Lower Your Risk of Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans ages 65 and over.

Certain factors raise your risk of age-related macular degeneration

Family history is a strong risk factor in developing AMD. It's important to find out whether your relatives have had AMD, and to tell your ophthalmologist if you have a history of AMD in your family."

Are you at risk of developing AMD? Risk factors include:

• Are over the age of 60

• Have a family history of AMD

• Smoke cigarettes

• Are overweight or obese

• Have high blood pressure

Lowering your risk of AMD

If you are a smoker, you’re increasing your risk of AMD. The best plan is to quit smoking or never start. Following an eye-healthy diet can also be beneficial to your vision.

For patients at high risk for developing late-stage wet AMD, taking a specific, AMD dietary supplement lowers that risk by 25%. Always check with your doctor before starting any dietary supplement.

Recognizing symptoms of AMD

There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Dry AMD (the most common type) — called "dry" because it doesn't cause fluid to leak from blood vessels in the eye. The wet form causes the quicker and more severe vision loss. Wet AMD can lead to permanent loss of central vision. Your central vision is essential for driving, reading, and recognizing faces.

Watch out for symptoms of wet AMD, such as:

• sudden, noticeable loss of vision, or

• sudden distortion of vision, such as seeing "wavy" lines. 

See us right away if these symptoms occur. 

Early diagnosis of macular degeneration can help save your vision. Reduce your chance for vision loss from macular degeneration by:

• knowing the risk factors for AMD,

• knowing your family medical history, and

• keeping regular appointments with an ophthalmologist.