Macular Degeneration Patients Read More Easily with Courier Font

(http://www.PreserveMacForte.com) It is well known that people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have difficulty with tasks such as reading books or magazines, reported dailyRX.com recently.

Fortunately, a font change may help AMD patients to once again enjoy one of their favorite pastimes, according to the article, which added that the eye condition is common among the segment of the population that is over 50 years old. AMD is also the primary cause of vision impairment among older adults.

The article noted that recent research found that AMD sufferers were better able to read when the text was in the Courier font. Surprisingly, the Arial font, which various agencies recommend to AMD patients, was actually found to be the least helpful.

Dr. Luminita Tarita-Nistor from York University’s Vision Science Research Program in Toronto, and her team sought to determine which of four regularly used fonts were best for people with AMD, which harms central vision but does not lead to complete blindness.

The study led by Dr. Tarita-Nistor included two dozen people, with an average age of 82, who had AMD in both eyes. The research team monitored the reading performance based on four different fonts, namely Arial, Courier, Times New Roman and Andale Mono.

According to various studies, age-related macular degeneration can prevent sufferers from doing the things they were used to doing on a day-to-day basis such as reading, watching television or driving. It can also make it difficult for them to recognize the faces of even close family and friends. AMD does not adversely impact peripheral vision, fortunately.

While there is no cure for AMD, there are some treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease and possibly even restore some of the lost sight. Annual eye exams are important for people who want to stay on top of their eye health. Those who have a family history of AMD should see their eye care specialist even more often. Early detection leaves more treatment options on the table and can lessen any quality-life-changes usually brought on by AMD. Late diagnosis, on the other hand, can lead to irreversible eye damage.