How does AMD affect vision?
The macula is important to eyesight since it is the part of the eye responsible for detailed central or “straight ahead” vision. Although people with AMD rarely go completely blind because of this condition, they may find it difficult to read, recognize faces or colors, drive, and perform other daily functions that require central vision.
As the cells in the macula deteriorate, the ability to see will begin to change. Objects directly in front of an individual appear to change shape, size, or color, and may seem to move or disappear. Vision may blur, lines may become distorted, or dark spots may appear in the center of the field of vision. Eventually, AMD results in a circular area of blindness that may block out words. Q: What are the risk factors for AMD? Age Age is the main risk factor for developing AMD. In the U.S. it is estimated that about 14% of people aged 55 to 64 have some degree of AMD. Diet and Nutrition Early research has shown that a low dietary intake of certain antioxidants, such as lutein found in leafy green vegetables, may increase risk of developing AMD. Sunlight Cell damage from the sun can lead, over time, to deterioration of the macula. Heredity Some studies show that AMD may be in part inherited. Gender Differences Being a woman over age 75 doubles your chances of developing AMD compared to a ma
