March Awareness
This March we are urging patients to know the risk factors involved with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, which is the most common eye disease. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a progressive, painless disease that affects the macula and destroys central vision. Driving, reading, writing and recognizing faces will be difficult for those who have this disease, but peripheral vision stays intact. Thus, ARMD does not lead to total blindness. Although the exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, several studies have shown the following patients are more at risk: Patients age 50 and older Patients with hypertension Patients who smoke Patients with a family history of ARMD If you experience changes in vision, such as straight lines appearing wavy, an inability to see details, dark or empty spots in the center of their vision, or decreased ability to distinguish colors then you should see an ophthalmologist promptly. An annual eye exam will ensure ARMD and other eye con