Glaucoma: Applying Glaucoma Strategies to AMD Care - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Glaucoma: Applying Glaucoma Strategies to AMD Care

Any glaucoma clinician knows that a robust VF strategy, coupled with structural measures, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), provides a richer understanding of a patient’s disease than anatomical structure alone. Yet when it comes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), I would argue that our diagnostic habits are quite different.

  • By

  • Mike Cymbor, OD, FAAO

  • October 1, 2025

  • 4 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Glaucoma: Applying Glaucoma Strategies to AMD Care

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionAge-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Key MechanismsFunctional testing (contrast sensitivity, dark adaptometry, microperimetry) alongside structural imaging (OCT) enhances understanding and management of AMD.
Target PopulationPatients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Care SettingOphthalmology clinics and practices.

Key Highlights

  • Functional testing is underutilized in AMD diagnosis and management.
  • Contrast sensitivity testing reveals daily visual system reactions.
  • Dark adaptometry can identify subclinical disease before structural changes.
  • Microperimetry assesses fixation and central visual field defects.
  • Combining structural and functional testing can improve AMD care.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Incorporate functional tests such as contrast sensitivity and dark adaptometry in AMD diagnosis.

Management

  • Utilize microperimetry to monitor functional changes and treatment effects in AMD.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regularly assess contrast sensitivity and dark adaptation to track disease progression.

Risks

  • Delayed diagnosis due to reliance on structural imaging alone.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals diagnosed with or at risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Functional testing can predict conversion to advanced AMD and monitor treatment efficacy.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Adopt a dual approach of structural and functional testing in AMD management.
  • Educate patients on the importance of functional tests for early detection.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Glaucoma: Applying Glaucoma Strategies to AMD Care

  • by Mike Cymbor, OD, FAAO

  • October 1, 2025

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