Medically Reviewed by: Paul J. Stewart M.D.

National AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month

February 8, 2016 . min read

February is National Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) /Low Vision Awareness Month. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for individuals age 50 and older. Macular degeneration is a progressive, usually painless disease that affects the macula, the spot on the retina at the back of the eye responsible for central vision, causing central vision to blur, but leaving peripheral vision intact. In its earliest stages, AMD can be difficult to diagnose. In some cases, AMD progresses so slowly that many do not notice a change in their vision. In other cases, the deterioration is very rapid and can appear to happen overnight.

There are two major types of AMD, a “dry” and a “wet” form. The dry form is the early stage and is the most common form of AMD. There is usually little or no vision loss during this stage although there are exceptions with some people having significant vision loss from more advanced “dry” degeneration. The wet form is a late stage of the condition and affects about 10 percent of all people with the condition. Wet AMD accounts for the majority of central vision loss due to AMD.

The wet stage is when abnormal blood vessels start to grow beneath the center of the macula and, as they grow, they leak fluid or blood and cause central vision loss with blurring and distortion of vision. Untreated, these abnormal blood vessels typically will grow relatively large and eventually cause scarring with permanent and often severe central vision loss.

Signs & Symptoms of AMD (If you notice changes to your vision in the following areas you should speak with your doctor particularly if you are older than 50):

You notice a blurred / blind spot in the center of your field of vision
You require more light when reading
You find it difficult to adapt to low lit areas
Printed words become slightly blurry
Colors do not seem as bright
Sometimes you have difficulty recognizing faces
Your overall vision is becoming hazy

Causes of Macular Degeneration

Even though there is no known exact cause for Macular Degeneration, its origins are considered multi-factorial and the following factors may place you at a higher risk:

Family history of Macular Degeneration
Low macular pigment density
Smoking
High cholesterol
Farsightedness
Poor Diet / Obesity
Sun exposure

What is Low Vision?

People with low vision find everyday tasks difficult to do – even with the aid of regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV and writing can seem challenging.

Just one more reason to see your eye doctor regularly for early detection of AMD. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 713-797-1010 or schedule an appointment using our convenient online form