Age-Related Macular Degeneration (or AMD)
February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness (AMD) Month and our goal is to spread awareness about this eye disease. As we age, our eyes may frequently change and require support from glasses or contact lenses. They may also develop more challenges with becoming dry or more sensitive to allergens. But probably the most challenging and concerning changes to our vision after the age of 55 can be the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a degenerative process which causes blurred and distorted vision, particularly when reading or looking at faces or even tv. There is much research currently going on as to the precise causes, but we do know that there are some significant risk factors for developing AMD.
Risk Factors:
- Smoking
- Family history of AMD
- High blood pressure and being overweight
- Low macular pigment density (we measure this in the office)
- Exposure to sunlight over time without sunglasses
You can’t do much about the family history risk factor, but there are a lot of preventative things you can do to help prevent getting AMD.
Prevention:
- Get your eyes checked regularly for close monitoring of the maculas
- Fruits and vegetables have lots of pigment and vitamins that help nourish the macula
- All green leafy veggies are great!
- Berries, nuts, and fish also great!
- Wear sunglasses with good UV protection (ensure size covers the eyes well)
- Exercise and maintain appropriate weight
Over a third of people over 65 show signs of AMD, but with taking good care of your eyes, you can help prevent AMD from causing serious vision loss.
Call us today at 713-664-8087 to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists to check for signs of macular degeneration.
