Age-related macular degeneration, better known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over 50 years of age. AMD affects central vision, which means it can make daily tasks such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces difficult. In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of what AMD is and how it affects those diagnosed with it.
What Causes AMD?
AMD affects the back of the eye called the macula, which is part of the retina (the “film” lining the inside the eye). Damage to the macula can cause an individual's center vision to become blurred or wavy and a blind spot may develop. The speed at which AMD causes vision loss can vary - some cases may cause rapid deterioration while others may experience slower changes in their vision. Individuals with AMD often have difficulty carrying out activities that require sharp vision such as cooking, sewing or reading.
Risk Factors for Developing AMD
Age is a major risk factor for developing AMD - individuals over 50 are more likely to develop this condition than younger people. Other risk factors include smoking cigarettes, being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, and having a family history of AMD. Additionally, those who are Caucasian are more likely to develop this condition compared to other ethnicities. It's important to note that women are more likely than men to develop advanced stages of the disease.
Treatment Options for AMD
There is no cure for AMD but there are treatment options available depending on whether a person has dry or wet forms of the disease (the two types of AMD). For dry forms of AMPd, lifestyle modifications are recommended such as quitting smoking and maintaining healthy body weight through exercise and diet. For wet forms of AMPd, treatments such as injections into the eyes (for cases not suitable for laser therapy) or laser surgery may be used in order to slow down progression and improve sight. Additionally, low-vision aids such as magnifiers may also be recommended in order to help individuals compensate for any visual impairment caused by this condition.
AMD can have serious effects on an individual's quality of life if left untreated - however there are treatments available that can help slow down progression and even improve sight! It's important for those at risk for developing this condition to be aware of its symptoms so they can seek medical attention should anything arise. Additionally, individuals should also make sure that they're following lifestyle modifications that could help reduce their chances for developing this disease (e.g., quitting smoking). By taking precautions now you can ensure better vision health later!