Age-related Macular Degeneration is a vision disorder caused by abnormalities in a portion of the eye’s retina called the macula. Early symptoms of AMD are blurred central vision and a waviness of straight lines. This may progress to blind spots, affecting reading, TV watching and many other pleasures of independent living.
Age is the single greatest risk factor for macular degeneration. Other factors that can increase a person’s risk for macular degeneration include:
- family history of macular degeneration
- diet high in vegetable oils and/or animal (but not fish) fat
- cigarette smoking
- elevated blood pressure
- high body mass index
Yearly comprehensive eye health exams are important for early detection and vision loss prevention. The yearly exam will include a thorough screening of the retina using an Optomap retinal scan.