Early Detection Key to Managing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (NAPSA}—Seeing aneye doctor regularly can help you keep seeing well as you get older. Onereasonis age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic condition that causescentral visionloss,affects millions of Americans andis the leading causeofblindnessin adults 60 andolder. Early detection is key to avoiding vision loss. ‘AMD occurs when the macula—thecentral portion of the retina that is important for reading and color vision—becomes damaged. AMD is a single disease, but it can take two different forms: dry and wet. Wet AMD is the moreserious form, with more than 200,000 peoplein the United States diagnosed every year. SSN IL To manage age-related macular degeneration, older adults are urged to have regular eye exams and talk with a doctor about new treatments and low vision resources forvision loss. lose their centralvision overtime, leaving only peripheral, orside, vision. Symptoms include wavy lines, hazy vision and blurriness. An eye exam is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms, as an early diagnosis is vital to maintain healthy eyes. If you are diagnosed with wet AMD, Managing AMD and LowVision Low-vision tools and resources are available and can help those affected by this disease maintain independence and preserve quality oflife. For example: * A downloadable magnifier tool allowsyouto enlarge any part of your screen by rolling overit with your mouse. It will work with any Web site or application cialist for the most appropriate care. The exact cause of AMDis not known but a numberofrisk factors may play a role. These include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Risks that cannot be controlled include: age, family history, gender and race (AMD is more common in women and Caucasian people). * Use a stand magnifier to help with reading, writing, knitting or any other similarproject. * Look for large-print books and publications. * Get large-print checks and billing statements. * Talk to a low-visionspecialist about other low-vision devices. Learn more about wet AMD by visiting www.amdawareness.org/ asrs/. Without treatment, patients can it’s important to see a retina spe- on your computer.
