Evaluating Your Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

1. Evaluating Your Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, progressive eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 and is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Fortunately, there are ways to evaluate your risk factors for AMD and treatment options available to help restore vision. At The Eye Center, P.A., our team of experienced ophthalmologists provides comprehensive care for patients with age-related macular degeneration. We understand how difficult it can be to cope with vision loss due to AMD and are dedicated to helping our patients maintain their quality of life by providing tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals. Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) There are several risk factors associated with developing age-related macular degeneration, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, family history/genetics, smoking status, and lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity. Age: People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop AMD than those who are younger. Gender: Women tend to be more at risk for developing AMD than men. Race/Ethnicity: Caucasians have a higher risk for developing AMD than other ethnicities. Family History/Genetics: People who have a family history or genetic predisposition to AMD may be at an increased risk for developing the condition. Smoking Status: Research has shown that smoking increases your risk for developing AMD by two times or more compared to non-smokers. Diet & Physical Activity: Eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing AMD while regular physical activity can also help protect against this condition by reducing inflammation in the body which can lead to vision loss from AMD. Evaluating Your Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) To evaluate your personal risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it’s important to speak with an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess your individual situation and provide personalized advice on how you can reduce your chances of developing this condition or slow its progression if you already have it. At The Eye Center, P.A., our doctors will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes testing visual acuity as well as assessing any signs or symptoms associated with AMD such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing details in objects near you or far away from you. During this exam they will also consider any personal risk factors to determine if you’re at an increased risk for developing this condition so they can provide tailored advice on how best to protect yourself from it going forward or slow its progression if already present.

2. Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) If you’ve been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of your condition and how much damage has been done to your retina already from it progressing over time without intervention from medical professionals like those at The Eye Center P.A. These treatments include lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking if applicable; dietary changes like eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids; medications including anti-VEGF injections; laser therapy; photodynamic therapy; vitamins & supplements; stem cell injections; surgery & implants; low vision aids like magnifying glasses & telescopic lenses; and assistive technology like voice activated computers & smartphones designed specifically for people living with visual impairments due to diseases like AMD. Depending on what type(s) of treatment(s) you opt into, they may help slow down further progression of the disease, improve existing vision, restore some lost sight, prevent further damage, or even completely restore lost sight depending on how severe the case is. At The Eye Center P.A., we understand how difficult it can be living with visual impairments due to diseases like age related macular degeneration (AMD). Our team of experienced ophthalmologists is dedicated to helping our patients maintain their quality of life by providing tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals while also educating them about ways they can reduce their personal risks factors associated with this condition so they can better protect themselves going forward. To learn more about evaluating & treating your own risks associated with AMD please contact us today! About Author The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.