JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, February 1, 2012- February is Macular Degeneration Month. Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older, and as you age, the risk increases. It is a chronic condition that causes central vision loss and affects more than 25 million people worldwide.

ARMD occurs when the macula—the central part of the retina that is important for reading and color vision becomes damaged. Some common symptoms of ARMD are: gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision, and a dark areas appearing in the center of vision. If you notice any new distortion or visual changes, it is critical to contact your eye care provider immediately.

Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeon, Russell Pecoraro, M.D. says,”Age Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in our senior population. I am excited to see new and better treatment options being developed to help patients maintain and improve their vision.” He continues,”Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons have recognized the need for a facility specifically dedicated to diseases of the retina, and have established The Northeast Florida Macular Degeneration and Diabetes Eye Institute.