February Focus: Raising Awareness About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

In the late fifties and early sixties, many diseases could attack a human being. Along with Cataract and Glaucoma, the third most talked about eye disorder is Age-related macular degeneration. The disease mostly occurs in patients who are above 50 years.

This disease impacts the macula, the small central portion of the retina responsible for sharp vision. As the disease progresses, AMD can lead to blurred or distorted vision, impacting day-to-day activities, including reading, driving, and recognizing faces more difficult.

AMD is categorized into two major types

Dry AMD is seen to occur in 80-90% of cases and mostly occurs due to the gradual thinning of the macula and the accumulation of tiny yellow deposits called drusen.
Wet AMD: In the case of Wet AMD, one can see the development of abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the retina, leading to blood leakage and ultimately ending in complete vision loss.

AMD generally doesn’t cause complete blindness; however, if detected in the early stages, it can help slow its progression.

February is AMD Awareness Month

Today, around 8 million people are suffering from age-related macular degeneration, and to put a check on it every February, AMD awareness month is celebrated. Dr. Basu Eye Care Centre is an Ayurvedic Eye Care Centre that treats both acute and chronic eye disorders and participates in February AMD Awareness Month.

Dr Basu Eye Care Centre is also celebrating AMD Awareness Month and organizing various eye camps to diagnose macular degeneration in rural and urban areas. This would help to keep a check on the disease & encourage healthy habits in individuals so that they can prevent or manage AMD.

The Significance of AMD Awareness Month

AMD Awareness Month is important when we talk about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and spread awareness about how serious this eye disorder is. The day is significant as it promises to pass important information that can help many people. This month is a great opportunity for Eye Care speciality centres and even ayurvedic eye experts to educate people about regular eye check-ups and help them get early detection.

Along with awareness, the month also helps to support those living with AMD and a more significant community. It is the right time to share updates on the latest treatments and ways to manage AMD, showing our strong commitment to patient care. At Dr Basu Eye Care Centre, we are dedicated to improving patient care through education and advocacy, playing our part in the fight against AMD.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Various factors can increase the risk of developing AMD, including Age. The risk of AMD increases after the Age of 50, and there is a greater probability of getting AMD if you have a genetic history of this disease in the family. Along with that, smoking can also double the risk of AMD progression. Other than this, people with high BP and cardiac disorders have an increased risk of getting impacted by AMD.

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy and Prevent Vision Problems

Once you grow older, the most common eye disease that affects people is called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This disease could seriously threaten your eyes when not detected at an early stage. Let’s talk about the ways of how to keep your eyes healthy and also reduce the risk of AMD:

Performing regular eye check-ups: Regularly checking eyes can help detect eye problems. This can help reduce eye-related problems early without causing serious vision loss.
Healthy Eating Habits: Vision-related problems can be resolved by consuming food rich in vitamins that are good for the eyes. Adding nuts, green leafy vegetables, fish, and colourful fruits helps keep your eyes strong.
Avoid Smoking: You can quit smoking, lower the risk of AMD, and start using sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays, protect your eyes from harmful sunlight, and reduce the chances of developing AMD.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help maintain normal blood pressure, which is important for eye health. Good blood circulation helps in keeping your vision clear.

How Can You Participate in AMD Awareness Month?

Everyone could participate in AMD Awareness Month by passing on information about Age-related macular degeneration through social media, blogs and community forums. You can pass on the message to your loved ones, especially older adults living in your community, to get their eyes checked.

Conclusion

Age-related macular degeneration impacts our eyes slowly; hence, it could be manageable if detected at an early stage. People suffering from Age-related macular degeneration can get themselves treated with Ayurvedic medication under the guidance of Ayurvedic Eye experts. Along with this, opting for a healthy lifestyle and staying aware can reduce the impact of AMD and preserve vision for future generations.