(www.MacularDegenerations.com) The public is slowly becoming more aware of the dangers associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement, reported FrenchTribune.com.
Far from being the sort of eye condition that only impacts select people in certain parts of the world, AMD is a worldwide phenomenon that is expected to become even more commonplace as populations continue to age.
According to the article, this is the reason why further public awareness efforts that highlight how to promote eye wellness are needed. That way, people will know not only that they should see their eye care professional on a regular basis, but also that they should report any and all eye-related issues promptly. Detected early, people can actually slow the progression of AMD if they develop it.
According to the article, AMD is one of the major causes of blindness in Australia. But while this is indeed a proven fact, many people tend not to pay as much attention to the condition as they should. The reason for this is that many people erroneously believe that AMD is simply a normal part of getting older — something that can’t be avoided. The truth of the matter is that there’s a lot that people can do to protect their eye health. For instance, they can adopt a healthy lifestyle free of things like smoking, eat leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits, and consume foods with omega 3 fatty acids.
The article cited Janelle Coates, an optometrist at Bunbury EyesWest, as saying that people who go in for eye exams need to tell their eye care provider that they want their maculars checked. This will help them to detect early signs of eye issues that need immediate attention. Failing to have their maculars tested routinely could set the stage for eventual vision loss that could include AMD and other eye conditions that can adversely impact vision.
According to the article, there is uncertainty about what can be done going forward to help people lower their risks of coming down with AMD. While public awareness efforts are needed, there are questions as to the best way to go about them.
Reference: http://frenchtribune.com/teneur/1211472-macular-degeneration-disease-needs-be-monitored-well
Leave a Reply