February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month

February has been announced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision awareness month. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss for seniors. AMD can result in low vision, a phrase eye doctors use to describe significant visual impairment that is sometimes called “legal blindness” or almost total blindness. For those with AMD, a degenerative eye disease, impairment is caused to the macula, the area of the retina which produces sharp vision in the central visual field. AMD causes a vision loss relating to the central vision zone, but usually leaves peripheral vision intact.

Vision Impairment from age-related macular degeneration usually comes on gradually and painlessly over time but occasionally disruptions in vision can be sudden. Early signs of low vision from AMD include blurred areas in your central visual field or very distorted vision. While AMD doesn’t have a cure yet, early detection and attention is known to stop advancement of the degeneration and therefore prevent vision loss. For individuals who have already lost acuity, a normal life can be maintained with low-vision rehabilitation.

Those at higher risk of AMD include individuals over 65, females, Caucasians and individuals with light eyes, severe farsightedness or family members with the disease. Controllable risk factors include smoking, hypertension, exposure to UV light and obesity. Paying attention to overall physical health and good nutrition has been determined to be preventative.

Those who suffer from low vision should speak to their eye doctor about low vision rehabilitation and specialized equipment that can support a return to favorite activities. After a proper eye exam, a low vision professional can recommend suitable low vision aids such as reading telescopes and non-optical adaptive aids such as special light fixtures and signatureguides.

Because so many eye diseases can be prevented by early diagnosis, eye doctors recommend a routine yearly eye exam for all ages. Your awareness can lead to prevention of vision loss.