Are You Aware About Age-related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision? Become Informed This February

This month is dedicated to increasing awareness of macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision. AMD is the number one cause of blindness for seniors. Macular degeneration is one of the causes of low vision, a phrase eye doctors use to describe significant vision loss that is also known as “legal blindness” or almost total blindness. For those with AMD, a degenerative eye disease, damage is caused to the macula, the part of the retina which produces sharp vision in the central visual field. The disease causes a vision loss relating to central vision, but usually leaves peripheral vision intact.

Vision Impairment from age-related macular degeneration usually comes on gradually and painlessly over time but occasionally disruptions in vision can drastically appear seemingly overnight. Early signs of vision impairment from AMD include shadowy areas in your central visual field or very fuzzy sight. While AMD doesn’t have a cure yet, early detection and treatment is known to stop progression of the degeneration and subsequently thwart low vision. For individuals who have already experienced vision loss, a normal life can be maintained with low-vision rehabilitation.

Those at higher risk of AMD include individuals over 65, women, Caucasians and individuals with blue eyes, severe hyperopia (farsightedness) or family members with the disease. Controllable risk factors include smoking, hypertension, exposure to UV light and being overweight. Proper exercise and nutrition including certain nutrients can reduce your risk.

Those who suffer from low vision should speak to their optometrist about low vision rehabilitation and specialized devices that can facilitate a return to favorite activities. After a proper assessment, a low vision expert can help you obtain helpful low vision aids such as magnifiers and non-optical adaptive aids such as electronic "talking" clocks and large-face printed material.

While AMD is more common in the elderly, it can affect anyone and therefore it is important for everyone to schedule a regular eye exam to assess eye health and discuss preventative measures for AMD and low vision.