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AMD In One Eye: What Happens to the Other Eye? November 29, 2023 |
Hello AMD In One Eye: What Happens to the Other Eye?A question that is often asked by those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is, "If you have macular degeneration in one eye will you get it in the other or "good" eye?" This is a great question and a common concern for those who have AMD.
Good Eye CompensatesWhen a person has affected vision in one eye but not the other, the good eye compensates for the vision loss in the "bad" eye and the combined vision of both eyes can be surprisingly good.Often it's not until a person is in the eye doctor's office and has his/her "good " eye covered that one realizes how poor the vision is in the "bad" eye. What Will Happen to My Vision?That is why those with AMD in one eye are very concerned about what can be done to protect the vision in the good eye.How long will it take for the "good" eye to develop AMD was the subject of research at the The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia. The results of the study called, Five-year progression of unilateral age-related macular degeneration to bilateral involvement was recently published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. 
The purpose of the study was, "To assess the 5-year progression from unilateral to bilateral age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated risk factors." Some of the risk factors that the study looked at were age, Complement Factor H, genetics, smoking, the presence of large drusen and abnormal retinal pigmentation. The conclusion found, "One in four to one in five unilateral any (stage) AMD cases, and up to one in two unilateral late AMD cases, progressed to bilateral in 5 years. Known AMD risk factors, including smoking, are significantly associated with the progression to bilateral involvement." Find out more about how this retinal condition progresses, ways you can reduce your risk and read what others have experienced as they share their stories with us. Macular Degeneration Prognosis - What to Expect Leslie Degner, RN, BSN Better Health for Better Vision |
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