Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration
Lack of Awareness of A Leading Cause of Blindness
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic Offers
Free Public Educational Materials
on Age-related Macular Degeneration
Richmond, VA (January 27, 2009)
– Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) currently affects the vision
of more than 2 million Americans, ages 50 and older. AMD is a
progressive disease that diminishes central vision and, if left
untreated, can result in severe vision loss and even
blindness.
But despite the severe damage AMD can
cause to sight, the public is still relatively unfamiliar with chronic
eye disease. In fact, in 2008, AMD Alliance International
conducted a survey that found more than half of all respondents had
either never heard of AMD, or had heard of it but knew very little
about it.
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic has declared February
as Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month in order to help
educate the public on one of the leading causes of blindness in the
world. The non-profit group offers a free educational online
resource, “The AMD Learning Center.” For information by phone, call toll free 888-790-2020.
The
good news is that the effects of the disease can be diminished through
early detection and treatment by an eye care professional. That
is why it is imperative for the public to know about the disease
including early warning signs and risk factors.
Those with AMD may experience the following symptoms:
- Straight lines, such as a flag pole or streetlight, may appear wavy
- A dark or empty spot may block the center of vision
- Written words or type may appear blurry
According to the National Eye Institute, risk factors for AMD include:
- Smoking- Smoking and even second-hand smoke may increase the risk of AMD
- Obesity- Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early stage AMD to advanced AMD
- Race- Caucasians are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans
- Gender- Of the more than 2 million Americans age 50 and older that have AMD, more than 1.3 million of those cases are women
- Family History- Those who have immediate family members with AMD are at a higher risk of developing the disease
“We
urge everyone, especially if they are ages 40 and older, to go get a
dilated eye exam as soon as possible,” said Tim Gresham, President and
CEO of Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic. “Even if you don’t notice
any signs of eye trouble today, you may already have an eye disease and
not know it. Once detected, eye doctors may be able to slow the
progression and help save your vision.”
CONTACT
Melissa Perry
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
804-423-2020 x4
melissa@TheEyeSite.org
» What You Might Not Know...
About Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic is the only local
volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose sole
mission is to preserve sight and prevent blindness.
The primary means of accomplishing our mission
since 1957 is through vision screenings
for both children and adults, providing support groups
for seniors, and supplying public and professional education
and information. For more information, or to
contribute to the sight-saving fund, call toll-free,
(888) 790-2020, ext. "0." We also gratefully accept
online donations here at this web site!
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