National AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month
February is National AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for individuals age 50 and older. Macular degeneration is a progressive, usually painless disease that affects the macula, the spot on the retina at the back of the eye responsible for central vision, causing central vision to blur, but leaving peripheral vision intact. In its earliest stages, AMD can be difficult to diagnose. In some cases, AMD progresses so slowly that many do not notice a change in their vision. In other cases, the deterioration is very rapid and can appear to happen overnight.
There are two forms of AMD and low vision: wet and dry.
It is possible to experience both forms at the same time, in one or both eyes.
There are several risks factors for AMD in two categories:
Risk Factors You Cannot Control:
• Age: AMD signs are present in about 14% of people under 64, 20% from 65 to 75 and up to 37% of people over 75.
• Gender: AMD is more common in women than men.
• Race: AMD is more common in Caucasians than other races. This may be partially due to light eye color.
• Severe Farsightedness: Extreme farsightedness (hyperopia) is not common and is related to a severe distortion of the shape of the eye.
• AMD in one eye: If you already have AMD in one eye, you have a high chance of developing it in the other eye.
• Genetics: Learn about your family health history. If others in your family have AMD, you’ll have a greater risk of developing it.
Risk Factors You Can Contol:
• Smoking: Tobacco appears to interfere with the absorption of lutein, an important antioxidant that protects the retina from damaging UV light. It also results in constricted blood vessels which decreases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the eye.
• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the many blood vessels in the eye.
• Exposure to Sunlight: Ultraviolet light can damage your retina and increase your chances of developing AMD. It can also speed up its development. So it is very important to protect your eyes when outdoors. Wear a hat and invest in good, high quality sunglasses that screen for 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
• Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet including green leafy vegetables are especially important. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise in conjunction with a healthy diet will contribute to good eye health.
Contact us immediatly for an evaluation if you experience these symptoms of AMD and vision loss.
– Straight lines appear wavy
– Difficulty seeing at a distance
– Decreased ability to distinguish colors
– Inability to see details, such as faces or words in a book
– Dark or empty spots block the center of your vision
What is Low Vision?
People with low vision find everyday tasks difficult to do – even with the aid of regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV and writing can seem challenging.