Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans, but new treatments have dramatically changed the course of this disease over the last 10 years, making AMD more manageable than ever before. During AMD Awareness Month in February, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding people with AMD that they can save their vision thanks to recent treatment advances, but early detection is a critical first step.
If you notice changes to your vision in the following areas you should speak with your doctor particularly if you are older than 50:
- You notice a blurred / blind spot in the center of your field of vision
- You require more light when reading
- You find it difficult to adapt to low lit areas
- Printed words become slightly blurry
- Colors do not seem as bright
- Sometimes you have difficulty recognizing faces
- Your overall vision is becoming hazy
Even though there is no known exact cause for Macular Degeneration, its origins are considered multi-factorial and the following factors may place you at a higher risk:
- Family history of Macular Degeneration
- Low macular pigment density
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Farsightedness
- Poor Diet / Obesity
- Sun exposure
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you with a great deal of health issues, including reducing your risk of developing macular degeneration.
If you haven’t seen your eye doctor recently, why not schedule an exam during the month of February, and support Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness month!
