Reviewed By: Dr. Hunter Vittone, O.D.
Do you think your eyesight is “just fine”? So did millions of adults—until it wasn’t.
Here’s the truth: vision loss doesn’t start with pain or warning signs. It starts silently, and by the time it’s obvious, it’s often too late to reverse.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) — is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It can rob you of your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces. And it’s not just about getting older — it’s about what you’re not doing to catch it early.
Most people don’t lose vision because of bad luck. They lose it because they skipped the right eye exam.
If you haven’t had a full, dilated eye exam in the past 1–2 years, you could be at risk—and not know it. Especially if you’re over 40, over 60, or living with diabetes.
Here is an overview of everything you need to know about AMD detection and adult eye exams.
What Is AMD, and Why Should Adults and Seniors Care?
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects people over 50. It damages the macula, the small part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
There are two types:
- Dry AMD – Gradual thinning of the macula (most common)
- Wet AMD – Fast vision loss due to leaking blood vessels under the retina
You use your central vision for everything from reading and driving to recognizing faces. AMD doesn’t affect your peripheral vision, so you may not notice a problem right away.
That’s the danger.
You might not know anything’s wrong until the vision loss can’t be reversed.
What Can a Full Eye Exam Actually Detect?
A comprehensive adult eye exam for preventing vision loss in seniors includes much more than a basic vision screening. Here’s what it checks:
- Visual Acuity – Measures how clearly you see.
- Refraction Test – Determines your lens prescription.
- Dilated Eye Exam – Lets your eye doctor see deep into the retina and macula.
- OCT Scan (Optical Coherence Tomography) – A high-resolution image of your retina to detect early AMD or diabetic damage.
- Eye Pressure Test – Screens for glaucoma.
If you’re living with diabetes, you’ll also need a diabetic retinal exam, which looks for signs of diabetic retinopathy—a major cause of blindness.
The Link Between Diabetes and Eye Disease
If you have diabetes, your eyes are at greater risk—period.
High blood sugar can weaken and damage tiny blood vessels in the eyes which makes adult eye exams essential. Here’s what unchecked diabetes can cause:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Leaking or swollen blood vessels in the retina
- Macular Edema – Fluid buildup in the macula
- Accelerated AMD
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
That’s why routine diabetic retinal exams are the only way to catch them early and prevent vision loss in seniors. Learn more in this helpful breakdown: Why Regular Retinal Exams Are So Important.
How Often Should Seniors and Adults Get Their Eyes Checked?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:
- Adults 40–54: Every 2–4 years
- Adults 55–64: Every 1–3 years
- Adults 65+: Every 1–2 years
- People with diabetes: Every year, at minimum
If you have risk factors like a family history of AMD, diabetes, or high blood pressure, don’t wait. Early and frequent adult eye exams are your best defense.
For more about when to schedule your next exam, read this guide on how often to book an eye exam.
What Are the Warning Signs of AMD?
Many people have early AMD and don’t know it. When symptoms do appear, they might include:
- Blurred central vision
- Colors looking faded
- Trouble reading even with glasses
- Needing brighter light for tasks
- Wavy lines where straight lines should be
- Blank or dark spots in the center of vision
Notice any of these? It’s time to book a full AMD detection exam.
But ideally, you want to catch AMD before you notice anything at all.
How to Protect Your Vision Starting Today
Here’s your action plan for vision loss prevention — especially if you’re over 50 or have diabetes:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam — not just a vision screening
- Ask about macular degeneration and retinal imaging
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses to reduce sun-related eye damage
- Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, and fish (omega-3s are great for eye health)
- Quit smoking — it’s one of the biggest risk factors for AMD
- Control chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Vision loss is often preventable — but only if it’s caught early.
Your Vision Matters: Be Proactive About AMD
Too many people lose vision every year from conditions that could have been treated — or completely avoided — with a simple exam.
Don’t be one of them.
At the Center for Sight, we believe that better vision means better living. Our team specializes in:
- Comprehensive adult eye exams
- Advanced eye tests for seniors
- Annual diabetic eye exams and retinal imaging
- Early AMD detection and management, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy
We use cutting-edge diagnostics like OCT scans and dilated eye exams to prevent vision loss in seniors before symptoms appear. Whether it’s your first visit or a routine check-up, we make it simple, personalized, and focused on what matters most: your long-term vision health.
Book an appointment with us for more information. Let us help you protect your vision — and your quality of life.
