Across the United States, over 11 million Americans suffer from some form of AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and that number is expected to double by the year 2050. Despite this significant health threat, public knowledge about AMD and ‘low vision’ is relatively limited.
  
Seeking to raise awareness of this pervasive disease, The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) is focused on educating the public through ‘Low Vision Awareness Month’, which takes place in February.
 
“Many people might ask, ‘what exactly is low vision?” said Dr. Errol Rummel, Low Vision Optometrist and a Fellow of the IALVS. “Low vision is a term normally used to mean ‘partial sight’ or sight that isn’t fully correctable with surgery, medications, contact lenses or glasses.”
 
In the United States specifically, the most common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Those born with conditions such as albinism or optic nerve damage can also be afflicted with low vision.
 
Macular Degeneration affects the retina in two forms – dry and wet AMD. The dry form of AMD is more common, and is generally associated with less severe loss of vision. There is no treatment for dry AMD. Wet AMD can cause severe vision loss due to the leaking of blood or fluid from the retinal blood vessels. Treatments to stop the leak and reduce the level of vision loss are effective but there is no cure for any type of AMD.
 
The IALVS is a group of low vision optometrists who were intensively trained and are highly experienced in helping low vision patients live their best life. IALVS doctors prescribe and dispense the highest quality, optically advanced, hands-free low vision devices available.
 
“Many eye doctors will tell patients that nothing more can be done,” said Dr. Rummel. “What we hope to achieve with February’s Low Vision Awareness Month is to educate patients to seek an opinion through an IALVS doctor. We are trained to equip patients with custom designed advanced optical technology in the form of miniature telescope, microscope, prismatic, and other unique glasses that can truly make a difference in quality of life. Often, people think they must give up their hobbies – but our glasses can help with driving (in some states), reading, watching television, seeing people’s faces more clearly and a myriad of other tasks. It isn’t necessary for those afflicted with AMD to give up their independence or lose hope.”