AMD Awareness Week 2008

    AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of age related blindness in the western world. It is also an increasingly common form of registered blindness in Ireland and is thought to affect one in ten people over the age of fifty. September 22nd to 26th marks AMD Awareness Week 2008 around the world, a yearly celebration for organizations whose aim is to create awareness and understanding of macular disease.

    This year AMD Awareness Week has three goals:

    • Generating awareness and understanding of age-related macular degeneration.
    • Promoting the importance of education, early detection, knowledge of treatment and rehabilitation options, with the objective of increasing the number of people over age 50 who receive regular eye examinations.
    • Preserving vision and improving the quality of life of people who have AMD and increasing the percentage of people with AMD who receive treatment and rehabilitation.

    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 examinations.

    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 centre of the field of vision are other symptoms, as seen on front page and photograph opposite.

    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.

    Information Campaign

    A radio campaign will be launched in early September, informing people of the importance of getting their eyes checked and alerting them to AMD. The NCBI’s key message is Early Detection. Early detection is vital in the fight against AMD and it is important to have regular eye examinations. An early diagnosis may mean that treatment can prevent further deterioration of the remaining vision.

    In addition, an information booklet called ‘Foresight: Age-Related Macular Degeneration’ and poster has been produced in partnership with Novartis. This booklet and poster has been distributed to all local NCBI offices, Mrs Quin’s Charity Shops and opticians throughout the country. Novartis is also supporting a range of activities throughout AMD week, including the launch of an AMD website, www.amd.ie and free AMD screening to the public at six sites:
    • Three hospital sites: Mater Public, Mater Private and St. Vincent’s for those already attending the hospital
    • Three public sites: Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre on Wednesday 24th September Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Galway on Thursday 25th September Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Cork on Friday 26th September.

    AMD Information Meeting

    A public meeting is being held in the Conrad Hotel, Dublin on Monday 22nd September where Dr John Nolan, Waterford Institute of Technology, will make a presentation on AMD and the developments that have been made in managing the condition including supplementation and advances in screening as well as treatment options. Two members of the public will also be talking about their own experiences of managing with the condition. Two separate talks will be held at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm, respectively.

    Early detection is vital in the fight against AMD and it is important to have regular eye examinations. 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.

    For further information, please log on to www.ncbi.ie or call
    Lo Call: 1850 334353.

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