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It's the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 50 - age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease can progress in just a few months, and can render people functionally blind within two years. But AMD may be treatable, if detected early.
While the overall prevalence of AMD is low among those under age 40, it rises dramatically with age - putting baby boomers at greater risk, and underscoring the need for regular eye examinations.
According to a recent study by the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, the prevalence of AMD will increase by 50 percent by the year 2020.
"Daily activities boomers take for granted - reading, driving, playing sports - are no longer an option for people with AMD," said Dr. Bruce P. Rosenthal, chief of Low Vision Programs at Lighthouse International, a non-profit organization and leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. "And for baby boomers in the workforce, the disease can be particularly devastating because it disrupts their livelihood and lifestyle."
An eye exam is the first step in detecting and treating AMD. However, research also shows it may be possible to prevent or delay the development of AMD by taking simple, healthy measures such as eating foods rich in antioxidants, wearing sunglasses and quitting smoking.
Neovascular or "wet" AMD is the more sight-threatening form of AMD, responsible for most of the severe vision loss associated with the condition. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid and blood into the tissue at the back of the eye, damaging the retina and creating scar tissue and a large blind spot.
"As we age, the quality of our vision diminishes naturally, but vision loss is another matter," said Rosenthal. "Patients need to understand that vision loss is not a normal part of aging, and see their doctor before it's too late."
By: Richard Lewis
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