Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of legal blindness among people over the age of 50 in the Western world. The disease damages the macula, an area at the back of your eye that is particularly sensitive to light.
Age-related macular degeneration affects the central field of vision, which is essential for everyday activities such as reading and driving. Peripheral, or side vision, is unaffected. In some people, the disease progresses very slowly and has little noticeable effect on vision. But in many people, age-related macular degeneration causes blindness in one or both eyes.
The biggest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration is age. People over 60 are at greatest risk. For people over age 75, there is a 30% risk of developing the disease.
Age-related macular degeneration is more common in:
Women
Caucasians
Smokers
Persons with a positive family history
The cause of age-related macular degeneration is unknown, and there are no proven preventive therapies. If you are over age 65, you are at risk and should have an eye exam every 1-2 years.
