National Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)/Low Vision Awareness Month occurs every February. Because vision is an invaluable sense, help your employees protect their vision and eye health with these tips.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration affects your eye’s macula in the middle of your retina. Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision. The leading cause of low vision for adults over 50 is AMD.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is an eye impairment that cannot be corrected with corrective eyewear, medicine or surgery. It makes daily living activities like reading, shopping or watching TV difficult. As many as five million people over the age of 65 will suffer from low vision by 2030.
What is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month?
This awareness month gives people the opportunity to understand how the disorder affects others. It raises the awareness of the symptoms, risks and management procedures people with AMD or low vision experience. Also, you can use this month to encourage early detection and give your employees information about how they can protect their vision and care for their eyesight.
How to Protect Employees
Employers can offer plans such as Vision and Individual Health Insurance or Wellness Services Insurance for Employers and Vendors to help cover annual eye exams and screenings; you can also talk to your agent about options and cost-effective programs.
- Provide vision insurance.
Encourage employees to get a regular or low vision eye exam and an evaluation of their eye health at least once a year. Your insurance agent can assist you in providing affordable vision insurance for your employees.
- Maintain good lighting.
In addition to a well-lit office, provide task lighting that reduces eye strain and protects vision.
- Increase the font.
Provide large-print employee manuals and other reading material, and show employees how to increase the font on their computer monitor, cellphone and other electronic devices.
- Change the screen contrast.
A low contrast screen reduces glare and eye strain as your employees use their computers, cellphones and tablets.
- Promote protective eyewear.
Sunglasses with UV protection block harmful sunlight while eyewear with anti-radiation coatings reduce blue light. Both of these protective tools help prevent eye damage.
- Provide adaptive devices.
Magnification devices and computer access software can help people with low vision maximize their sight. Ensure employees with AMD or low vision have access to these devices.
- Implement a wellness program.
A balanced diet and regular exercise may reduce your employees’ risk of developing macular degeneration.
- Support smoking cessation programs.
Nicotine use can aggravate macular degeneration.
- Recommend supplements.
A multivitamin and fish oil can protect vision and slow the development and progression of dry AMD. Employees should talk to their doctor before they take any beneficial supplements.
This February, promote eye health and reduce the risk of AMD and low vision. These tips can help you protect your valuable employees and their eyesight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common early signs of AMD?
Early signs include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, and straight lines appearing wavy or bent.
How often should employees get an eye exam?
Adults over 50 should generally have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, or as recommended by their eye care professional.
Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of AMD?
Yes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and protecting eyes from UV light can help lower risk and slow progression.