February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is the number one cause of vision loss in Americans over 60. Approximately 200,000 new cases of AMD are diagnosed every year.  There are two types of AMD, neovascular or “wet” and atrophic or “dry”.  Dry AMD is the most common, however the wet type can progress quickly and cause a more sudden change in vision. At this time there is no cure for dry AMD, however with early detection and supplementing your diet with a special formulation of eye vitamins, we can slow it down by about 25%.  

 

It is important to understand that AMD can begin without any warning.  Those it effects may not know they have AMD until it begins to affect their central vision.  The best way to screen for AMD is to have regular complete eye exams.  Individuals over the age for 45 should have a baseline exam to detect early signs of AMD.