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Get ready to shed some light on AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, which takes place every February 1st! This month is dedicated to raising awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision, conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60 years old and it's important to recognize the signs and take preventative measures. From advocating for better treatments to educating ourselves on how we can protect our eyesight, there are many ways to join in on this important cause. Let's come together and make a difference during this special month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>AMD is Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a medical condition which results in blurred or no vision, is officially recognized and identified in medical literature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foundation Fighting Blindness</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nonprofit organization "Foundation Fighting Blindness" began supporting research for degenerative eye diseases including AMD, promoting awareness and understanding of these conditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>AMD Research Progresses</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 90s saw great strides in the understanding of AMD, including the discovery of certain genes related to the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>FDA approves Visudyne therapy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA approved Visudyne therapy for AMD, marking the first time a treatment rather than only management options were available for some forms of AMD.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>AMD Awareness Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month was established to create awareness about Age-Related Macular Degeneration and educate people about maintaining healthy vision.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advancements in AMD Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Significant advancements have been made in the treatment of AMD, with injections and other treatments slowing or halting vision loss in certain types of AMD.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser for AMD research</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser to support research for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This could be a charity event, a bake sale, or a donation drive to raise awareness and funds for finding a cure for this vision loss disease.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create an art exhibit featuring low vision artists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Highlight the talents of artists with low vision by hosting an art exhibit that showcases their work. This can help educate others about the capabilities and strengths of individuals with low vision while also supporting the art community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a vision-friendly sports event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a sports event that is inclusive and accessible to individuals with low vision. This can be a game of beep baseball, goalball, or any other sport specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments. It’s a fun and active way to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a low vision simulation experience</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give others a glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals with low vision by organizing a simulation experience. This can help raise awareness and empathy for those living with this condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Partner with a local eye care center for free screenings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Collaborate with a local eye care center to offer free vision screenings for the community during AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month. This can help detect any potential issues early on and promote the importance of regular eye exams.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about low vision</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>AMD, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is a common cause of low vision in adults. By designating a whole month to raising awareness about this condition, more people can learn about its symptoms, risks and treatments.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages regular eye exams</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the ways to prevent or catch AMD early on is through regular eye exams. This month helps remind people to make an appointment with their eye doctor for a check-up and potentially detect any issues before they progress.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights support for those with low vision</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month also brings attention to the daily struggles that individuals with low vision may face. It encourages support and understanding from others, and promotes resources and services available to assist them in their daily lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>AMD is one of the Leading Causes of Vision Loss</h3><p class='facts-content'>Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that has become a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 and older.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>AMD Breaks Down into Two Basic Types</h3><p class='facts-content'>AMD occurs as either wet or dry. Most people with AMD start with the dry form, which can advance and cause vision loss without turning into the wet form, which is more severe.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diet Can Impact AMD Progression</h3><p class='facts-content'>Certain dietary habits, like eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish, may help to prevent or slow the progression of AMD.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women are More Likely to Develop AMD than men </h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies show that women are at a higher risk than men for developing AMD, especially after menopause.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>AMD cannot be cured, but can be Managed</h3><p class='facts-content'>While there is currently no cure for AMD, various treatments can delay its progression, hence improving the quality of life for affected people.</p></div></div>
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 1
Wednesday
2024
Feb 1
Thursday
2025
Feb 1
Saturday
2026
Feb 1
Sunday
2027
Feb 1
Monday
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