Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative, retinal eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral, or side, vision in tact. Early detection is key so that options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services can be administered early enough to make the greatest impact.
AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness for people over the age of 55 in the Western world.
Two forms of AMD exist:
A more common form of AMD; yellow fatty deposits (“drusen”) collect in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, causing vision loss in varying degrees.
10 – 15 percent of all AMD cases; but the chance for severe sight loss is much greater. Characterized by the development of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the macula. Scar tissue may form causing irreversible blind spots and may lead to legal blindness.
The condition of AMD is widespread and awareness is low.
Approximately 25 – 30 million are affected worldwide by AMD. As the “baby boom” generation ages, the incidence of AMD is expected to triple by the year 2025.
AMD cases in the United States exceed cataracts and glaucoma (13 million vs. 12 million and 3 million respectively)
An EOS Gallup Europe survey conducted in 11 countries worldwide on behalf of the AMD Alliance Intenational and a detailed survey on AMD conducted in Canada found that:
Awareness levels of AMD are low in most countries ranging from 6% in Japan to 24% in Canada with the only exception of the USA where 46% of respondents were aware of AMD. In all countries surveyed a significant proportion of respondents had not had an eye test in the past two years, mainly because they did not think they had a problem with their eyes. What are the possible risk factors?
Possible risk factors include: genetics, cataracts, smoking, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color, and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. What about early detection?
Possible warning signs of AMD include: images become blurry, colors are hard to distinguish, straight lines appear distorted or wavy and central vision is blocked by dark or empty spaces. Early diagnosis through medical eye exams/tests every two years offers eye care specialists the opportunity to provide counsel about appropriate options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services. A chart called the Amsler Grid may be used in some cases to highlight visual distortions symptomatic of AMD. Of course, only an eye care specialist can properly diagnose AMD.
There is presently no cure for age related macular degeneration although there is a great deal of research currently underway. There are however, treatments for wet AMD, which can restore vision and/or stop further deterioration. There is currently no treatment for dry AMD, although research is promising. Those diagnosed with AMD may maintain independent lifestyles through treatment and rehabilitation options such as low vision aids, support services and learned activities of daily living. Access and affordability of detection, treatment and rehabilitation services vary from country to country, as documented in the Global Campaign Reports published by the AMD Alliance. What is the AMD Alliance?
The AMD Alliance International is a global nonprofit coalition of vision and seniors’ organizations working to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older populations. We promote regular eye examinations – which offer the best chance for early detection – and provide education about prevention, treatments, rehabilitation, and support services available for AMD. We also seek to enlist support for ongoing medical research into AMD and for healthcare policies that will make treatment and rehabilitation options accessible and affordable for all patients.
All media inquiries should be directed to info@amdalliance.org or by phone to 1-443-386-5032
