February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month.

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. The macula, which is in the back of the eye, controls our sharp, central vision. For some people with AMD, the macula gets weak slowly, with gradual vision loss, while for others with AMD, the growth of abnormal blood vessels causing blood and fluid leakage can lead to sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.

People over the age of 60 have a higher chance of getting AMD. The chances get even higher as you get older. You also have a higher chance if you are White, smoke, are overweight, or have a family history of AMD.

People with early AMD may not notice much change in their vision, especially if the disease only affects one eye. There may be some blurriness that might improve with brighter light. As AMD gets worse, people may find it harder to see faces or words in a book. People with late AMD may notice that straight lines appear crooked and more of their central vision is lost.

The risk of losing vision from AMD can be lowered by doing the following: • Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year if you are age 60 or older. • Exercise regularly and control your weight. • Quit smoking. • Eat more leafy green vegetables and fish. • Keep your blood pressure normal. • Keep your cholesterol levels low.

If you or someone you know needs a comprehensive eye exam, please call 817-735-2228 to schedule an appointment at the UNTHSC Optometry Clinic.

For more information visit https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health-pdfs/AMD_Consumer_English_Color.pdf

Reference: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health