Gain: Together in a Community of Care".
The programme aims to promote preventive healthcare, strengthen family well-being and foster a caring community spirit.
Other topics discussed included fertility, breast cancer awareness and detection as well as parent-child relationships.
