A patient presents with gradual loss of central vision but preserved peripheral vision. The nurse…

➤ What tests confirm a diagnosis of macular degeneration?
Begin with visual acuity and the Amsler grid to detect central distortion. Perform a dilated fundus exam to look for drusen and pigment changes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) identifies retinal thinning or subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiography detects choroidal neovascularization in wet disease and guides treatment planning.