"I have a little trouble watching the TV, but I can read. I can get books in large type print," Traugott said. He ™s hopeful that his current treatment regimen will stave off blindness.

Both Drey and Traugott encourage people to see an eye doctor at the first sign of a problem.

"Definitely go to a doctor and have your eyes checked," Traugott said.

"It ™s important to understand that if you have sudden problems, like blurriness or spottiness or halos, that you need to get to your doctor to get it checked out," said Drey.

Dr. Phan said there are risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration, including:

Age “ over age 50 is when most cases are noticed.

Smoking “ it may increase the risk of AMD.

Race “ Caucasians are more likely to lose vision from AMD than members of any other race.

Family history “ those with a family history of AMD are more likely to develop the disease.

Medical conditions such as hypertension and obesity.

While age-related vision problems will affect most people, Dr. Phan said there are lifestyle choices that can be made that might significantly slow down the onset of the disease.

"If you smoke, stop smoking. Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy greens. Talk to your doctor about vitamin supplements. Control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar if you are diabetic,' she said.

The National Eye Institute warns that vision loss is becoming a national health concern. The NEI estimates that by the year 2020, 5.5 million Americans over age 40 will suffer from blindness or vision loss.

For a simulation of how vision changes with age-related macular degeneration, click here.

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