How to Know You’re at Risk for AMD

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. In fact, this vision stealing eye disease affects millions of Americans every year and is much more prevalent than glaucoma and dry eye combined. With a risk level of approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 50 and older developing AMD and there currently being no known cure, scientists and doctors have predicted rates of AMD to reach “epidemic proportions”. That is why February has been declared as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. In doing our part to keep the community informed and educated about harmful eye diseases, Hawaiian Eye Center remains dedicated to sharing everything you should know about AMD, including how to know if you or your loved ones are at risk.

Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that typically affects those older than 50. This condition occurs when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. The macula is the pigmented part of the retina located in the center. Its function is to translate light into the eye and is responsible for your central vision and seeing objects in your direct line of sight. Damage to the macula results in blurred or loss of central vision. Although at first it may only develop in one eye, it will eventually affect both, with vision worsening over time.

Currently, there is no known cure to AMD, but there are many factors that may raise your risks for developing macular degeneration. Although some may be out of your control, being mindful of these risk factors can help with early diagnosis and prescribing the proper treatment plan.

Risk factors to be mindful of include:

● Gender (About ⅔ of those with macular degeneration are women)

● Age (Almost ⅓ of those with macular degeneration are over the age of 75)

● Race and ethnicity (People of Caucasian descent have the highest risk of macular degeneration, followed by Chinese and Hispanic/Latino descent)

● Heredity (Researchers have identified several genes related to the development of macular degeneration, it is important to know your family’s health history)

● Smoking (People that smoke have a 4x greater chance of developing macular degeneration than those that do not smoke. This is due to the lack of oxygen to different body parts.)

● High blood pressure (Similar to smoking, the lack of oxygen to the body, due to high blood pressure, puts those at a higher risk for developing macular degeneration.)

● Obesity (A handful of studies have shown that a body mass index of 30 may heighten your risk of developing macular degeneration by more than double)

● Diet and alcohol (High-fat, high-sugar diets that lack nutrients may increase your risk for macular degeneration, as well as drinking more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day.)

Although people rarely lose 100% of their sight from AMD, it is important to know this condition may affect other aspects of your life such as mobility, independence, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. This is why Hawaiian Eye Center urges everyone, especially those who are prone to AMD, to protect their eye health through lifestyle choices, and most importantly, routine eye exams. These key factors may be the difference in your quality of life as you age. As Dr. Steven Rhee, head Ophthalmologist at Hawaiian Eye Center states, “Early detection of eye diseases and self-care measures are crucial, especially as we age. We recommend receiving regular comprehensive eye exams and knowing your risk level for developing AMD, as it is important to keep this in mind and pay extra attention to your eye health if you are prone to macular degeneration.”

To learn more about AMD or schedule an eye exam, please visit: https://www.hawaiianeye.com/