Age Related Macular Degeneration

What is Age Related macular degeneration?

Age Related Macular Degeneration (often referred to as ARMD or AMD) usually affects older adults above the age of 50.  It causes visual impairment that is more severe than near or farsightedness.  Many adults who experience AMD have a difficult time recognizing faces and find it impossible to read.  AMD can lead to legal blindness although most people will retain some ability to see.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

There are many symptoms of AMD.  Some include: blurred vision, a drastic decrease in your ability to see, shadows or missing areas of vision, and a slow recovery in your ability to see after exposure to bright light.

How do we treat AMD?

If your vision has drastically decreased, it’s best to be evaluated by your SMO ophthalmologist or optometrist.  The goals for treating AMD are to preserve eyesight and prevent more vision loss.  Injectable drug therapy as well as laser treatment, surgery, and vitamin and mineral supplements may also be used.

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