Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Older people—especially women, Caucasians, people with a family history of ARMD, and people who smoke—are at increased risk.
Warning signs of vision loss include:
- Needing to squint, tilt your head, or move closer in order to focus when you're reading, watching TV, or driving
- Having trouble recognizing faces or objects
- Having problems finding things in familiar environments
- Hesitating when you reach for objects
- Creating poor color combinations (when you get dressed, for example)
- Finding it difficult to recognize colors
- Having trouble writing
- Needing more light to read or do other tasks
- Bumping into things more frequently
- Finding climbing stairs difficult, or having a tendency to stumble when walking-especially if the ability to walk is not impaired in any other way
Adapted from: American Society on Aging
