Living Well With AMD and Low Vision: Tips and Resources

February highlights AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) and Low Vision Awareness Month. Macular degeneration, commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a retinal disease linked with aging. When AMD damages the macula, the center part of a person’s vision may become blurred or wavy, and a new blind spot may emerge. Currently, ~18 million Americans have early AMD and ~1.5 million have the late stage visually threatening AMD form. Risk factors for AMD include: age (60+ yrs old), cigarette smoking, race (Caucasian), a diet low in certain antioxidant nutrients and a family history. A comprehensive eye exam at Bensenville Eye Care checks every patient for signs of AMD. But we don’t stop there. We also perform macular pigment density testing and non-invasive retinal scans to determine the health of the macular tissue. These additional tests provide useful information to help our doctors guide our patients in preventative measures based on their risk factors. Treatment options for AMD include eye-specific vitamins to support macular health, laser surgery and/or drug injections. Early detection and prevention are essential for this prevalent disorder.

Low vision is vision loss that cannot be corrected by medical or surgical treatments or conventional glasses. Currently, more than 7 million Americans suffer from low vision that impacts their daily lives. If you or a loved one experiences low vision, here are a few ways to thrive:

👓 Explore specialized glasses or contact lenses tailored for low vision.

🖥 Use magnifiers or adaptive technology for reading and daily tasks.

🌟 Create a home environment with brighter lighting and high-contrast tools.

󰞗 Partner with your eye care provider for personalized care and support.


For more information on AMD, please visit: https://preventblindness.org/dry-age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/

And, for more information on Living Well With Low Vision, please visit: https://lowvision.preventblindness.org/

Our Bensenville Eye Care team is here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about your eyes