Vision helps us navigate our everyday lives and experience the world around us. But for over 15 million Americans suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), everyday tasks, like reading and driving, can be difficult. AMD is a progressive disease and a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 65. Consisting of two types, wet and dry, it reduces the ability to see centrally, both near and far. It rarely causes complete blindness, but legal blindness can occur without proper treatment. Some people go for years without noticeable symptoms, while others experience rapid vision loss. Eye-care professionals can detect AMD and monitor its progress with a dilated eye exam.
While AMD is more common with age, both genetic and environmental risk factors can increase your risk. Though you can’t change your genetic risks, there are several things you can do to protect your eyes. The Alliance has updated and released its highly successful educational brochure—Taking a Closer Look at Age-Related Macular Degeneration. This is the 5th edition of the brochure and has been updated to reflect the latest advances in detection, prevention, and treatment. The widely used Amsler Grid can also still be found on the back cover.
In addition to the educational brochure, the Alliance has a short film that gives an overview of the disease—including risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the role nutrition and lifestyle plan in protecting eyesight. It also addresses some of the challenges of living with AMD, and encourages those diagnosed with the disease to take control of their sight. Also available in Spanish and as a 30-second and 60-second PSA.
From diagnosis to choosing the right treatment (if any), patients diagnosed with AMD have a lot on their plate. To help them learn more about their disease and treatment options, the updated brochure and film guide readers through the latest information on symptoms and risk factors, while offering ways to reduce risk.
