Difficulty reading in low light conditions could be a sign of AMD“I’M having a senior moment.” That’s a common remark by patients over 60 when they start having a hard time recognizing the faces of people. Add that to having a hard time reading in low light conditions or seeing the different shades of color— it’s a combination that calls for a comprehensive eye exam with a retina doctor because they can be signs of age-related macular degeneration.

“Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a chronic disease that causes blurred vision or blind spots in central vision,” Dr. Amadeo Veloso, Asian Eye Institute retina and vitreous disease specialist, explains. Usually affecting both eyes, it is caused by the “wear and tear” of the macula, the part of the eye that is responsible for central vision and allows you to recognize fine details and colors.

While it is common in people over 65 years old, other factors such as having someone in your family who has AMD, being hypertensive or obese, smoking, and maintaining an unhealthy diet all contribute to developing this condition.

When a person has AMD, they typically will not experience total blindness as they can still see through their peripheral vision. However, Veloso strongly advises everyone to undergo annual eye checkups to detect it early.

“There is no cure for AMD yet. There are laser treatments and injections that could slow down the progression of the disease, but it is still best to prevent it or keep it from progressing.

“It is important to have a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol level, quit smoking and, most importantly, undergo regular eye exams with their eye doctor. Doing these could help them protect their eyes and reduce their risk of getting AMD or any other eye conditions in the future,” says Veloso.

Asian Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye exams, diagnostic tests and various treatment options to detect and manage AMD. Call Asian Eye for an eye exam today! Kapamilya discounts apply: 50% off on consultations, 25% off on diagnostic examinations, treatments and surgeries, and flexible payment terms of up to six months.

Asian Eye is also offering a free EyeScan for senior citizens at its newest branch, Asian Eye Vision Center in Power Plant Mall. The EyeScan is a quick and noninvasive prescreening device that detects signs of eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma, corneal disease and retinal diseases like AMD.

(Story/Photos by:Audrey Trinidad)