February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

Educating the public and raising awareness about the symptoms and treatments available for age-related macular degeneration are the focus of Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month during the month of February. The number of American who are afflicted with AMD has increased 25 percent over the last ten years and AMD is still the leading cause of blindness in Americans over the age of 65. Many resources are available to those looking for more information concerning the disease through the organization, Prevent Blindness America. Visitors to their website can access a downloadable Amsler Grid, which can help point out irregularities in your vision that can then be shared with an eye care provider. Prevent Blindness American encourages everyone to get regular comprehensive eye exams and to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to help maintain ocular health. Wearing protective eye wear when playing sports and sunglasses when outside can also help to preserve vision.