Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a consequence of growing older. People in their 60's have been known to
experience debilitating symptoms. It is also the result of generally poor lifestyle - unhealthy diet, smoking,
exposure to artificial and natural UV rays, and the presence of free radicals all contribute to the stress of the
macula, so that they cause blood vessels under the optical nerve to burst.
The burst of blood blocks the central vision, which results in a blurry or blind spot in the middle of a patient's
field of vision. AMD is irreversible. It is treated in it's advanced stage with laser-surgery, photodynamic
therapy and anti-VEGF injections into the eye. However, you can slow down it's progression, if not lessen your
chances of getting it altogether.
BB aware, seeing an opthalmologist regularly after one reaches age 40 is highly recommended. Because AMD does not
happen overnight, traces of it can be spotted early enough and addressed before it worsens. Wearing sunglasses or a
wide rim hat reduces the risk of AMD and so does quitting smoking.
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