In addition to increasing awareness of low vision in general this month, February also marks the annual recognition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month. The incidence of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50, rises dramatically as individuals age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System, approximately19 million Americans were living with the condition in 2019, up from about 11 million previously estimated. In terms of age, the incidence of AMD rises to approximately three in ten people ages 80 and over, and about one in ten with the “late, vision-threatening form.” Individuals who have been diagnosed recently with AMD can utilize the Prevent Blindness “AMD Learning Center” and the free GuideMe app. These resources provide fact sheets, information about symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Find out more from the Prevent Blindness press release about their Free Resources on AMD and Low Vision Including Dedicated Webpages, Fact Sheets, New Spanish-language Graphics, An Interactive Patient Guide, and More.
Films Premiering on AMD This Month
Three new films featuring the topic of living well with AMD are being premiered by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) during February, AMD Awareness and Low Vision Awareness Month. These premieres are part of numerous awareness-related activities occurring throughout the month. New website content and social media will also be released to raise awareness regarding disease risk and prevention, including symptoms to observe. According to AMDF spokesperson Matthew Levine, “’Our films offer hope and inspiration to those already living with AMD, that yes, a full life is still possible with vision loss.’” In addition, AMDF recently launched a four-part cooking series, “Eat Right for Your Sight,” intended to help people with AMD to select foods that protect their vision while learning to cook safely with reduced vision. For more information about AMD and the Foundation’s resources, visit the home page of the AMDF website. For updates on new content during the month, subscribe to the AMDF YouTube channel, their Facebook page, or sign up on the AMDF home page for email updates. Additional details are available in the press release entitled The American Macular Degeneration Foundation Premieres New Films During AMD Awareness Month 2023.
Virtual Discussion on Clinical Trials
On February 21, 2023 at 4 pm ET, a discussion via Zoom on The Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Clinical Trial Landscape will be provided by Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC). Part of their “View Point” series, the webinar will cover therapies for dry and wet AMD and is part of FBC’s commemoration of AMD Awareness Month.
