Sue & I thought we’d do something special for Low Vision/Macular Degeneration month so she’s written a letter that we are sending to our local print & online newspapers, bulletin boards, special interest publications. You are welcome to copy this letter and send it to YOUR local publications. If you do, let us know if you were published!
February is low vision awareness month. It is also Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. It is found in ‘mature’ adults although there are similar degenerative, retinal disorders found in younger populations.
There are 2 million individuals in the United States who have AMD. This number can be expected to grow significantly as the population ages. The current estimate is 5 million AMD patients will be living in the United States by 2050. This is more than a two-fold increase in incidence. The need to care for these individuals can be expected to be a significant burden on families and community and government resources.
Wet AMD can be treated but there is no cure. Dry AMD, the more common form of the disorder, has no treatment and no cure. However, there are a number of encouraging clinical trials being undertaken around the world. A breakthrough is hoped for very soon.
In addition to the cutting-edge research being done in AMD, there are other reasons to be hopeful. Assistive technology has advanced greatly in recent years. There are many private and public agencies able to provide education, support, and, in some cases, materials to make the lives of the visually impaired much easier.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a visual impairment, please contact your state or local visual services agency for help. You may also wish to contact a national organization such as the National Federation for the Blind.
Early detection is important. The National Eye Institute recommends that starting at age 60, everyone should have an eye exam through dilated eyes once a year. If you have symptoms of eye trouble, call your doctor right away.
There is help. There is hope.