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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss for people over age 50 in the Western world (worldwide - approximately 25-30 million are affected by AMD; of that, approximately 4-5 million are "legally blind"). As the "baby boom" generation ages, the incidence of AMD is expected to triple by the year 2025.

Despite the high incidence, a recent international survey conducted by the AMD Alliance International revealed that 8 out of 10 adults (82%) were not familiar with AMD.

A cross border report from 21 countries recently published by the AMD Alliance International found that hundreds of thousands of people are unnecessarily losing vision due to inaction by their national governments to ensure adequate and equal access to eye exams, rehabilitation and treatment options for elderly people.

While there is currently no cure for AMD, hope does exist. Individuals with AMD can maintain independent lifestyles through appropriate treatment (laser photocoagulation, PDT, etc.), rehabilitation and support service options.

Early detection of AMD through regular eye exams is vital to making the greatest impact. Medical eye exams every two years offers eye care specialists the opportunity to provide counsel about appropriate options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services. Only an eye care specialist can properly diagnose AMD.

Possible warning signs of AMD include: images become blurry, colors are hard to distinguish, straight lines appear distorted or wavy and central vision is blocked by dark or empty spaces.

Today smoking is the only proven risk factor. Other possible risk factors may include: genetics, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color, and a diet high in fat and low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A healthy diet is essential to maintaining eyesight. Research has demonstrated that diets low in fat and rich in zinc; antioxidants such as vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene; and the protein lutein can help protect from developing AMD and/or slow its progression.

While there is currently no cure for AMD, hope does exist. Individuals with AMD can maintain independent lifestyles through appropriate treatment (laser photocoagulation, PDT, etc.), rehabilitation and support service options.

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Comprised of organizations in over 20 countries, the AMD Alliance is the only international organization that concentrates exclusively on AMD, and provides knowledge and understanding of available options for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services.

The AMD Alliance International is a nonprofit coalition of vision and seniors' organizations working to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of "legal blindness" and severe vision loss to people over age 50 in the Western world. Comprised of organizations in over 20 countries, the AMD Alliance is the only international organization that concentrates exclusively on AMD, and provides knowledge and understanding of available options for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services.

Although AMD is becoming a rapidly growing problem as the world's population ages, awareness of AMD is low and government/public assistance remains limited. To address this problem, the AMD Alliance International has launched an aggressive international awareness campaign, focused on seniors and their caregivers, providing information about AMD and encouraging seniors to have their eyes examined. Through awareness research, our international website, local hotlines and information, consumer and trade shows/speaker's bureau, educational campaigns, and advocacy publications the AMD Alliance and its member organizations have sought to mobilize the medical community, insurance industry, and key governmental decision-makers to recognize and support AMD as an important health priority.