Guest Author - MaryTara Wurmser
February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month.
What is AMD?
AMD stands for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. AMD is a disease of the eye that typically affects persons over 50 years of age. It is a leading cause of legal blindness and visual impairment. AMD will not result in complete blindness or loss of vision as it impacts central vision and focusing - leaving peripheral vision intact. There are 2 types of AMD - the more common (90% of cases) are what is called Dry AMD, and the less common (10%) Wet AMD.
Many day to day activities that will be impacted by AMD including: driving, reading, recognizing faces, watching television or movies, using a computer - any activities that require head-on viewing will be effected. Some symptoms that there may be an AMD onset include wavy lines in place of items that should be straight (like telephone poles), a dark spot in the center of items, trouble with discerning colors, difficulty adjusting from light to dark, or blurry vision. AMD can be detected only by a qualified eye professsional at a thorough eye exam with dilation. As always, I cannot stress enough the importance of annual eye exams.
AMD Facts:
-Recent studies have found a link between cholesterol levels, obesity, hypertension, and high fat intake in AMD. With an obese society it is not surprising that the rates of AMD are as many as 10% of people between the age of 65-75 and 30% over 75 years of age having some signs of AMD.
-AMD affects more than 15 million Americans.
-Smoking increases the risk of AMD, clearly another reason NOT to smoke.
-The National Eye Institute believes that Dry AMD can be slowed down through the use of vitamins, supplements, and antioxidants.
-Macular Degeneration has a genetic component. If you have a family history of AMD you are more at risk and should be screened annually.
-AMD is more prevalent among Caucasions. Where Glaucoma is more common in African-Americans and Hispanics.
For more information, visit the National Eye Institute, Prevent Blindness America, or All About .Vision.com
