February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month
AMD Awareness Month, sometimes also referred to as AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, was established in 2008 to raise awareness about the national prevalence and impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on individuals, and the rippling effect on their networks of care.
Did you know that in the United States:
- Nearly 20 million Americans aged 40+ have been diagnosed with some form of macular degeneration.
- 1.49 million Americans are living with a late-stage vision-threatening form of age-related macular degeneration.
- This is about 22% of the total 7 million Americans living with vision loss or blindness.
- By the age of 75, roughly 1 in 3 people living in the United States will have some form of age-related macular degeneration, and about 1 in 4 of those will have a vision-threatening, late-stage form of AMD.
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but early detection, along with lifestyle changes and treatments, can help preserve vision for as long as possible for those at risk of developing AMD. Time is Vision!! Early detection for the onset of all types of age-related macular degeneration is key to preserving vision for as long as possible. For Dry AMD, an early diagnosis means opportunities to reduce risk, delay onset, or slow progression of vision loss through lifestyle changes and supplements. For wet AMD onset, time is even more critical. Research indicates that the earlier you start receiving treatments for this condition the better the outcome is likely to be. In fact, studies show that time-to-treatment may be the most important factor in preserving your vision. Our message to seniors? Don't wait if you notice a sudden change in your vision such as sudden dark spots, blurriness, or straight lines appearing bent or wavy. Call your eye specialist right away if you suspect the onset of wet macular degeneration.
The causes of AMD are complex, but several risk factors are controllable through lifestyle changes.
- Smoking - Smoking doubles the risk of AMD, and recent studies have found that living in an air-polluted environment also increases risk
- Diet - a poor diet, high in saturated fats and cholesterol and low in antioxidants, can increase risk for AMD and accelerate its progression
- Unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure
- Weight - being overweight overall, but particularly around the abdomen
- Sun exposure without eye protection
Some risk factors of AMD are not under anyone's control. These include:
- Age - the risk of developing AMD begins increasing by age 40 and exponentially increases after the age of 75.
- Genetics - a family history of macular degeneration.
- Light colored irises.
- Being female - understood to be because women usually live longer than men.
The two actions you can take if you are at risk for age-related macular degeneration are to change any lifestyle factors that put you more at risk, and to monitor your vision through regular eye exams and at home so you can detect any vision-emergency changes.
With AMD, vision loss can be gradual, or sudden, but either way, there is no question that vision loss can have a profound impact on daily living for those affected. The impacts are wide-ranging, from emotional impact to effects on independence and quality of life. Impact of vision loss on daily life can include all the obvious things, like not being able to drive, but it's the accumulation of minor and major things that can rob a person of a sense of well-being and independence. Things like:
- Difficulty with practical reading, such as signs, food labels, receipts, menus, etc.
- Difficulty with hobbies that require close detail
- Difficulty navigating new environments
- Difficulty recognizing faces, even of their own family and friends
- Increased isolation
- Increased risk of falls and injuries due to balance issues or not being able to detect walking hazards
- Lack of access to transportation
- Economic burden of treatments -- and so much more
While AMD is most prevalent in Caucasians, other races/ethnicities are still at risk! Income and education can also affect access to treatment and visual acuity outcomes! Regardless of ethnicity, income or education, EVERYONE needs to have regular eye exams. Awareness and prevention are key!
