Canadians Alarmingly Unaware of Highly Prevalent Eye Disease: CNIB Survey
A recent national survey has revealed that more than three-quarters of Canadians are completely unfamiliar with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – despite the fact that they are very familiar with other often less prevalent diseases.
AMD is a devastating eye disease that robs people of central vision.
Conducted by Harris/Decima, the survey also found Canadians don’t link aging with AMD as much as they link it with other, often less prevalent diseases.
Common Disease Not on Canadians’ Radar
For example, 41 per cent of Canadians surveyed associated Alzheimer’s disease with getting older, but only six per cent named AMD. Yet Alzheimer’s affects 300,000 Canadians, while AMD affects one million of us and is expected to double in the next 25 years.
The survey also found that Canadians fear losing their sight, yet more than 80 per cent couldn’t identify the leading cause of significant vision loss in Canada – AMD.
Canadians fear developing Alzheimer’s disease (38 per cent), breast cancer (33 per cent) or prostate cancer (33 per cent) and Parkinson’s disease (11 per cent) the most. A scant six per cent named AMD, despite the fact they are more likely to get it than all of these conditions, which are significantly less prevalent.
Need for More Awareness of Prevention
The survey’s findings also reveal a lack of awareness around the prevention of vision loss in diseases such as AMD.
In fact, there are many lifestyle changes that can help prevent AMD, including quitting smoking and having regular eye exams. Alarmingly, almost half of Canadians aren’t getting their eyes examined regularly.
Results a “Wake-Up Call”
“The survey results are a real wake-up call. Few Canadians have heard of AMD. Yet it affects many more of us than breast cancer, prostate cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease combined,” says Dr. Keith Gordon, Head of Research, CNIB.
“AMD is a common disease, and many of us will develop it some day. We all need to know more about AMD prevention and treatment options, and about organizations such as CNIB that offer support services.”
Know the Symptoms
Gordon adds that it’s important for Canadians to learn to recognize the symptoms of AMD and see their eye doctor immediately if they experience:
- Fuzzy or blurry vision
- An empty or dark area in the center of their vision
- Straight lines, such as sides of buildings, or sentences on a page, appearing curved or wavy
- A dimming of vision when reading
Check your vision now by using the
Amsler Grid, an easy-to-use screening tool that can help you monitor your vision at home.
Test your knowledge about age-related macular degeneration by taking
The AMD Challenge, an interactive online tool that tells you all about AMD and the steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Learn more about age-related vision loss in CNIB’s new guide,
You and Your Vision Health: Yes! Something More Can be Done. You can
download an electronic version or purchase a hard copy by calling 1-800-563-2642.
And for more information about AMD, visit
cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.