Low Vision Awareness Month

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and there is no better time to protect one of your most important senses – your eyesight. Learning about the causes and risk factors related to low vision and scheduling a screening for yourself or a loved one is the key to protecting your sight as you age.

Low vision is a term commonly used to mean partial sight, or sight that isn't fully correctable with surgery, medications, contact lenses, or glasses. In the United States, the most common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead.

Age is a major risk factor for AMD. The disease is most likely to occur after age 60, but it can occur earlier. Other risk factors for AMD include:

Smoking: Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD.

Race: AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.

Family history and Genetics: People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk. At last count, researchers had identified nearly 20 genes that can affect the risk of developing AMD. Many more genetic risk factors are suspected.

Don’t let your vision get in the way. If you think your eyesight has recently changed or could be better, set an appointment with Eye Florida at 407-891-2010.

We look forward to serving your eye health and optical needs.

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