Question 1

What are risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors of AMD include: family history, being over 55 years old, smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. If any of these apply to you, speak with your low vision optometrist about what you can do to lower your risk of developing AMD.

Question 2

What are the first symptoms of AMD?

Accepted Answer

At first, you may notice slight changes in your vision. Dry AMD can sometimes take up to a decade to progress. With wet macular degeneration, symptoms often appear and progress quickly, with very little warning.