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Close Up Of Smiling Senior Womans Eyes In Park
Vision

Nutrition For Eye Health

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Aging has a significant impact on your eye health. The health of your eyes and the quality of your vision both deteriorate as you age. Common age-related eye diseases include cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

While problems with eye health naturally come with old age, there is an easy yet effective way to prevent age-related eye diseases and keep your eyes in excellent condition.

The answer to age-related eye problems is nutrition.

Nutrition: keeping your eyes healthy from within

Eye health is crucial for everyone, especially if you’re a senior. After all, you need your eyes to perform a wide variety of tasks. You use your eyes to cross the street, to shop for groceries, and even to read your favorite book at night.

When most people consider eye health, though, they only think about external care. Seniors likely get regular eye check-ups, wear sunglasses when they’re outdoors during the day, and wear prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses if necessary.

External care plays a vital role in eye health, and wearing sunglasses outdoors or wearing prescription eyewear is important. However, taking these precautions isn’t enough.

For peak eye health, you also need internal eye care. To ensure the health of your eyes and keep your vision sharp and clear, you need to consume healthy foods so that you’re getting the nutrients that your eyes require.

The effect of proper nutrition on eye health

It may not seem like it, but the nutrients that you get from the food you eat have a considerable impact on your eye health. You can prevent age-related eye diseases by consuming specific vitamins and minerals. Doing so can mean the difference between still having clear vision at 60 years old and developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The nutrients that your eyes need

To prevent degenerative eye disorders and maintain the health of your eyes, you need to consume foods that contain the following vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of, if not the, most essential vitamins for your eyes.

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble compounds known as retinoids. Contrary to what its name suggests, vitamin A isn’t a single vitamin.

There are two vitamin-A compounds that are beneficial to your eye health: 1) preformed vitamin A (retinol) and provitamin A carotenoids (beta carotene). These two compounds help keep your eyes healthy by preventing oxidative stress and night blindness.

You can find these two compounds in certain foods, but you can only find beta carotene in fruits and vegetables.

Foods rich in vitamin A include:

  • Carrots
  • Mangoes
  • Cantaloupes
  • Sweet potatoes

Vitamin C

Your eyes need vitamin C because they contain significant amounts of the nutrient.

Your eyes produce a fluid called aqueous humor that uses vitamin C to carry nutrients to different parts of your eye and maintain pressure within your eye. Consuming enough vitamin C enables the aqueous humor to properly function.

Foods rich in vitamin C include:

  • Citrus fruits (oranges, limes, lemons)
  • Kiwi
  • Tomatoes
  • Berries
  • Bell peppers

Vitamin E

Like vitamin A, vitamin E isn’t a single compound but a group of fat-soluble compounds.

Vitamin E compounds are antioxidants that help in cell repair, and these antioxidants are critical for eye health. According to a study, consuming vitamin E daily can lower your risk of developing AMD by 25%.

Since your body is unable to produce its own vitamin E, the only way you can get vitamin E is through the consumption of foods that contain the nutrient.

Foods rich in vitamin E include:

  • Peanuts
  • Almonds
  • Pumpkin
  • Beet greens
  • Broccoli

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that helps transport vitamin A from your liver to your retina for melanin production. Your eye color is directly related to the amount of melanin in your eyes. If you have brown eyes, that means you have a high amount of melanin in your eyes. Meanwhile, if you have blue eyes, that means you have less melanin in your eyes.

Melanin isn’t just for eye color, though. Melanin also protects your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Similar to vitamin E, you can only get zinc by consuming foods rich in zinc.

Foods rich in zinc include:

  • Chickpeas
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Pine nuts
  • Cashews

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidant compounds that protect your eyes from the damage caused by free radicals. Your eyes contain lutein and zeaxanthin in abundance, which means consuming foods rich in these two antioxidants is integral for eye health.

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include:

  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Parsley
  • Pistachios
  • Green peas
  • Swiss chard

Conclusion

Eye health problems and vision deterioration are a natural part of aging, but there is a way to prevent degenerative eye disorders and keep your eyes healthy. By consuming foods that contain eye-friendly nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, you can keep your vision clear even in your senior years.

By Jericho Gonzoles

Jericho Gonzales is a Content Marketing Specialist at Lens.com. Writing is his passion, and he specializes in tech-based and consumer product-based writing. His other passions lie in the worlds of fantasy and science fiction. When he isn’t busy with wordcraft, he loves to immerse himself in those worlds through novels, video games, TV shows, or movies.

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Vision

10 Magnifying Tips for those with Macular Degeneration

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Macular degeneration is the loss of central vision – it is not blindness but rather low vision.
Low vision means that a person’s vision cannot be corrected by prescription glasses or through any medical or surgical intervention. Magnifiers for macular degeneration are meant to make the most of one’s usable vision. Often people want to know what the best macular degeneration magnifier is. The answer is that there is no one magnifier that is going to meet all of one’s needs for magnification. The type of magnifier you select depends on what activity it will be used for. It may be used for quick spot reading of a label on a can or a lengthier read like a magazine article. Performing hobbies like sewing or working in your workshop require one kind of magnifier, while watching TV or a sporting event requires yet another type. In order to select the best magnifiers to meet your individual needs there are several factors to consider.

1. Understand that there is no one “best magnifier” for someone with macular degeneration. Different tasks will require different magnifiers. Expect to own and use several different magnifiers. Identifying the task you need help with, like reading a novel or checking a price tag, will determine the best match of a magnifier for that task.

2. You need to know the magnifying power that is best for you. By visiting a low vision center, you can get your vision evaluated and get recommendations specifically for you. A stronger magnifying power than what you need is not better. Ask your low vision specialist to make a recommendation as to which strength will be best for your visual needs.

3. Because there are so many magnifier options, choose to purchase from a place or company that offers the opportunity to try the magnifiers before buying or allows one to return them if they are not helpful. Using magnifiers takes some training and practice. By visiting a low vision center, you can get help in selecting the ones that are best for your needs and obtain training in their use.

4. If you have more light, you can often use a lower power magnifier. Consider lighted magnifiers to give you improved visual acuity and clearer vision.

5. Correct positioning of the magnifier to the reading material is necessary for clarity and focus.

6. The lower the magnifying power the larger the field of view. When words or fonts are smaller you can see more of the paragraph, page or sentence in the viewing area.

7. The higher the magnifying power the smaller the field of view. Less of the reading page, paragraph or sentence can be seen in the viewing area.

8. Consider the lens or screen size for optimal viewing. The larger the lens or screen size the bigger the viewing area. For example, a large computer screen or a large low vision CCTV screen means more of a page or picture can be displayed and seen on the screen.

9. Handheld and hands-free magnifiers serve very different purposes. Handheld magnifiers can be cumbersome when trying to read a novel but work great for quick checking ingredients on a can of soup. A hands-free magnifier allows one to comfortably read for a longer period of time or perform a hobby or task with your hands while still getting the benefits of a magnifier.

10. As your macular degeneration progresses your magnifying needs will change. You may find that the magnifying TV glasses that worked so well for you in the past now no longer give you the clarity and magnification for clear TV viewing. However, electronic magnifiers, like low vision CCTVs, allow you to adjust your magnification and contrast so that even though your vision changes, you can still get your vision needs met by the same device.

Decide first what task the magnifier will be used for – such as reading, watching TV, performing a hobby or for checking prices at the store. Then purchase a magnifier for that specific task. To learn more about magnifiers for macular degeneration and the different styles that are available click here.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com

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Vision

5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Vision loss in seniors is inevitable. But it becomes a real challenge for them to deal with vision loss because it affects their independence in even the most ordinary daily tasks. As a loved one or a caregiver of such seniors, it is important to understand the challenge these seniors face to help them in making their lives better. 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior
Listed here are a few crucial things to keep in mind…

  1. Create a list of important instructions and numbers

Create a list which consists all the important instructions and contact numbers on a bold-lined paper. This should include the numbers of doctors, transportation, emergency contacts etc. Make sure that everything is typed in large and easily readable print. Keep this list in a convenient place.

  1. Ensure that their home is lit up appropriately

Special care should be taken to ensure that the home of your elderly loved ones or those you are caring for should be well lit up. For instance, you can choose gooseneck lamps in places where extra light is required for tasks like cooking or reading. An important place you should not miss out is the stairs. The top and the bottom steps should be especially illuminated. Extra lighting around the house will help your loved one use their remaining vision effectively. Choose the type and quality of light depending on the type of their vision loss.

  1. Use bright colors to highlight things and risky areas

A good idea to help your loved ones with poor vision so that they can carry out their tasks independently would be to use colors to highlight the things they use daily and the areas which they frequent. For instance, for outlets or switch plate covers use bright colors which are in contrast with the wall paint. This will make it easy for them to locate light switches or thermostats. Also, for plates, cups and utensils choose a color which is in contrast with the countertop and table, so that cooking and dining becomes easy for them. Do the same for areas like handrails along the staircase which will make them easier to spot.

  1. Schedule periodic eye exams for them

One of the most important things you can do for your seniors suffering from poor vision is to schedule periodic eye exams for them. This will not only help keep a tab on the effectiveness of the eye care they are being administered, but will also enable early detection of any underlying serious vision-related and other problems. For instance, problems such as cataract and low vision can be treated effectively with minimally invasive treatments if they are diagnosed at an early stage.

  1. Make traveling easier for them

Traveling with poor vision can be risky. You can encourage the senior to speak up and ask questions about assistance if they are traveling alone. While walking with them, you can alert them about any holes or other abnormalities in payment so that they don’t fall and hurt themselves.
You can even encourage such seniors to use their peripheral vision more often and to become independent and do small and simple tasks around the home by themselves. This will not only make them a bit more confident but will also make them happy.

Author Bio:
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, an Ophthalmology Center in California. With a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health due to his personal struggle with Astigmatism, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior

5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior

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Vision

Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Vision rehabilitation maximizes hope and independence

New studies predict boom in cases of low vision, but help is available.
As the last of the baby-boom generation approaches the age of 65, the number of cases of visual impairment and blindness is projected to experience a boom of its own in the coming years. According to recent studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of Americans who are visually impaired—including those with low vision—is expected to double to more than 8 million by 2050. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Low vision is when people have difficulty seeing, even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. People with low vision may find it challenging to perform everyday activities such as getting around the neighborhood, reading the mail, shopping, cooking, or watching television. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Visi
Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Most people with low vision are age 65 or older. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Among younger people, vision loss is most often caused by inherited eye conditions, infectious and autoimmune eye diseases, or trauma.
Because the consequences of vision loss may leave people feeling anxious, helpless, and depressed, it is important to remind them that there is help. “People experiencing vision loss should talk to their eye care professional and seek a referral to a low vision specialist,” advises Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of NEI, one of the federal government’s principal agencies for vision research.
A low vision specialist is an ophthalmologist or optometrist trained to help people who have low vision maximize their remaining sight and continue to live safe, productive, and rewarding lives. This specialist can develop a vision rehabilitation plan that identifies the appropriate strategies and assistive devices for a person’s particular needs. “A vision rehabilitation plan helps people reach their true visual potential when nothing more can be done from a medical or surgical standpoint,” explains Mark Wilkinson, O.D., a low vision specialist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and chair of the low vision subcommittee for the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP).
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine noted that vision rehabilitation is essential to maximizing the independence, functioning, participation, safety, and overall quality of life for people with visual impairment. Vision rehabilitation services are provided by a team of professionals such as occupational therapists, orientation and mobility instructors, low vision therapists, rehabilitation teachers, and adaptive technology specialists. These specialists work together to teach people with vision loss a variety of skills, including the following:

  • Using magnifying and adaptive devices
  • Navigating safely around the home and in public
  • Performing daily activities such as cooking, shopping, and reading
  • Finding resources and support

NEI offers many resources to help people with low vision, including What You Should Know About Low Vision, a 20-page, large-print booklet and companion video that features inspiring stories of people living with low vision. This booklet, video, and other resources can be download for free at www.nei.nih.gov/lowvision.
Eye diseases and vision loss have become major public health concerns in the United States. NEI is committed to finding new ways to improve the lives of people living with visual impairment. In addition to providing information and resources, NEI has dedicated more than $24 million to low vision research efforts, including learning how the brain adapts to vision loss; finding strategies to improve vision rehabilitation; and developing new technologies that help people with low vision to read, shop, and find their way in unfamiliar places. Research like this will help people with low vision make the most of their remaining sight and maintain their independence and quality of life. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Schedule an eye doctor appointment to day to keep your eyes in the best health. Also, check out these magnifying aids that are so popular with our members!
-National Eye Health Education Program

Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision

Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision

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Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration
Conditions & Treatments

Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Telescope Implant Restores Vision in Seniors with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

In 2012, lifelong Branford, CT resident Rosalie Cappetta, 72, began to notice that her vision wasn’t as sharp as it used to be. Her central vision had blurred and darkened, making it difficult to cook, recognize people and drive. After seeing an ophthalmologist, she was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a rapidly progressing form of AMD caused by leaking blood vessels that damage and scar the macula. Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration
For more than two years, Rosalie received a common treatment for AMD — eye injections — but the treatment did not prevent her from progressing to the most severe form of AMD, end-stage AMD. Like many seniors, Rosalie found it difficult to rely on family and friends to help her run errands and manage the tasks of daily living, like paying bills. A fantastic cook and baker, she used only memorized recipes because she couldn’t read her cook books and she kept the oven set at 350 degrees, which is fairly limiting.
Rosalie recalls of her straight-ahead vision, “I would have to stand up very close to a person to see a face, to see who I was talking to. I could see off to the sides but not straight ahead.” However, because she’s known for being resourceful, Rosalie conducted online research to educate herself about possible treatments for end-state AMD, which is how she discovered the CentraSight treatment program and found a provider near her home. After consulting with an ophthalmologist, corneal surgeon and a low vision occupational therapist, Rosalie decided to move forward with CentraSight program, which includes the telescope implant. The size of a pea, the telescope implant is proven to restore vision and improve quality of life in older adults aged 65 and older. FDA approved, the device is also Medicare eligible. Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration

The Device

The telescope implant is exactly what it calls itself: a tiny telescope implanted directly into the eye. The goal of the telescope is to improve central vision in patients with End-Stage AMD. The eye with the implant becomes the central vision recipient, while the non-implanted eye focuses on the periphery vision. Even though the telescope is implanted surgically, the procedure is not taxing or stressful on the patient. The patient remains awake for the approximately two-hour procedure and then is released from the out-patient surgery center or hospital almost immediately after the surgery’s completion. The telescope is not a cure for AMD, but a transformative way to give central sight back to those otherwise being faced with almost a complete loss of vision. Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration

The Patients

To date, the FDA has approved the device for End-Stage AMD patients (wet or dry) who are 65 years or older and meet specific eye health criteria, including no previous corneal (cataract) surgery. In addition to meeting specific physical requirements, telescope implant candidates must also demonstrate a willingness to learn to use their new vision, which is simulated before surgery with a handheld telescope. The most successful users work hard at personally designed exercises that teach them how to see while stationary and in motion.
Given the above criteria, many seniors have been disappointed that this procedure is not an option for them due to use of an intraocular lens or previous cataract or other type of eye surgery. But that roadblock may be removed in the future. CentraSight just announced there is a new study just initiated to assess the safety and effectiveness of the telescope for those with prior eye surgeries. Older adults interested in learning more about participating in the study can ask their ophthalmologist for more information or visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03011554?term=NCT03011554&rank=1

Macular Degeneration and Seniors

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older, affecting an estimated 15 million people.[i] Of those, 2 million Americans are living with End-Stage AMD[ii] and that number will increase as the Baby Boomer cohort ages.1 End-Stage macular degeneration cannot be corrected by any other treatment including glasses, vitamins, drugs or cataract surgery and is associated with increased stress and depression as vision diminishes.[iii] It’s been more than a year since Rosalie Cappetta received the telescope implant. Today, she can read recipes, pay her bills and, most importantly, see the faces or loved ones and friends. Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration
[i] What is AMD? Macular Degeneration Partnership. Accessed on Nov 3, 2016 at http://www.amd.org/what-is-macular-degeneration/
[ii] Vision Problems in the United States. Prevent Blindness America. Accessed on November 3, 2016 at http://www.visionproblemsus.org/amd/amd-map.html
[iii] Bennion, AE, Shaw, RL, Gibson, JM “What do we know about the experience of age related macular degeneration? A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research?” Social Science & Medicine. 75 (2012) 976-985.

Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration

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Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration
Vision

Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Imagine what it’s like to slowly lose your vision over time – until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. While most people accept achy joints or muscle weakness as part of the aging process, eyesight is a critical factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence. Telescope Implant for Macular DegenerationDegeneration
Severe vision loss is a reality for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease of the retina that affects more than 9.1 million people in the United States. What is it like to have AMD? The disease robs people of their central vision and leaves only what they can see in their peripheral vision, making it incredibly difficult to use vision for even the simplest activities. AMD’s most advanced form – end-stage AMD – is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in people age 60 and older. Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration
Telescope Implant for Macular DegenerationFor retired entrepreneur, Willis “James” Hindman, 77, of Westminster, Md., the losses he faced from end-stage AMD were both physical and emotional. Hindman’s passions are his family, friends and the horses that he raises on his farm. AMD destroyed his vision to the point where he couldn’t see people’s faces or watch his race horses cross the finish line. He felt he was a prisoner of his own limitations and quickly became depressed.
Hindman isn’t alone; as the baby boomer population continues to grow, the occurrence of AMD is likely to grow with it. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the baby boomer population will increase to 72 million by 2030, placing roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population at risk for AMD.
At this time, there is no cure for AMD and no way to reverse its effects, although there are advanced treatments, including medication injections, laser surgery, and what is most recently getting attention, an FDA-approved telescope implant, that has been clinically demonstrated to improve vision and quality of life for patients living with this debilitating disease.

Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration

“The telescope implant surgical procedure removes the eye’s natural lens, and replaces it with a tiny telescope, about the size of a pea,” explains Dr. Mark Mannis, Professor and Chair at University of California, Davis Department of Ophthalmology. “It may sound like science fiction, but it is available to patients today. The telescope is implanted in one eye to improve central vision, something no other surgery can do for patients with AMD. The other eye will continue to provide peripheral vision, which is important to maintain orientation and balance.”
The telescope implant is integral to a new patient care program, CentraSight. The CentraSight treatment program has been designed to help patients see the things that are important to them, regain independence and re-engage in everyday activities. The program uses a multispecialty eye and vision care team to follow the necessary steps for proper diagnosis, surgical evaluation, and postoperative care. Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration
While the telescope implant does not fully restore vision to its pre-AMD level, it will help the patient enjoy better sight and quality of life following an individualized rehabilitation process, where the patient learns exactly how to use the new telescope implant vision for everyday activities. Hindman had his surgery in December 2012 and today feels he has “a new lease on life.” Working with his low-vision occupational therapist, he practices strengthening his eye with standard vision exercises, but also incorporates personalized, fun activities, like watching his fishing lure bob in the water.
Now Hindman also watches football from across the room, walks to his local office without counting steps and, most gratifyingly, sees the faces of his loved ones, including his horses. Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration
The telescope implant is available at more than 50 CentraSight treatment centers nationwide. Of note, the telescope implant is also Medicare eligible, making it within reach of most seniors. To be considered potential candidates, patients must:

  1. Have irreversible, end-stage AMD resulting from either dry or wet AMD
  2. No longer be a candidate for drug treatment of your AMD
  3. Have not had cataract surgery in the eye in which the telescope will be implanted
  4. Meet age, vision and corneal health requirements

“After learning how to use the telescope, patients may enjoy better sight so they can do the things they love again like reading, knitting, gardening, walking outside and simply recognizing the faces of family and friends,” says Dr.- Mannis.

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HealthVision

Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

shutterstock_228022354More than 15 million older adults in America are affected by some form of macular degeneration, a progressive disease which can lead to severe vision loss in the most advanced form, end-stage AMD. There are two main types of AMD: Wet and Dry, and treatment options vary.
Early stage AMD – Currently, there is no treatment, but AMD should be monitored annually by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).Also, there are many service providers who can educate AMD patients and their caregivers about vision assistive devices such as reading glasses with high-powered lenses, video magnifiers, computer aids and many more. Ask your physician for a referral to a low vision occupational therapist.
Intermediate AMD – There are several treatments that may slow progression, but will not cure AMD.

  • Vitamin therapy (AREDS2 formulation for Dry AMD)
  • Anti-VEGF injections (for Wet AMD) — A few different anti-VEGF drugs are available (e.g., Lucentis) and vary in cost and how they are injected.
  • Photodynamic therapy (for Wet AMD) -This technique involves laser treatment of select areas of the retina.
  • Laser surgery (for Wet AMD) – The procedure involves aiming an intense “hot” laser at the abnormal blood vessels in your eyes to destroy them.

AMD Image Post 2End-Stage (Advanced AMD): The CentraSight treatment program uses a tiny telescope, an FDA-approved medical device, which is implanted inside the eye to improve vision and quality of life for individuals affected by End-Stage AMD. It is the only surgical treatment option for AMD.It is also a Medicare eligible, out-patient procedure. Learn more at www.CentraSight.com or by calling 877-99-SIGHT (7-4448)The telescope implant is not a cure for End-Stage AMD. It will not restore your vision to the level it was before you had AMD, and it will not completely correct your vision loss. Patients with this level of AMD have had to cease driving due to their vision; after the telescope procedure, although near and distance vision may improve, driving will not be possible because the implant does not restore normal vision.
How is AMD Prevented?
It’s impossible to completely prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration. Common risk factors for AMD are:

  • Smoking. Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD.
  • Race. AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.
  • Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk.

To reduce your risk, avoid smoking, exercise regularly, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels and eat a healthy diet with green leafy vegetables and fish.

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age-related macular degeneration
Vision

Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
age-related macular degenerationWhen evaluating the blindness epidemic in America, experts project age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will affect an estimated 20 million people in the United States by the year 2020. Yet, new national survey results reveal that 3 out of 4 Americans don’t know that AMD is in fact, the leading cause of blindness despite more than 40% of older Americans either have it or knowing someone with this disease for which there is no cure. The top survey choice selected was, incorrectly, glaucoma. Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
The survey results highlight the need to educate older adults living with or at risk for macular degeneration, as well as their potential caregivers, about how to manage and treat a progressive condition for which there is no cure. Notably, the survey found that more than 1 in 3 (35%) Americans, who know someone with macular generation, assist them frequently. But despite the high prevalence of AMD, the majority of respondents – 66% — report that they are unconfident in their ability to care for their loved one should a family member develop it.
What Do You Need To Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The signs of macular degeneration are subtle at first. Straight lines, like mailbox posts, may appear bent or crooked, or vision might be slightly blurred. It isn’t until AMD progresses that caregivers may find that their parents need more help paying bills, running errands, and recognizing friends they meet on the street. As central, “straight-ahead” vision deteriorates, an older adult sacrifices their independence and it’s very common for these patients to experience increased stress or depression as a result.[i]
 
Today, more than 15 million Americans are affected by some form of AMD and approximately 2 million Americans have the advanced (End-stage) form with associated vision loss, which is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of 60. Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, but at its most aggressive, it can completely block the macula, which is the region of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision. Although peripheral vision remains unaffected by AMD, the developing “blind spot” in central vision is not something people can see around using natural eye moments.
Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam, usually given by an ophthalmologist, can detect AMD. It’s important that caregivers ensure that their loved ones see their eye doctor at least once a year, or more frequently if AMD is progressing, to be assessed for treatment. The more common form of AMD is called dry (atrophic) AMD, which is a slower progressing form of macular degeneration compared to wet (neovascular) AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood and damage the macula. Wet AMD is only diagnosed in 10 percent of all patients.
Learning about macular degeneration and different strategies to identify symptoms, treat and manage the condition benefits both the patient and their caregiver. Those interested in learning more about AMD can visit a new online resource, AMDAffectsMe.com to find out if they or a loved one, is at risk for this debilitating condition.
[i] Bennion, AE, Shaw, RL, Gibson, JM “What do we know about the experience of age related macular degeneration?A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research” Social Sciences and Medicine 75 (2012) 976e985

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End Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration
Vision

End Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

End-Stage Age-Related Macular DegenerationEnd Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration

Supporting and caring for someone with the end-stage age-related macular degeneration is a tough job. We don’t realize how much we rely on our vision until it starts to diminish. People living with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) reportedly experience increased depression and stress. It’s important to provide both practical and emotional support as the disease progresses. Simultaneously, make sure to take care of yourself. Even the most devoted caregiver needs a break to feel refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge. The good news is that treatment for AMD can slow progression, which means you and your loved one can “see” a bright future ahead. End Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration
Linda T., from Schenectady, NY, was helping her mother, Patty G. almost daily as her vision worsened due to age-related macular degeneration. Though Patty still lived in the home where she raised her children, Linda visited to help her with shopping, getting to medical appointments and other daily life tasks, like cooking and bill paying. Embarrassed that she couldn’t recognize friends and family any more, Patty also found herself withdrawing from her life, which was hard on the entire family. It was Linda who discovered that Patty would benefit from the telescope implant for end-stage AMD. She brought Patty to her ophthalmologist to learn about it, then accompanied her to the out-patient surgery and practiced the exercises Patty’s occupational therapists prescribed to master her new vision. Today, Patty can see the faces of her family, read and watch TV, and even travel independently. She walks to her local stores and can navigate train stations. (Driving is not an expected outcome from this procedure because normal vision is not restored.) End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The telescope implant is one of the newest treatments for AMD and the only FDA approved surgical option. Like the other treatments, it is not a cure for AMD, but it is proven to restore vision and improve quality of life. Patients must be at least 65 years old and meet other health requirements. Most importantly, their cataract must be in place in the eye to be operated one. The procedure is Medicare eligible. Supporting End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration
For more information visit www.CentraSight.com or call toll-free 977-99-SIGHT
End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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