(www.PreserveMacForte.com) While people tend to be more susceptible to getting sick as they age, some Canadians may be surprised to learn that the primary cause of vision loss among people in the country who are over 50 years old is age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
According to a press release, CNIB, which was previously known as the Canadian Institute for the Blind, is warnings Canadians that, one, AMD is the primary cause of vision loss among those who have passed the half-century mark and that, two, trends such as the aging population are likely to translate into a scenario that could see the number of persons diagnosed with the eye condition double in the next quarter century.
“A number of lifestyle choices can be very effective in the prevention of vision loss from AMD,” said Dr. Keith Gordon, CNIB’s vice-president of research, in the press release. “Things like not smoking, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, wearing sunglasses and exercising regularly are all proven to help maintain vision health.”
According to the press release, AMD damages the macula, which is the portion of the eye that helps persons to see fine details. As such, persons with AMD experience symptoms such as distorted central vision that make it difficult to read, drive and watch TV.
“Early diagnosis is extremely important to prevent vision loss,” said Dr. Gordon in the press release. “Especially if you’re over 50, you really need to be getting your eyes examined on a regular basis. New treatments for AMD are quite effective, but the earlier the disease can be diagnosed, the better the outcome.”
CNIB, in honor of International AMD Awareness Week from September 22-28, is launching a new guide to help Canadians who either have AMD or are at risk of getting the eye condition. The guide is called Your Guide to Age-related Macular Degeneration.
“There’s no need to wade through the results of an internet-search trying to determine what’s true and what’s not when it comes to AMD,” said Dr. Gordon in the press release. CNIB’s new guide is a one-stop source for credible information.”