Space Center Eye Associates Raises Awareness for AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month in February

HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 2017 -- February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, and Space Center Eye Associates reminds readers that regular eye exams are one of the best defenses against vision loss. Regularly scheduled exams allow problems to be spotted early so that the appropriate treatment can be given. This can slow or even prevent vision loss. Considering this benefit, it's definitely worth it to make time for this essential service.

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is often overlooked by those thinking about the possibility of low vision. However, according to HAP, a health insurance company, 14 percent of adults under age 64 already have it. The figure goes up to 20 percent for those between 65 and 75, and to over 37 percent for those over 75. These percentages are not trivial, so it's worth it to take steps to lower that risk.

AMD is usually painless, and it can sometimes progress so slowly that patients don't notice the problem until it is severe. There are, however, instances where the disease progresses very quickly. Because of this variability and the fact that it can actually strike at any age, it's important to be alert to the possibility of AMD at all times.

"AMD sometimes goes unnoticed until an eye exam reveals it. Still, there are symptoms that people should watch for. Straight lines can appear wavy, it can be hard to make out the details of faces or printed words, be hard to see at a distance, or hard to tell colors apart. There is also the sign of dark spots in the patient's field of vision. It is, however, important to note that some of these are signs of other causes of vision deterioration, so an examination is needed to make a diagnosis," explained Dr. Keith Manuel, O.D. of Space Center Eye Associates.

Dr. Manuel and his associate Dr. Beth J. Robinson, O.D. stress that the key to preventing or slowing vision loss is to get eye exams on a regular basis. This allows problems to be spotted before it's too late to do anything.

"A full eye exam involves the examination of the retina and other parts of the eye as well as the standard visual acuity test. This is why we recommend it over the type of test that only determines the needed strength of corrective lenses or contacts," Dr. Manuel explains.

About Space Center Eye Associates

Space Center Eye Associates is led by Dr. Keith Manuel, who has been practicing in the Houston area since 1978. He was the Senior Vision Consultant for NASA's Johnson Space Center for 16 years. The eye clinic offers the full range of vision-related services. Visit their website for more information on AMD, low vision, and their services at http://spacecentereyeassociates.com/.

Space Center Eye Associates
2323 Clear Lake City Blvd #150
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 480-1002