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AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month is observed throughout February, dedicated to illuminating Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and various conditions leading to visual impairment. This month encourages early detection, dispels myths, and fosters a greater understanding of eye health. Join us in advocating for better vision care and supporting those living with low vision.
Want to sponsor AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month? Learn how
Expected AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month Deals
Throughout AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, many organizations and brands pivot towards educational campaigns and fundraising initiatives. Look for companies like Johnson & Johnson Vision to partner with non-profits, offering free vision screenings or donating a portion of sales from specific eyewear products. Pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and Regeneron, key players in AMD treatment, may sponsor awareness events or provide educational resources. Many eye care professionals offer special consultation rates or host informational webinars. Non-profit organizations like the American Macular Degeneration Foundation and Prevent Blindness will run donation-matching programs and virtual fundraising walks. We encourage supporting these vital initiatives directly through their official websites.
Platform Guide for AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AMDAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories, educational infographics, or tips for living with low vision to foster community.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #LowVisionAwareness. Host a live Q&A with an eye care specialist or share links to support groups.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #VisionHealth. Share breaking news in eye research, advocate for policy changes, or retweet inspiring stories of resilience.
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month Hero
Dr. Jules Gonin
History of AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
A.M.D. stands for Age-related Macular Degeneration. It is an illness that is the leading cause of low vision in Americans older than 50 years of age. The part of the eye affected by this disease is the macula, a pigmented, oval-shaped part of the retina. About 5 mm in diameter, it is responsible for the central vision required for driving, reading, and fine detail. Containing a high number of photoreceptor cells that detect light, it is also responsible for high-resolution vision. A.M.D. is a progressive disease that causes retinal cells to slowly die, though it causes no physical pain.
Medical experts have been able to identify some risk factors that might lead to the onset of A.M.D., including high blood pressure, high levels of blood cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. Other risk factors that a person has no control over are age, heredity, race, and gender. Symptoms of the disease include blurry vision, blind spots, straight lines appearing wavy, doorways seeming crooked, and objects appearing farther away or smaller. When any of these symptoms present themselves, the concerned individual is advised to immediately visit an ophthalmologist.
Though there is no cure for the disease, A.M.D. never causes blindness so it is possible for a patient to live normally with the disease by adapting to the quality of vision they have.
On the other hand, low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by surgery, glasses, contact lenses, or even pharmaceuticals. Its symptoms are blurry vision, tunnel vision, or blind spots. Low vision does not lead to complete blindness and in fact, can be improved with the use of visual aids. A.M.D. is one of the common causes of low vision, alongside diabetes and glaucoma. Though anyone can be affected by low vision, individuals 45 years and older face more risk.
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month timeline
The choroid part of the eye is drawn by Democritus of Abdera.
The word ‘retina’ is coined in a Neo-Latin translation of an Arabic text.
The first descriptions of A.M.D. are given, though under a different name.
The first scleral contact lenses are invented by Louis J. Girard.
How Businesses Can Celebrate AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
Local businesses can observe AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month by promoting eye health. Optometry and ophthalmology clinics can offer free or discounted screenings and educational seminars. Pharmacies can highlight products that support eye health, such as vitamins and protective eyewear. Retailers might partner with local vision charities for donation drives or offer special discounts on assistive devices. Restaurants could feature ‘eye-healthy’ menu items rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, raising awareness about nutrition’s role in vision.
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month FAQs
When is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month?
In 2027, this important observance takes place across the entire month of February, providing a full 28 days for educational campaigns, screenings, and advocacy efforts to protect and preserve vision.
How many people are affected by AMD?
Globally, millions more are impacted by AMD, with projections indicating a significant increase in prevalence over the coming years as the population ages, underscoring the urgency of awareness in 2027.
What are the common causes of low vision?
Beyond these, other contributing factors to low vision in 2027 can involve inherited eye diseases, eye injuries, and certain neurological conditions, emphasizing the diverse origins of visual impairment.
What is the difference between AMD and low vision?
Low vision, by contrast, is a broader term in 2027 referring to any significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, and can result from various conditions, including AMD.
How to Observe AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
Protect your vision
A.M.D. and low vision can be prevented by important lifestyle habits. Do all you can to protect your vision, starting now.
Spread the information
Spread awareness about these illnesses by starting an online campaign or talking to others about it. The more people know about it, the lesser chance the disease has to gain a foothold.
Exercise consideration for this affected
When you notice a person struggling with either A.M.D. or low vision, be kind enough to make the situation more comfortable for them. Turn off a few lights, ask them if they need help getting to their destination, and render whatever form of help you can.
5 Unknown Facts About A.M.D./Low Vision
A.M.D. is on the increase
The number of people diagnosed with A.M.D. is expected to increase to 288 million by 2040.
The hefty cost of this global ailment
The global cost of vision loss is about three trillion U.S. dollars for the 733 million people diagnosed with blindness and low vision worldwide.
It is more prevalent
A.M.D. is much more prevalent than glaucoma and dry eye combined.
The patients come in at advanced stages
About 78% of A.M.D. patients have irreversible vision loss by the time they seek treatment.
Low vision and its population
About four million Americans live with low vision.
Why AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month is Important
Awareness is spread
A.M.D./Low Vision Awareness Month helps raise awareness about both illnesses. Those who have never heard of A.M.D. or low vision will get to learn about them, thanks to the awareness campaign.
Early detection is ensured
Early detection and treatment of both A.M.D. and low vision slow the progression of the disease. This day will lead to early testing.
Sympathy is raised
Not only do people get to learn about these diseases, but they also learn how to support those affected by them. They learn what assistance they can offer to make life more comfortable.
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | February 1 | Friday |
| 2031 | February 1 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
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