A new study “The Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the United States In 2019” published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that in 2019, there were an estimated 19.83 million Americans were living with some form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2019. This is an increase of approximately more than 2.75 times previous estimates (which used a more [Read More]
Category: Eye Conditions
Prevent Blindness Launches New Awareness Initiative to Educate Public About Geographic Atrophy
Prevent Blindness has launched its first-ever Geographic Atrophy (GA) Awareness Week from December 6-12, 2021. GA is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (commonly referred to as AMD) which leads to vision loss in the center of one’s vision. Geographic atrophy results in areas of damaged tissue causing central blind spots. It is [Read More]
Don’t Blame Everything On Your Macula
So your sight is slowly diminishing, and your ophthalmologist told you that nothing could be done. They said that the cells in the very center of your retina (the macula) are degenerating, and gradual loss of clear eyesight is to be expected. Still, they want to see you at least once a year unless you [Read More]
Latest statistics on prevalence of blindness and low vision worldwide
The Vision Loss Expert Group (VLEG) has published new findings about four areas of interest to the blind and low vision community. The report provides timely updates on acuity measurement standards, prevalence of global cases, and prevalence of types of blindness and vision impairment. For those who are interested in statistics, here are summaries of [Read More]
Dry Eye and Dry Macular Degeneration Are Different Conditions
Some people are confusing the eye conditions called “dry eye disease” and “dry age-related macular degeneration” (dry AMD). The confusion is understandable, but the two conditions are nothing alike. Dry eye disease occurs when tears are not sufficient enough to provide necessary lubrication for the eyes. This problem can lead to inflammation and damage of [Read More]