What is the first sign of macular degeneration?

Varries: I have seen patients with many different symptoms (first sign) of macular degeneration. The most common is decreased ability to read (or need more light to read) or difficulty adapting to sudden changes in the lighting in the environment; light to dark or dark to light situations.

Vision changes: The first symptom most people experience with macular degeneration is a change in vision. An amsler grid is a simple screening tool available for home use that can allow patients who are at risk for macular degeneration to monitor for such changes.