(BPT) - Your vision is a vital part of how you experience the world, like seeing vibrant colors and the details of daily life, and protecting it is of the utmost importance.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can potentially lead to vision loss or blindness. While an AMD diagnosis can be a scary thought, there are ways to help reduce the risk of progression of the condition. Here's what you need to know this AMD Awareness Month.

What is AMD?

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, affecting approximately 16 million Americans. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading, driving and recognizing faces. As a progressive condition, AMD can impair central vision over time.

Steps to Help Reduce AMD Progression

While there is not a cure for AMD or a way to reverse its damage, people can take steps to help reduce their risk of progression:

1. Get an Annual Eye Exam (Including Eye Dilation)
   AMD often has no early symptoms, making annual eye exams important for early detection. A comprehensive dilated eye exam allows doctors to see the back of the eye where AMD occurs. If diagnosed, work with your eye care professional to monitor changes and create a plan to help preserve your sight.
   
   
2. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
   Although some factors are beyond our control, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help. This includes:

• • Eating a diet rich in leafy greens and fish
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
  • Staying active and exercising regularly
  • Quitting smoking

3. Consider Nutritional Supplements
   Your eye doctor may recommend a nutritional supplement to help reduce the risk of AMD progression. Clinical studies spanning over two decades from the National Eye Institute (NEI) found that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals can reduce the risk of progression and vision loss in people with intermediate to advanced AMD. The AREDS 2 supplement is based on this NEI-recommended clinically proven formula.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet.

Support and Resources

Learning about AMD for the first time can be overwhelming. While the internet offers a wealth of information, medical literature can be dense and hard to follow. Bausch + Lomb developed SightMatters.com to provide information, personalized tips, tools, cost savings on AREDS 2 formula eye vitamins, and a support network to help people understand and manage AMD. It also allows patients to create a personalized action plan to discuss with their doctor, helping them take charge of the condition and continue to see what they love each day.

Take Action Today

Taking proactive steps to protect your vision is important, especially when it comes to managing AMD. Remember, early detection through annual eye exams, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and considering nutritional AREDS 2 supplements can make a difference.

Don't wait - schedule an appointment with your eye doctor today to discuss your eye health and create a plan to help preserve your vision. For more information and support, visit www.SightMatters.com.

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