For many societies across the globe, February is a month to celebrate Valentine’s Day and periodic leap years. The month is also a time to recognize age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is an urgency to make February the month to bring awareness to AMD and educate people about the disease. It helps inform you of its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.

Approximately 11 million Americans lose their sight due to AMD every year. Statistics show that more people lose their vision to AMD than any other eye disease.

What Is AMD?

AMD is a disease that causes the breakdown of the macula. The macula is the central portion of your retina where color vision rests. It is a condition where your retina has degenerative drusen under it. People with macula lose the ability to see with the center of their eye.

The macula helps you recognize people and objects. It also enables you to drive, read, watch TV, and do your favorite activities. All these get harder as your macula gradually degenerates due to age when you have AMD.

Types of AMD

There are two types of this disease, namely wet and dry AMD. Wet or exudative AMD is when leaking becomes evident in the new atypical blood vessels under the macula. The leakage is either fluid or blood that causes blurry vision and scarring. It is more damaging than dry AMD as it destroys your macula cells. The results are permanent blind areas in your dominant sight.

Dry or atrophic AMD is more common than wet AMD. It is when drusen (degenerative protein deposits) develop in the macula. The more the drusen develop, the worse your vision becomes. The drusen deposits kill the macula in the long run, destroying parts of your sight. Atrophic AMD takes longer to damage your eyesight than wet AMD.

Symptoms of AMD

Symptoms of AMD are difficult to notice during the early stages. You may, however, realize a gradual or sudden change in the quality of your vision. Some people experience a distortion of straight lines or color changes and shady spots in their central vision.

Who Is at Risk of AMD?

The obvious factor that increases your chances of getting AMD is age. The disease typically affects people who are above 50 years old. However, it can also affect people below this age group. Other people who are at risk of AMD have one or a combination of the following:
 

• Are smokers of tobacco.
   

• Genetics - Have a family history of the disease.
   

• Are overweight or obese.
   

• Gender - Women are more prone to AMD than men.
   

• Have underlying ailments like hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
   

• UV rays - It is advisable to wear sunglasses when outside if you are 50 and above.
   

• Race - More Caucasians get AMD than any other race.

Helpful Ways to Raise Awareness

It is important to educate your family and friends on taking steps to prevent vision loss. If you are looking for ways to prevent blindness for yourself and others, February is the ideal month to start it. Creating that awareness of AMD makes a difference. The disease has no cure, and its best defense is early detection.

For more information on AMD, visit Premier Eye Care at our office in Fort Worth, Texas. You can call (817) 428-2020 today to schedule an appointment.