The Vision Thief Nobody Talks About: Why AMD Matters More Than Cataracts or Glaucoma

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans ages 65 and older, affecting nearly two million people, yet it remains far less recognized than cataracts or glaucoma. AMD damages your central vision, making it difficult to read, write, and recognize faces. The condition comes in two forms: dry AMD, which affects 8 out of 10 sufferers and develops slowly over time, and wet AMD, a more serious form where abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and cause rapid vision loss.

Why Is AMD Flying Under the Radar?

When older adults think about eye diseases, cataracts and glaucoma typically come to mind first. But AMD deserves equal—if not greater—attention. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) designated February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month specifically to shine a light on this overlooked condition. The problem is that AMD often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages, meaning many people don't realize they have it until significant vision loss has already occurred.

What Can You Actually Do to Prevent or Slow AMD?

The good news is that lifestyle choices and early detection can make a real difference. Research has identified several modifiable risk factors that you can control starting today:

• Limit Alcohol Consumption: A 2021 study published in Current Eye Research found that moderate to high alcohol consumption was linked to a higher incidence of early AMD compared with occasional or non-alcohol consumption, suggesting that keeping alcohol intake low or eliminating it entirely may reduce your risk.
• Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2), published by the National Eye Institute in 2013, found that a specific multivitamin formula containing antioxidant vitamins C and E, lutein, beta carotene, and zinc reduced the risk of dry AMD patients progressing to advanced AMD. You can get these nutrients naturally by eating leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and fatty fish.
• Stay Physically Active: Hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease are all risk factors for AMD. Regular exercise helps control these conditions and reduces your likelihood of developing degenerative eye diseases as you age.
• Quit Smoking: Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD compared with non-smokers. The encouraging part: people who quit smoking 20 years ago have the same risk of developing AMD as those who have never smoked, showing it's never too late to benefit from quitting.
• Know Your Family History: Genetics play a role in up to 70 percent of AMD cases, so talking to close relatives about their eye health history can help you understand your own risk.

When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

Early detection is critical because AMD often develops before you notice symptoms. The AAO recommends that all healthy adults get a comprehensive eye exam by age 40 to screen for blinding eye diseases like AMD. By age 65, routine eye exams should happen every year. This screening window is important because catching AMD early—before significant vision loss occurs—gives you the best chance of slowing its progression with treatment and lifestyle changes.

The bottom line: AMD is not inevitable, and it's not a condition you should ignore or assume won't happen to you. By understanding your risk factors, making smart lifestyle choices, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can take control of your vision health and protect one of your most precious senses.