Did You Know… Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. affecting as many as 11 million people, age 50 and older. It causes irreversible destruction of the macula and can blur the sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading and driving.
Facts About AMD:
- It is a common condition that doesn’t cause blindness but can make it difficult to see faces, drive, cook or fix things around the house.
- Symptoms include seeing a blurry area near the center of vision. Straight lines may appear wavy, a sign of late AMD. If this occurs, a visit to the doctor is highly recommended.
- There are a number of risk factors for AMD. These include:
- Age 60 or older
- Family history of AMD
- Caucasian race
- Smoking
- There are certain things that can be done to lower the risk for AMD. These include:
- Eating healthy foods including leafy green vegetables and fish
- Getting regular physical activity
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Quitting smoking or never starting to smoke
Testing for AMD is done by eye doctors during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. For more detailed information, such as treatment for AMD, please visit www.nei.nih.gov