top of page

LOVE YOUR VISION



February is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness


Many older adults think vision loss is just a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Reduce your risk of vision loss by learning about age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that can blur your central vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older, and more than 2.9 million Americans age 40 and older have low vision. Low vision is a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, medicine, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing AMD

  • High cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for AMD

AMD is a significant cause of blindness worldwide and is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for Americans aged 65 years and older.


People with a family history of AMD are at greater risk.


AMD affects whites more often than other races and ethnicities, such as African Americans and Hispanics.


WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Get regular eye exams and tell your eye doctor about your family history

  • Quit or never start smoking

  • Live a healthy lifestyle and lower cholesterol

For more information on AMD, low vision, and other eye diseases, go to www.PreventBlindness.org or www.cdc.gov.


For a directory of financial assistance programs, visit https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/.




The blog is written by :

Tess Gibbs





Click here to read our previous blog post  
14 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page