Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans over 50.According to the National Eye Institute, roughly two million Americans currently suffer from the disease, which gradually destroys the light-sensing cells in the central area of vision.

One reason for concern is more than seven million more Americans at risk for the disease. The main risk factors appear to be a combination of genes,smoking, possible alcohol use and exposure to sunlight and age.  A large study found that people in middle-age have about a 2 percent risk of getting AMD, but this risk increased to nearly 30 percent in those over age 75.

Interesting fact: Painter Georgia O’Keeffe turned to sculpting when AMD destroyed her central vision.