AMD Awareness Week 2009

AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50. It is thought to affect one in 10 people over the age of 50 in Ireland.

AMD Awareness Week 2009 takes place from 21st to 27th of September and is a worldwide event for organisations whose aim is to create awareness and understanding of macular disease.

Eating for Eye Health

Celebrity chef Derry Clarke has worked with AMD partners to create a simple recipe booklet which includes tips on Eating for your Eye Health and information on foods that include important eye nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Free ‘Eat for Your Eye Health' booklets will be available at AMD screenings, which are taking place during AMD Awareness Week throughout the country.

Download Eating for Eye Health [PDF, 1.9MB]
Read Eating for Eye Health [Word, 106.5KB]

AMD information booklet

There is also a free information booklet on AMD available called "Foresight: AMD", which can tell you and your family more about the condition.

Read Foresight, in text-only or download the PDF.

Free AMD testing

Early detection is of vital importance in fighting AMD and your local optician/optometrist may see signs of AMD before you have noticed a problem with your vision. During AMD Week (21st -27th September) eye care specialists are offering free AMD testing and advice at selected hospitals and public venues around the country.

• Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Galway, 25th September
• The Harbour Place Shopping Centre, Mullingar, 22nd September
• St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin, 21st September
• Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Cork, Thursday, 24th September
• Blackrock Shopping Centre, Dublin, Friday, 25th September

Find out more at www.amd.ie

What is age-related macular degeneration?

AMD affects the macula at the back of the eye, which is responsible for central vision and allows you to see detail. People living with the condition will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes activities like reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult. AMD usually starts in one eye and is likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.

There are two forms of AMD:
Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease and develops slowly, eventually leading to loss of central vision.

Wet AMD is less common but those affected by it have a greater chance of experiencing more significant sight loss. Abnormal, leaky blood vessels develop in the macula and the resulting scar tissue may cause irreversible blind spots.

What causes AMD?

Risk factors for AMD include age and genetics or family history so it is important to find out more about your family history and to inform family members if you have an eye condition like AMD so they can have regular eye exams.

Who is most at risk for AMD?
Persons over age 75 are most at risk of developing AMD. In addition, the risk increases among:
• women (according to some studies)
• smokers
• those with a family history of AMD
• persons with elevated levels of blood cholesterol.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

Slightly blurred vision is the most common symptom of AMD. Wavy lines or a blind spot in the center of the field of vision are other symptoms.

What can you do?

• Find out if there is a history of AMD in your family
• See your optician immediately if you notice any change in your vision
• Have a thorough eye exam every two years; early detection is vital
• Diet is also an important factor. Certain vitamins can help to protect the macula, including organic chemicals called carotenoids, which are found in food. Fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins C and E and carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which researchers believe may help to protect the macula.
• Stop smoking to lessen your chances of developing AMD.

Early detection is vital in the fight against AMD and it is important to have regular eye exams. An early diagnosis may mean that treatment can prevent further deterioration of the remaining vision. NCBI recommends everyone gets their eyes tested every two years.

If you have already been affected by AMD, NCBI can provide assistance and support which will enable you to continue to overcome the challenges you may be facing and to continue to live independently.