AMD & Low Vision Month

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month. It's the perfect time to get educated about AMD (age-related macular degeneration), the most common cause of sight loss in the developed world.

What is AMD?

AMD is a painless eye condition that affects the small central part of your retina at the back of your eye, called the macula. The macula is responsible for your detailed central vision (the vision you use when looking straight at something), which is needed to recognise faces, drive, and read. It does not usually affect your peripheral (side) vision. Approximately 600,000 people in the UK currently have sight loss caused by AMD, with another 200 more diagnosed each day.

About AMD

AMD Insights

Did you know...

It's the leading cause of vision loss in the UK. AMD is responsible for the majority of cases of blindness in people over 50 in the UK. Read an account of someone living with AMD.
There are 2 different types of AMD. Dry AMD is the most common type and accounts for 80-90% of cases. It usually develops slowly; sometimes years pass before dry AMD reaches its final stages. Wet AMD makes up the remaining 10-20% of cases. It's more aggressive- you may notice significant changes in your central vision in the space of just a few days or weeks.
The risk of developing AMD drastically increases with age. It affects approximately 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 in the UK alone, and this becomes 1 in 5 people by the age of 75.
Genetics play a vital role in the development of AMD. People with a family history of AMD are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop it. Some genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing wet AMD.
Less than half of the UK population is aware of AMD. Given the lack of national awareness surrounding AMD, it's critical to enhance our understanding, especially during AMD and Low Vision month in February.
Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD compared to non-smokers. Smoking accelerates the progression of AMD, particularly the wet form. Other non-genetic factors can also contribute to the onset, including a poor diet and excessive sun exposure without eye protection.
There have been significant advancements in treatment. For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections have positively impacted many patients, with around 40% of patients reporting better vision following treatment. Ongoing research is actively funded by Sight Research UK into promising solutions, such as gene therapy, drug delivery, and other areas.

Promising research we are funding:

How can I raise awareness about AMD?

Share your story

If you or someone you know is dealing with AMD, sharing your personal experience can help to humanise the issue and inspire others to get checked. Read the inspiring story of one of our supporters living with AMD.

You can share your story with us by filling out our short form.
Or, you can email hello@sightresearchuk.org or call 0117 325 7757, and we can arrange a time for you to share your experience on a video or phone call.

Russell doesn't let AMD hold him back.

Distribute educational materials

You could distribute leaflets, articles, or websites from trusted sources to help others learn more about AMD. You can share this page and our other AMD resources with your network to raise awareness.

Take to social media

Use your social media platforms to share facts, statistics, and personal stories related to AMD - especially during AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month (February), when there is an international movement to raise awareness about the eye condition.

Hashtags like #AMDAwareness, or #KnowYourEyes, or #SightResearchUK can help your posts reach a larger audience. Our charity can reach more people if you tag us in your posts (@sightresearchuk)!

Fundraise

Did you know that you (or someone you know) can walk or run to raise funds on behalf of our charity? You can even ask for the funds to go towards AMD research rather than to a general sight research pot.

Perhaps you know a loved one with AMD? Perhaps you'd like to run in memory of a family member or friend who lived with a sight condition? Or maybe you're just passionate about AMD research and want to run for a good cause? Whatever your reason, get in touch with us so you can get racing and raising right away!

Email: hello@sightresearchuk.org
Or call: 0117 325 7757

Just tell us you'd like to run for our charity, and we'd be delighted to get you set up on your fundraising journey with Sight Research UK. Visit our JustGiving page for more information.

AMD resources:

I'm worried I might have AMD...

If you're worried you might have AMD, you should trust your instinct and take action as soon as possible. It's crucial to seek professional guidance quickly. Early detection can help manage AMD before significant vision loss occurs.

Here are some actions you can take at home or at the optometrist below:

Get an eye test

It's already encouraged in the UK that you should get regular eye exams every 2 years. However, given that the risk of AMD increases with age, this is especially advisable for people over 50. With AMD, early detection is crucial as the disease often progresses silently in its initial stages. Many people won’t notice symptoms until the damage is significant. On the other hand, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will have the resources to diagnose and mitigate AMD before the signs become apparent.

Make sure you ask the right questions at your eye test. Click here for some helpful questions to ask your eye specialist about AMD.

Protect your eyes

Did you know that excessive sun exposure can contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of AMD? Make sure you wear sunglasses with UV protection on sunny days. Even wearing a hat with a visor can go a long way to protect your eyes from harmful UV exposure.

Eat nutritious foods

Even though there's no guaranteed way to prevent AMD, particularly if you have a genetic likelihood of developing it, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk!

Sight Research UK has funded multiple studies that indicate the importance of healthy provisions in maintaining good vision. A diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidants can lower the risk of AMD.

In particular, Mediterranean and Asian-style diets go a long way to provide the essential nutrients that are good for eyesight. Top scientists at the University of Southampton weigh in on the best and worst foods for eye health. Read the article here.

Read our A-Z food guide for some inspiration on maintaining a delicious and nutritious diet, and find some tasty recipes too!

Ditch the cigarettes

Studies have shown that smokers are at least 2 to 3 times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers. The risk is higher in people who smoke heavily or for long periods. Ditching cigarettes can reduce the risk of developing AMD over time, although the risk may never return to the same level as that of a non-smoker.

Smoking increases oxidative stress, which can damage the highly sensitive retinal cells. It also impairs blood flow, which again affects the retina as it relies on a healthy blood supply to retain function. Eye inflammation can occur as a result of smoking too, further accelerating the onset of AMD.

Get physical

Studies have shown that those who engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming, may have a lower risk of developing wet AMD compared to those who do not exercise at all. So its recommended that regular exercise should be taken to lower the risk of this eye condition developing.

Understand AMD

The more you know about AMD, the more reassured you'll feel. If you suspect you have AMD, it's important to educate yourself about the symptoms, warning signs, and risks so you're prepared to take action to treat it.