The main method of diagnosing macular degeneration is a dilated fundus examination, in which the back of the eye (the fundus) is examined for the presence of drusen and certain pigmentation abnormalities. If macular degeneration is present, additional tests (e.g., optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography) are required to either diagnose or rule out wet/neovascular macular degeneration. Ophthalmological examinations are also used to assess visual function and eyesight changes.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Macular degeneration is primarily diagnosed through a dilated fundus examination to check for drusen and pigmentation abnormalities. Additional tests, such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, may be conducted to confirm or rule out wet/neovascular macular degeneration, along with ophthalmological assessments of visual function.