Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month

February is known for all the heart-shaped boxes full of candy, but did you know that February is also National Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) usually affects people 50 years or older.  It is a disease of the macula, a small area in the back of your eye that is responsible for your central vision, or what you see directly in front of you. It is like having a spec of dirt on a camera lens.

There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet.  Most people start with dry AMD which later progresses to wet AMD. With dry AMD, a substance called drusen forms under the macula. This causes your vision to become wavy or fuzzy making it harder to see in dim light, recognize faces and read. The amount of drusen you experience is determined by several factors including genetics, UV damage (remember your sunglasses!) and smoking. As dry AMD progresses you may experience dark spots in your vision.

Wet AMD is a more severe type of AMD. According to sightmatters.com, 1 in 10 people with dry AMD develops wet AMD. Wet AMD can appear and worsen is a short amount of time. Wet AMD is when blood vessels grow under your retina, leaking blood that can permanently scar your macula.

Risk Factors for AMD

1. Age: AMD usually affects people aged 50 and over, with 1 in 3 people aged 80 or older having AMD.
2. Family History: Genetics may determine your risk of developing AMD.
3. Gender: Women get AMD more than men.
4. Skin Color: People with light skin are more likely to develop AMD.
5. Eye color: People with light-colored eyes are also more likely to develop AMD.
6. Smoking: AMD is yet another side effect of smoking.
7. Sun Exposure: Wearing sunglasses can help prevent AMD or slow its progression

If you or someone you love is experiencing trouble with their vision, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist and get a dilated eye exam.