Explanation - Metamorphopsia is the clinical term for symptoms of distortion. There are several retinal entities that commonly cause metamorphosia including; macular degeneration, epiretinal membranes, macular holes and choroidal neovascularization (e.g. wet AMD). Almost any disease affecting the macula may ellicit complaints of distortion. Patients complain of "bends" or "waves" in telephone poles or other objects usually known to be straight.

Ophthalmic Management - Usually most diseases may be diagnosed by direct examination by a retinal specialist, or anyone comfortable with retinal disease, using biomicroscopy. This is a very fancy term for the ability to examine the retina stereoscopically using a hand held lens and a binocular viewing sytem (e.g. a slit lamp). See photo.

Ancillary Testing - Specifically for these conditions, an Optical Coherence Tomographer or fluorescein angiography may also be helpful in making the diagnosis. Testing at home includes use of an Amsler grid.

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