UTICA, N.Y. – During February, The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) recognizes Aged-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness. AMD is an eye disease that can blur the central vision. It develops as age‑related changes lead to damage in the macula. As a result of AMD, many people may experience low vision.
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in patients 50 years and older. Although it doesn’t cause complete blindness, losing central vision can make reading, driving, seeing faces, or near work more difficult. People may experience AMD differently. For most, AMD progresses slowly, but progress can vary. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry AMD occurs when certain areas of the macula thin, and wet AMD occurs when blood or fluid caused by abnormal blood vessel growth builds up under the macula.
“Initially, patients may not notice any changes to their vision, but over time their vision may become blurry, straight lines may appear wavy, or their central vision may darken,” said Dr. Kimberly Wadas. “It is important for patients to visit their eye doctor yearly for prevention and early detection. Their eyecare provider may give them an Amsler Grid to monitor the integrity of the macula. Prevention is key.” Risk factors for AMD include being over the age of 50 years old, smoking, a diet high in saturated fat, obesity, a diagnosis of hypertension or elevated cholesterol, sun/UV light exposure, or having a family history of AMD.
Low vision is defined as best-corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse, which cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or medical intervention, such as surgery or medication. Low vision is more common in older adults because many of the eye diseases that cause low vision, such as AMD, typically happen to people over 50. People experiencing trouble reading, driving, recognizing faces, or telling colors apart may be experiencing low vision, as it can affect an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Unfortunately, low vision is generally a permanent condition.
Intervention for low vision varies based on the current eye condition that is causing it. After receiving a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will be able to determine the best options for treatment. Fortunately, there are ways to make the most of having low vision! If the vision loss is mild, there are simple modifications that can be made to improve quality of vision. Using task lighting at home or at work may help with ability to perform daily activities; Sunglasses can also be helpful because they reduce the amount of glare and reflections that enter the eye; and a magnifying glass may help with reading and other near tasks.
