One of the most common causes of vision loss for people aged 50 and over is Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The macula, a small spot near the centre of the retina, begins to degrade and the ability to see objects in sharp focus begins to decline.

AMD can progress slowly or quickly – sometimes going unnoticed for long periods of time in the beginning. Factors that can speed up the progression of AMD include:

Smoking
Your risk of age-related macular degeneration nearly doubles if you are a smoker.
Race
Caucasian people are more likely than any other race to develop AMD.
Family history
Genetic factors can make you more or less likely to develop AMD.
Diet and exercise
Staying active and maintaining a healthy diet can lower your risk.
Blood pressure and cholesterol
Monitor these levels with your family doctor.

Thankfully, there is a way to detect Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Although symptoms can be nearly undetectable in early stages, getting regular comprehensive eye exams from your optometrist can catch it early. Getting regular exams can also help determine the rate at which the condition is progressing.

Coping with AMD can be hard, but your optometrist is here to help. Reading glasses, specialized lenses, magnifiers, large-print, and audible devices can help ensure your quality of life isn’t compromised more than it needs to be.

Your Beyond Vision eye care team is here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to make an appointment or give us a call. You can make an appointment easily online.