Eyes

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on macular degeneration. National Eye Institute Public Information Office  Phone: 301-496-5248 Email: 2020@nei.nih.gov  www.nei.nih.gov American Academy of Ophthalmology  Phone: 415-561-8555 Ext. 223 http://www.aao.org/ Macular Degeneration Foundation  Phone: 1-888-633-3937 www.eyesight.org American Foundation for the Blind  Phone: 1-800-232-5463 Phone: 212-502-7662TDD (access for the hard-of-hearing)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to macular degeneration. Q: I’ve just been diagnosed with AMD. So far my only problem is a very slight distortion of sight in my right eye. Telephone poles and other straight-line objects look a little curved. My left eye is fine. But I’m concerned about the future. Will

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes the loss of the sharp, central vision needed for many daily tasks. Macular degeneration most often occurs as people age, although a form of it can affect children. Symptoms of macular degeneration include

Here are definitions of medical terms related to macular degeneration. Antioxidants: Nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E that protect cells in the body from damage that can occur from contact with oxygen. Cataract: A clouding of the lens of the eye. Clinical trial: A medical experiment used to decide if a potential new treatment for disease is

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people older than 55 years of age. Macular degeneration causes loss of the sharp, central vision needed for many daily tasks that involve looking straight at objects. People with AMD may find it difficult or impossible to drive, read, sew, or recognize faces.

Scientists don’t know. Factors associated with the aging process obviously play a big role, since AMD occurs as people grow older. Heredity is another factor. People with a close relative who had AMD have a greater chance of developing AMD themselves. The “wet” form (see below) is associated with smoking and high blood pressure. Experts

Yes. Some rare kinds of macular degeneration occur in children. Called juvenile macular degeneration, they are hereditary diseases caused by abnormal genes passed from parents to their children. Macular damage can result from injuries to the eye, exposure to intense light, and infections. People with severe myopia, or nearsightedness, may develop macular degeneration. Macular damage

The doctor will take your medical history, ask about changes in your vision, and check your eyesight. Then you will get tests that can detect not just AMD, but other eye problems such as glaucoma and retina detachments. The doctor will give you eye drops that enlarge, or dilate, the pupil of the eye. Dilating

There is no proven treatment for dry AMD. Doctors usually watch or monitor dry AMD for the first signs that it is progressing to the more dangerous wet AMD. People with dry AMD usually return to the eye doctor on a regular basis for checkups every 6 to 12 months. They also may be given