October 12, 2023

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Week 2023

This year 2023, Singapore observes the 19th anniversary of its nationwide Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Week. This annual public health initiative, which has been ongoing since 2005, has a multifaceted mission. Its primary goals include raising awareness and comprehension of AMD by emphasizing the importance of education, early detection, and understanding treatment and rehabilitation options for this condition. Beyond promoting regular eye examinations for those aged 50 and above, the campaign strives to safeguard vision, enhance the quality of life for individuals impacted by AMD, and augment the number of AMD patients who access treatment and rehabilitation services. As we mark this significant milestone in public health, it's an apt moment to reflect on the impressive progress made in comprehending, preventing, and managing AMD in Singapore over the past decade.
Find out more about macular diseases at AMD Week, an annual event organised by Yishun Health in Singapore. This year, AMD Week will be held from 7 October – 13 October 2023, with an exciting lineup of activities including eye screenings for age-related eye diseases, and other fun activities.

What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) stands as one of the primary causes of blindness for individuals aged 50 and above. AMD presents itself as a persistent eye ailment that frequently leads to a decline in vision at the core of the visual field due to harm sustained by the macula, which is the central portion of the retina. Some of the vision loss incurred in this condition might prove to be lasting or irreversible.
This ailment can present challenges for patients in activities like reading, recognizing faces, or safely operating a vehicle, as these tasks rely on our central vision. Nevertheless, most individuals still retain their peripheral vision, which allows them to maintain their independence in the majority of daily activities.

What are the symptoms?

Obscured or Distorted Visual Regions.
Impairment in Discerning Objects at the Center of One's Visual Field.
Perception of Straight Lines as Misshapen or Undulating.
Objects Appearing Smaller than Their Usual Dimensions.
Diminished Vividity in Color Perception.
Manifestation of Visual Hallucinations - Seeing Imaginary Objects.

What puts you at risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Your risk increases with:

Age
A positive family history
Smoking
Obesity
Cardiovascular diseases

Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - Key Steps

Quit Smoking: Smoking increases AMD risk, so quitting can help significantly.
Consider Supplements: "AREDS2" supplements may reduce advanced AMD risk, especially for high-risk individuals. Consult your eye doctor first.
Early Detection: Regular eye check-ups improve treatment success rates.
Use the Amsler Grid: Monitor your vision for subtle changes with this simple tool or regular items with straight lines.
Healthy Lifestyle: Eat leafy greens, protect eyes from UV light with sunglasses or brimmed headgear, and maintain a balanced diet.

In safeguarding our vision, early detection plays a pivotal role in preempting eye diseases. We invite you to explore our app and take the proactive step of scheduling an eye screening appointment today. As a token of our commitment to your eye health, we are pleased to offer an exclusive 20% discount on both home-based and in-clinic eye screening services in honor of World Sight Day until 15th October 2023. Don't delay; prioritize your eye health now and seize this opportunity to secure a brighter and clearer future.

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