An expert has highlighted two early indicators of a prevalent eye condition that can result in irreversible vision loss. This advice follows recent comments by renowned actress Dame Judi Dench, who shared her struggles with recognizing people due to this ailment.
During an interview with ITV News last month, the 90-year-old opened up about her battle with macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The NHS defines AMD as a common issue affecting the central part of vision.
In the conversation with ITV alongside close friend Sir Ian McKellan, Dame Judi mentioned her difficulty recognizing faces, reading, and watching TV. She attributed her absence from acting to her vision impairment.
AMD is a leading cause of permanent vision loss in individuals over 50, often overlooked in its early stages with subtle symptoms. Dr. Stephen Hannan, clinical services director at Optical Express, outlined warning signs to be mindful of.
Warning signs include challenges with reading small print and identifying facial features. Dr. Hannan explained that AMD affects the macula, responsible for detailed central vision, leading to difficulties in reading and recognition before significant visual changes occur.
The causes of AMD remain unclear, but evidence suggests smoking as a significant risk factor, along with poor diet impacting retinal health. UV exposure without proper eye protection also heightens the risk of AMD.
Dr. Hannan emphasized the importance of routine eye exams for early detection, as sight loss from AMD is not a normal aging process but a retinal disease. Prompt identification allows for evidence-based interventions to slow disease progression.
The NHS underlines that AMD primarily impacts central vision, not peripheral vision, potentially affecting one or both eyes. Symptoms often start with blurred or distorted central vision, making tasks like reading, watching TV, and recognizing faces challenging.
If concerned about AMD or eyesight issues, consulting an optician is recommended.