According to a recent poll, Canadians fear losing their eyesight considerably more than the use of their legs or hearing, yet 70% of those polled know little about the leading cause of blindness - AMD. Few believe they will ever lose their vision, yet over one third of Canadians between the ages of 55 and 74 develop AMD and nearly 40% of Canadians over the age of 75 develop AMD. It is clear that the risk of developing AMD or living with someone who does may be real for everyone.
The information contained in this site will give you a better understanding of the disease, what the treatment options are, how to cope with vision loss and where to get help. The goal of this site is to underline the importance of early detection and the need for proper medical care from a qualified eye-care professional.
This Web site consists of four main sections; each exploring a different aspect of age-related macular degeneration:
ABOUT AMD provides a brief overview of the disease, the prevalence of the disease within the Canadian population, the risk factors for developing AMD, and how AMD is diagnosed. This section is suitable for anyone interested in general information. EXPLORE ABOUT AMD >
ARE YOU AT RISK? delves deeper into the risk factors and provides useful information on prevention strategies. Here you will find more in-depth information on the disease and on treatment options as well as a plan of action should you find yourself at risk for developing AMD. EXPLORE ARE YOU AT RISK >
UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING WITH AMD gives a detailed look at some of the theories behind the development of AMD, at the different types, stages, and classifications of AMD, and at the most current and investigational therapies. There is also a segment within this section devoted to coping with vision loss, including information on depression, support groups, low vision aids, nutrition and more. EXPLORE UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING WITH AMD >
The RESOURCES section is where you'll find background information for the site, as well as resources such as Frequently Asked Questions, the anatomy of the eye, complete vitamin therapy information, AMD terminology, a glossary, and helpful links. EXPLORE RESOURCES >
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