Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for people over the age of 50 in the Western world, affecting approximately 25-30 million people. Types of AMD
AMD comes in two types - the "DRY" form and the more severe "WET" form.
Dry AMD, the more common and milder form of AMD, accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. It develops gradually over time and usually causes only mild loss of vision. Although the wet form of AMD accounts for only 10 - 15% of all AMD, the risk of severe sight loss is much greater. Wet AMD is responsible for 90% of cases of severe vision loss associated with AMD.
Rehabilitation
Once available treatment options have been exhausted, patients are left with impaired vision. Currently there are no treatment options available that restore lost vision. For many AMD patients, the hardest challenge is adapting to life with impaired vision. However, by retraining existing peripheral vision, modifying the patient's environment and using available low vision devices and aids, AMD patients can continue to maintain their lifestyle and independence.