AMD Awareness Month February 2026

February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

AMD Eye Tests, Symptoms, and Prevention in Ireland

February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, a key time to highlight Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)—the leading cause of sight loss in Ireland among people over 50.

More than 100,000 people in Ireland are affected by macular degeneration, and AMD accounts for over 45% of registered legal blindness in those aged 70 and over. Despite this, many people remain unaware they have the condition until vision is already affected.

At OpticalRooms, we encourage everyone over 50 to attend regular AMD eye tests, as early detection of macular degeneration can significantly slow progression and preserve vision.

What Is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye condition affecting the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for:

• Sharp, detailed vision
• Colour vision
• Reading and recognising faces
• Driving

As part of the ageing process, the macula can deteriorate due to wear and tear and a build-up of waste material, leading to loss of central vision. While peripheral vision is usually retained, central vision may become blurred or distorted over time.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD

• The most common form of macular degeneration
• Develops gradually over many years
• Often has no early symptoms

Wet AMD

• Less common but more severe
• Sudden onset of vision loss
• Caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking beneath the macula

Wet AMD is considered an eye emergency, and urgent referral to a retinal specialist is essential.

Common AMD Symptoms

Early macular degeneration symptoms may be subtle. Signs to watch for include:

• Blurred or fuzzy central vision
• Difficulty reading or recognising faces
• Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
• Dark or missing patches in central vision
• Colours appearing dull or faded

If you experience any sudden or gradual change in vision, you should arrange an AMD eye examination as soon as possible.

Who Is at Risk of Macular Degeneration?

You may be at increased risk of developing AMD if you:

• Are over the age of 50
• Have a family history of macular degeneration
• Smoke or previously smoked
• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Have prolonged exposure to UV light
• Prolonged exposure to high energy visible light form digital device is suspected to also contribute

Research shows macular degeneration often runs in families and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

How Is AMD Diagnosed?

Modern eye care allows optometrists to detect early signs of macular degeneration before vision loss occurs.

An AMD eye test at OpticalRooms may include:

• Dilated retinal examination
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – advanced retinal imaging that detects microscopic macular changes
• Amsler grid testing to assess distortion

OCT scanning has become a gold standard in AMD detection and monitoring, allowing accurate diagnosis and follow-up.

Preventing and Slowing Macular Degeneration

While AMD cannot always be prevented, evidence shows certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and slow its progression.

Key preventative measures include:

• Stopping smoking (the strongest modifiable risk factor)
• Eating a diet rich in:
  • Green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli, cabbage)
  • Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (corn, squash, oranges)
• Including omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish
• Wearing UV-protective sunglasses
• Consider Blue light filtering lenses for your computer work and phone use
• Attending regular eye tests after age 50

Nutritional Supplements for Macular Degeneration

For some patients, eye-health supplements may be recommended following professional assessment. At OpticalRooms, we often advise Nutrof Total, Europe’s leading eye-health nutritional supplement, which contains:

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin
• Resveratrol
• Pharmaceutical-grade Omega-3 fish oils
• Vitamins C & E, Zinc, Copper, Selenium
• Vitamin D

Always consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist before starting supplements for macular degeneration.

Early Detection Is the Best Protection

Macular Degeneration Awareness Month highlights a simple message:
Regular eye examinations save sight.

If you are over 50, have a family history of AMD, or notice changes in your vision, book an AMD eye test with OpticalRooms today.

Eye Tests Dublin 15 | OpticalRooms Roselawn Blanchardstown

For further education and patient support, visit AMD.ie.