Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting more than 10 percent of those over the age of 75. Its victims live with a large blurry or blind spot at the center of their field of vision, making basic everyday activities—reading, driving, navigating stairs—agonizingly difficult.

“As of right now, there is no cure for AMD. However, early detection and timely treatment of AMD can help slow the progression of vision loss, which is why regular exams are very important,” BCH retina specialist Dr. Justin Kanoff told a crowd of more than 200 people during a free health lecture held in Boulder.

AMD is caused by the aging and deterioration of a small area of the retina, known as the macula. The macula controls your central vision and your ability to read, recognize colors or see the fine details of straight-ahead objects.

There are two types of AMD: dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative/neovascular).

In next week’s blog, Dr. Kanoff will review dry AMD.

If you wish to be screened or treated for AMD, schedule an appointment with Justin Kanoff, MD, at the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado by calling 303-772-3300.

View Powerpoint slides from Dr. Kanoff’s lecture for the Boulder Community Health System’s Community Education series on “Advances in Treating Macular Degeneration.”