AMD is a condition or disease of the part of the eye called the macula, which is the central part of the retina (the light-sensitive area in the back of the eye). The macula is responsible for our fine, detailed vision. AMD affects our central vision and makes daily activities such as driving and reading difficult.
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Risk Factors for AMD
- Those that we are handed.
- Those that are affected by our overall health and medical condition.
- Those that are controlled by our behavior and lifestyle choices.
- A family history of AMD
- Aging, particularly over the age of 60
- Being of Caucasian race or decent
- Being female
- Having light-colored eyes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High sun exposure
- Poor diet, particularly a low intake of antioxidants
Symptoms of AMD
- Difficulty seeing:
- In the center of your vision
- Fine details needed for daily activities such as reading, driving, cooking, etc.
- In dim or low light
- Straight lines, which appear wavy, blurry, or even missing
- Colors, which may appear faded or to have changed in appearance
In our next post in our National AMD & Low Vision Awareness Month series, learn about eye examinations and tests for AMD and how AMD is diagnosed.