February was Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.

February was Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.  So, that might leave you with two questions.  How is it already MARCH? (and therefore,  time for some MADNESS…) and what, exactly is macular degeneration?  Firstly, Spring is coming on March 20th and YES we are READY for some Madness, the Championship is ours to lose!  Secondly, age related macular degeneration (AMD), though, irreversible, with early detection, treatment can be sought to prevent further vision loss.  AMD affects the macula and is a disease associated with age and that can gradually destroy sharp, central vision.

Obviously the greatest risk factor is age.  Those over 60 have a greater chance of developing AMD, and other factors include smoking, obesity and family history.  The cause of AMD (Age related Macular Degeneration) is unknown, however, if left untreated, AMD can cause blindness at its most severe.  You can research a little more about AMD at this dedicated website: preventblindness.org/AMD

If you are concerned that you or someone you know might have AMD, or you are experiencing the symptoms of wet or dry AMD such as blurry vision or crooked lines that should appear straight, contact your optometrist immediately.  These variations of AMD (such as WET or Dry and drusen that are associated with this disease) should be assessed sooner rather than later, so please be sure to visit your trusted optometrist, as soon as possible to prevent further vision loss, or call us today at Commonwealth Eye Surgery so we can recommend several experts in your area, in this field.