McCook, NE -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2014 -- Across the United States, over eleven million Americans suffer from some form of AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and that number is expected to double by the year 2050.

However, to the average person on the street in Nebraska and Kansas, AMD and the concept of ‘low vision’ remains a mystery.

Seeking to raise awareness of this pervasive disease, Dr Robert Stamm and the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists are focused on educating the public through ‘Low Vision Awareness Month’, which takes place in February.

“Many people might ask, ‘what exactly is low vision?” says Dr Stamm, Low Vision Optometrist and member of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists. “It’s a common question. Low vision is a term normally used to mean ‘partial sight’ or sight that isn’t fully correctable with surgery, medications, contact lenses or glasses.”

In the United States specifically, the most common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Those born with conditions such as albinism or optic nerve damage can also be afflicted with low vision. Macular Degeneration affects the retina in two forms – dry and wet AMD. The dry form of AMD is more common, and is generally associated with less severe loss of vision. There is no treatment for dry AMD. Wet AMD can cause severe vision loss due to the leaking of blood or fluid from the retinal blood vessels. Treatments to stop the leak and reduce the level of vision loss are effective but there is no cure for any type of AMD.

The IALVS, of which Stamm is a respected member, is a group of low vision optometrists who were intensively trained and are highly experienced in helping low vision patients live their best life. IALVS Doctors prescribe and dispense the highest quality, optically advanced, hands-free low vision devices available.

“Many eye doctors will tell patients that nothing more can be done,” says Dr Stamm “What we hope to achieve with February’s Low Vision Awareness Month is to educate patients to seek an opinion through an IALVS doctor. We are trained to equip patients with custom designed advanced optical technology in the form of miniature telescope, microscope, prismatic, and other unique glasses that can truly make a difference in quality of life. Often, people think they must give up their hobbies – but our glasses can help with driving (in some states), reading, watching television, seeing people’s faces more clearly and a myriad of other tasks. It isn’t necessary for those afflicted with AMD to give up their independence or lose hope.”

For more information, call 877-393-0025 or visit http://lecvisionsource.com.

About IALVS
The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) believes in LIFE AFTER VISION LOSS. The IALVS brings new hope and sight to those with macular degeneration and other vision limiting conditions. The IALVS can bring back the enjoyment of retirement.

If you are now having problems seeing and doing the things you have enjoyed, an IALVS eye doctor may be able to help. If you have been told by your eye doctor that a change in your eyeglass prescription will not help you see any better, call IALVS doctor who is trained to design low vision glasses that can make a difference.

When your doctor says, "Sorry I cannot get you to see any better," an IALVS doctor often says, "It may not be perfect, but it definitely is better!"

About Dr Robert Stamm
Dr. Rob Stamm received his bachelor's degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and his doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry where he specialized in retinal disease, contact lens fittings, and low vision. He has been trained in prescribing the latest devices for low vision and to help in restoring reading and driving privileges. "I really enjoy helping people to see again when they have been told nothing more could be done to help them with their vision." He also enjoys practicing full scope optometry with emphasis on glaucoma, contact lenses. See to Learn, dry eye treatment and refractive surgery consultation and co-management. "I love what I do and every day you learn something new. The eye care industry is constantly changing with technology and advancements. It is exciting to be able to be a part of such an advancing profession that can touch so many lives from young to elderly." Dr. Stamm, is committed to his patients and providing the highest quality of eye health care at his McCook practice, Lifetime Vision. Dr. Stamm also has low vision satellite offices throughout the Greater Denver, CO area.