Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a common eye condition. It is the primary cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It happens when the central area in the retina deteriorates. At first, most patients experience no vision loss. That will change as the patient progresses into later stages of AMD.
What do you need to know about this common condition?
- AMD is not curable. That is why it is so important to stay healthy and have regular comprehensive eye exams to watch for signs of this disease.
- Significant vision loss is usually not noticed until late stage AMD. You could have the disease and not know it.
- Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD than Hispanic/Latinos or African Americans.
- Smoking will double your risk of AMD. It is best to avoid this habit altogether or quit if you currently smoke.
- If your family has a history of AMD, then you have a higher risk of developing the condition.
- While it is rare, there is a form of macular degeneration that can affect children and teens. This type is known as Stargardt Disease and is caused by a recessive gene.
- Tests are available that can detect the presence of AMD before symptoms appear.
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eating a nutritious diet, and regular exercise are believed to lower the risk of AMD.
Have You Been Checked for Macular Degeneration?
If you haven’t been checked for macular degeneration, now is the time to do so. Even if you aren’t in the highest risk age group or you have experienced no changes in sight, you should still have an ophthalmologist examine your eyes. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills to make an appointment.