Who is at risk for AMD?
Although AMD can occur during middle age, the risk increases as a person gets older. Results of a large study show that people in their 50s have about a 2 percent chance of getting AMD. This risk rises to nearly 30 percent in those over age 75. Besides age, other AMD risk factors include: GenderWomen may be at greater risk than men, according to some studies. SmokingSmoking may increase the risk of AMD. Family HistoryPeople with a family history of AMD may be at higher risk of getting the disease. CholesterolPeople with elevated levels of blood cholesterol may be at higher risk for wet AMD. Back to Top What are the symptoms of AMD? Neither dry nor wet AMD causes any pain. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. Also, you may find it hard to recognize faces until you are very close to them. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision.
The main risk factors for AMD are age and family history (genetics). Women appear to be at greater risk than men. The only modifiable risk factors are smoking, obesity and high blood pressure so these should be addressed to decrease your risk of vision loss. Amsler GridAn Amsler grid should be used to watch for a change in vision that may suggest wet AMD is developing. The pattern of the grid resembles a checkerboard. You will cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the center of the grid. While staring at the dot, you may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy. Sudden changes in the grid appearance should be reported to our office. What treatment can be considered for AMD The National Eye Institutes Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss.
MD can occur during middle age. The risk increases with aging. Other risk factors include: Smoking. Obesity. Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early and intermediate stage AMD to advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration. Race. Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans. Family history. People with a family history of Age-related Macular Degeneration are at higher risk of getting the disease. Gender. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.
• Answer: AMD can occur during middle age. The risk increases with aging. Other risk factors include: • Smoking • Obesity. Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early- and intermediate-stage AMD to advanced AMD. • Race. Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than blacks. • Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk of getting the disease. • Sex. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.
