Researchers at the North Texas Eye Research Institute (NTERI) would like our UNTHSC family to be aware of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the elderly during this “Macular Degeneration Awareness Week”
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD FACTS:
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. It destroys the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly.
2.1 million people in the U.S. have AMD
As the population ages, the number of cases is expected to increase (5.4M by 2050)
AMD RISK FACTORS:
Being over age 50
Smoking
White race
Family history of AMD
REDUCE YOUR RISK:
Avoid smoking
Exercise regularly
Maintain normal blood pressure & cholesterol
Eat a healthy diet that includes green leafy veggies and fish
Early detection is important. Get your annual dilated eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Please see the following link to find out more information:
https://nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health-pdfs/AMD_Consumer_English_Color.pdf