February Is AMD Awareness Month

Once again, Prevent Blindness America has designated February as Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. This effort hopes to point out the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for older adults who experience low vision or are candidates for vision loss. Age-related Macular Degeneration currently affects more than 2 million Americans, and is the leading cause of blindness in adults over age 65. According to PBA 2012 Vision Problems in the U.S., this number has increased 25 percent over the last decade.

To highlight the issue this February, Prevent Blindness America is offering online resources at  preventblindness.org/amd to educate patients and caretakers about the disease. The website includes tools and information related to AMD, including a downloadable Amsler Grid which can help identify vision abnormalities linked to AMD.

Recommendations from PBA to maintain healthy eyesight? Regular visits to an eye doctor, smoking cessation, healthy eating with emphasis on antioxidants and staying active. Also, protecting eyes from the sun with UV-blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats can also prevent the exposure that leads to AMD.

For more information about AMD symptoms, treatment, and prevention, visit preventblindness.org/amd.