Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the
leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans ages 65 and over. To help
reduce your chance of vision loss from AMD:
- know the risk
factors for AMD,
- know
your family eye & medical history, and
- Schedule and keep
regular eye exam appointments.
The Top 5 Risk Factors for AMD include:
- Being
over the Age of 60
- Having a Family
History of AMD
- Cigarette
Smoking
- Obesity
- Hypertension
People with any two of these risk factors
should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist and,
People who are at risk should know the symptoms of
Wet AMD, the form most likely to cause rapid and serious vision loss including:
- sudden,
noticeable loss of vision, or
- sudden
distortion of vision, such as seeing "wavy" lines.
See an
ophthalmologist right away if these symptoms occur. Treatments for wet
AMD provide an excellent chance of stopping vision loss. They may actually
restore some vision when macular degeneration develops. Earlier diagnosis of
wet AMD gives a better chance of successful treatment.
You
can control some AMD risk factors, such as smoking and diet, to reduce the risk
of vision loss. One way to reduce AMD risk is to quit smoking or never start.
You can't control all your risks, however. For example, you can't do anything
about your genetics. Knowing family medical history and sharing it with your
ophthalmologist is an important step to protect your vision.
For patients at high risk for developing late-stage wet AMD, taking a specific, AMD dietary supplement lowers that risk by 25 percent. However, patients should check with their ophthalmologist before starting any dietary supplement!
