Age Related Macular Degeneration:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) due to damage of the retina. Age-related macular degeneration occurs in two forms, “dry” and “wet”. It is the foremost cause of blindness and visual impairment in old adults 50 years and older. Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read, recognize faces, or watch TV, although some peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.

Age Related Macular Degeneration:

Aging: Approximately 10% of patients 66 to 74 years of age will have findings of macular degeneration. The prevalence increases to 30% in patients 75 to 85 years of age

Family history: The lifetime risk of developing late-stage macular degeneration is 50% for people who have a relative with macular degeneration, versus 12% for people who do not have relatives with macular degeneration.

Hypertension: high blood pressure

Smoking: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of AMD by two to three times that of someone who has never smoked, and may be the most important modifiable factor in its prevention. A review of previous studies found “the literature review confirmed a strong association between current smoking and AMD. … Cigarette smoking is likely to have toxic effects on the retina.”

Age Related Macular Degeneration Low Vision Devices:

Although Macular Degeneration causes damage to the retina, healthy tissue can remain. Dr. Azman utilizes the healthy tissue, to prescribe low vision telescope and/or microscope glasses to people with macular degeneration. With these low vision telescope and/or microscope glasses people are now able to enjoy their lives. Seeing your family members, reading, watching TV, using the computer, and driving is now an option for people suffering from Age Related Macular Degeneration.