AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, observed in February and sponsored by the National Eye Institute, raises awareness about AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and Low Vision. These disorders have an impact on people of all ages, yet few are aware of AMD and low vision symptoms, risk factors, and the way to manage these disorders. In the United States, the most common causes of low vision are AMD, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss affecting more than 15 million adults aged 50 and up.

AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, encourages people to learn more about AMD or Low Vision. It also aims to disseminate information about how to care for one’s eyes, brings awareness to the symptoms, risk factors and treatment of AMD or Low Vision, raises funds needed for its research and related programs, and pushes people to help educate others.

Vision research is supported by the NEI through research grants and training awards made to scientists at more than 250 medical centers, hospitals, universities, and other institutions across the country and around the world. The NEI also conducts laboratory and patient research on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

The NEI has established the National Eye Health Education Program, a partnership of more than 65 professional, civic, and voluntary organizations and government agencies concerned with eye health. The program represents an extension of the NEI’s support of vision research, where results are disseminated to health professionals, patients, and the public.