This Month Pronounced AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month
February has been declared age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision awareness month. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one source of vision loss for seniors. AMD often results in low vision, a term eye care professionals use to describe significant vision loss that is sometimes called “legal blindness” or almost total blindness. For those with AMD, a progressive eye disease, impairment is caused to the macula, the area of the retina which enables clear central vision. AMD causes a vision loss relating to the central vision zone, but usually leaves peripheral vision intact.
Vision loss from AMD is usually progressive but rarely disruptions in vision can drastically appear seemingly overnight. Early symptoms of vision loss from AMD include blurred areas in your central visual field or unusually fuzzy vision. Although AMD doesn’t have a cure yet, early diagnosis and treatment can stop progression of the degeneration and subsequently thwart vision loss. For those who have already lost acuity, a normal life can be maintained with low-vision rehabilitation.
Those with greater risk factors of AMD include senior citizens, females, Caucasians and individuals with blue eye color, severe farsightedness or family members with the disease. Controllable risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, exposure to ultraviolet light and obesity. Proper exercise and diet including certain nutrients can reduce your risk.
Those who are living with low vision should consult with an eye doctor about low vision training and special devices that can support independence. After an extensive examination, a low vision expert can suggest helpful low vision devices such as magnifiers and non-optical adaptive devices such as electronic ''talking'' clocks and large-face printed material.
Because AMD and other eye diseases can be prevented by early diagnosis, optometrists recommend a routine annual eye exam for all ages. Your awareness can lead to prevention of vision loss.
