February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.
What is AMD?
AMD is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. When the macula deteriorates, it becomes difficult to read, drive, recognize faces, and perform daily tasks.
Types of AMD:
- Dry AMD: The most common type, characterized by the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula.
- Wet AMD: A more severe form characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the macula, which can leak fluid or blood, rapidly damaging central vision.
Impact of AMD and Low Vision:
Living with AMD or low vision can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Challenges may include:
- Difficulty with daily activities: Reading, writing, driving, cooking, and recognizing faces can become challenging.
- Social isolation: Vision loss can lead to social isolation and depression.
- Increased risk of falls: Difficulty with depth perception can increase the risk of falls.
Preventative Measures:
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent AMD, certain lifestyle factors can reduce the risk:
- Healthy Diet: A diet rich in leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial.
- Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams, especially after age 50, are crucial for early detection and treatment.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing AMD.
Assistive Devices for Low Vision:
Fortunately, various assistive devices can help people with low vision maintain their independence:
- Magnifiers: Handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and electronic magnifiers can help with reading and close-up tasks.
- Glasses with special lenses: Specialized lenses can help improve vision for specific tasks.
- Low-vision aids: Devices like closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) can magnify images on a screen.
- Assistive technology: Screen readers, voice assistants, and other technologies can help with reading, writing, and computer use.
Living Well with Low Vision:
Living with low vision can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that there are resources and support available.
- Support groups: Connecting with others who have low vision can provide emotional support and valuable coping strategies.
- Rehabilitation services: Low vision rehabilitation specialists can provide training and guidance on using assistive devices.
- Adaptive technology: Explore assistive technologies that can help you maintain independence.
This AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, let’s raise awareness about this condition and empower individuals with low vision to live fulfilling lives.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
