Eye Care
Age-related Macular Degeneration Proven to Take a Devastating Toll on the Eyes, the Economy and the Mind
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Feb 4, 2007 - 10:24:06 AM

Age-related Macular Degeneration Proven to Take a Devastating Toll on the Eyes, the Economy and the Mind


(HealthNewsDigest.com).. CHICAGO – Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a serious eye disease that affects the vision of more than 15 million Americans and is the leading cause of visual impairment among those ages 50 and older. AMD-related vision loss usually involves the “central” or “straight ahead” vision. This loss can be slow or fast and may be permanent. But AMD doesn’t just take its toll on the eyes. It also has proven to be not only a financial burden but can affect the patient’s mental health as well.

In a recent report issued in the Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers found that as a nation, Americans spend $35.4 billion related to visual disorders, including medical expenses and loss of productivity. Of that number, $575 million was directly attributed to AMD costs. Alarmingly, because of the extremely large aging population, the number of AMD cases is estimated to balloon in the near future, possibly creating a devastating financial impact.

But beyond the dollar amounts comes an even higher price tag — the emotional toll that AMD often takes on patients and those that care for them. A study from AMD Alliance International concluded that AMD patients suffer higher rates of depression and report a profoundly negative impact on their quality of life. Patients who lose their ability to drive, read a newspaper or even see the faces of their loved ones begin to feel a significant loss of independence which can lead to emotional distress and often depression.

The most frightening aspect of the disease is that it progresses painlessly, with many patients not aware they are having problem. Unfortunately, once symptoms begin to appear, permanent vision loss may have already occurred. And, if left untreated, studies show that those diagnosed with “wet” AMD (a more rapidly progressing condition than “dry” AMD) will become functionally blind within two years.

“Although there is still no cure for AMD, new and promising medications and treatment options are continuously being developed and researched,“ said Dr. Timothy Stout, a retinal specialist and researcher at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Ore. “Being diagnosed with AMD is the first step to saving vision so we need to make everyone aware of the disease and get them into the eye doctor to get a complete exam.”

In conjunction with February as Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, this year Prevent Blindness America is launching a new, dedicated online resource for patients and their loved ones to learn more about the disease. The Web site, www.preventblindness.org/amd, offers a variety of tools and information on everything from risk factors, treatment options, and even a downloadable Amsler Grid, (a tool that can help identify vision abnormalities linked to AMD).

“We can’t stress enough how important it is that everyone make an effort to visit their eye doctor regularly, even if they don’t think they have a problem,” said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “The new year is already underway and we challenge all Americans to make an appointment for themselves and their loved ones to ensure healthy vision for years to come.”

Although only a doctor can make the diagnosis, the following are possible signs of AMD:

·Straight lines such as telephone poles, the sides of buildings or streetlight poles, look wavy.



· Written text and/or type can appear blurry.



· A dark or empty spot may block the center of your vision.

For free information on AMD or a free copy of the Amsler grid, please visit Prevent Blindness America at www.preventblindness.org/amd or call 1-800-331-2020.

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