February Press Release

Age is just a number. But what about the age of our eyes?

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month. AMD is an eye disease that distorts central vision and affects the macula of the eye. The macula is responsible for picking up fine details in our sight. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years or older.

AMD is increasing among the aging population and shows little warning signs until vision is permanently lost. Possible signs of AMD include a dark, empty spot in your central vision or straight lines appearing wavy or distorted. Individuals with AMD may also experience difficulty identifying colors. Click here to learn more about AMD and low vision.

AMD: Risk Factors and Resources

The Beauty of Aging

While aging is a beautiful process, as people age, their risk for vision concerns such as AMD increase as well. The average age for AMD patients is 80 years old; this is the oldest average age of all adult eye diseases. Learn more about protecting your vision health from AMD.

Smoking is Quite the Sight

Those who smoke are 4 times more likely to have AMD than those who do not. Think twice before lightning up. Learn more about smoking and AMD.

Dilated Eye Exams

Vision loss can be prevented through early detection at regular dilated eye exams and ongoing treatments. Dilated eye exams are the only way to diagnose AMD, making it very important to receive them as recommended by your eye doctor. 

Amsler Grids

Testing your vision with an Amsler grid checks for signs or progression of AMD. 

*Using an Amsler grid does not replace a dilated eye exam.* You should receive regular, dilated eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor. If you notice any distortions in the Amsler grid, make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as you can. 

                     View with clear vision                                      View with AMD

Low Vision 

A side effect of AMD is low vision. Low vision is a loss of sight that can disrupt daily tasks, such as cooking (reading labels and dials), walking, and writing. Low vision cannot be corrected with prescription glasses, contacts, or surgery. Acceptance of  low vision can be very difficult for some, but there are many resources available to help you maintain your independence and quality of life. Learn more about low vision.

                                        Common view for someone with AMD and low vision

What does life with AMD look like?

Put yourself in the shoes of someone living with AMD and see what the world would look like with this disease. Download the AR Eye App for your Android or Apple phone today!

Bausch + Lomb AMD Awareness

Show your support for those living with AMD! Throughout the month of February, like or share an AMD related post on Bausch+Lomb’s Facebook or Twitter and they will donate $1 to Prevent Blindness. Bausch+Lomb are donating up to $50,000 to Prevent Blindness during the month of February to raise awareness and support those living with AMD. Use the hashtag #WHYEYEFIGHT in your Facebook, or Twitter posts to spread the word and show us whyYOUfight for AMD Awareness. 

Help us share the word of AMD and low vision statewide! 

The sight-saving work Prevent Blindness Wisconsin does is funded through generous donations from our partners, sponsors, and volunteers. Help us help you see more clearly.