In the United States, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common condition that causes low vision. It is important to see an ophthalmologist regularly and ensure you do not develop conditions like AMD, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. If you or a loved one suffer with low vision, there are many visual aids like magnifiers, reading glasses, and special monitors that can help with daily tasks. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologists for an appointment.
Certain vitamins have been shown to reduce progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). A daily dose of the following vitamins may be recommended: Vitamin C 500 mg, Vitamin E 400mg, Zinc oxide 80 mg, Copper 2 mg, Lutein 10mg, and Zeaxanthin 2mg. This is known as the AREDS2 formulation, and is available over the counter at most pharmacies. As always, do not start vitamins without speaking to your doctor. Quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet that includes green leafy vegetables has also been shown to decrease the risk of vision damage with AMD. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey for an appointment.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness for adults over 60 years of age, affecting approximately 11 million Americans. One of the first things you may see is blurring of your vision. AMD damages the macula, which is the area of the retina responsible for central vision. There are two types of AMD: wet AMD which has bleeding, and dry AMD which does not. While neither condition can be cured, there are treatments available to help. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an appointment for evaluation.
Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a common eye condition. It is the primary cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It happens when the central area in the retina deteriorates. At first, most patients experience no vision loss. That will change as the patient progresses into later stages of AMD.
What do you need to know about this common condition?
Have You Been Checked for Macular Degeneration?
If you haven’t been checked for macular degeneration, now is the time to do so. Even if you aren’t in the highest risk age group or you have experienced no changes in sight, you should still have an ophthalmologist examine your eyes. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills to make an appointment.
Ophthalmologists are not sure the exact cause of macular degeneration, but they have discovered factors that can increase or decrease a patient’s risk of developing the condition. The following list can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle that will lower your chances of a macular degeneration diagnosis.
A doctor can provide more insight into your macular degeneration risk. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Modern medicine keeps improving. As time goes on, we learn more about our bodies and how to heal them. This especially holds true in the field of eye care. We have come a long way.
The Bionic Eye in 2018
The concept of a bionic eye sounds like science fiction but is something we have access to right now. It is technically referred to as a retinal implant device. This technology utilizes a 3 mm by 3 mm 2 silicone chip that is equipped with 1,500 light sensitive elements. The chip can send signals to the brain and is controlled by a device that is implanted behind the ear.
Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment
Along with new breakthroughs, we are also improving existing methods of treatment. Age-related macular degeneration is currently the leading cause of blindness in developing countries. Improved compounds and delivery methods are being introduced to increase the effectiveness of medication. Creating a drug that works is only part of the answer. We must also find a way to make these treatments affordable so that they are available to more people.
A Push for Attainable Eye Care
A recent National Geographic article by David Dobbs highlighted medical advancements along with the growing need for eye care in areas that cannot afford it. More effort is being made to bring treatment to more places throughout the world. If the effort succeeds, this could mean a future without blindness.
The best way to prepare for the future is with regular, comprehensive eye exams. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians to schedule an appointment and take the first step in preserving your vision.
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February brings us another reason to take better care of our eyesight. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month was designed to spread awareness of a common problem. This condition is the leading cause of vision loss among patients over age 60 in the United States. Nearly 11 million people throughout the country are affected. That statistic is projected to grow to almost 22 million over the next 30 years.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, describes a damaged macula, which is part of the retina. There are two different types. The first is dry AMD. This is the most common type, making up around 80% of all cases. Dry AMD happens when the macula thins as a person ages. Drusen, or tiny clumps of protein, start to grow, causing central vision loss. There is currently no treatment available for this condition.
The second type is wet AMD. While it isn’t as common, it is more serious than the dry version. Abnormal blood vessels may begin to grow underneath the retina. If they leak, they can cause macula scarring. Loss of sight happens much faster with wet AMD. Patients often do not realize what’s occurring until their vision is very blurry.
Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Patients who are in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration may notice no signs that anything is wrong. The first symptom reported is usually a change in vision quality or the appearance of straight lines that look distorted. This can eventually become a significant loss of central vision.
Protecting Yourself from Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The best way to protect yourself from age-related macular degeneration is to live a healthy lifestyle and schedule regular ophthalmologist appointments. Keeping your doctor up to date will ensure that changes are discovered as early as possible. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule a comprehensive, dilated exam.
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There are many different lifestyle changes you can make to improve your eyesight. From using the correct prescription, wearing your glasses properly, to adequate lighting and breaks during screen time…to name a few of the ways you can help your vision. But did you know that your diet influences your eyesight?
Several foods have been shown to have a positive impact on vision. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. Foods that are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Zinc not only have benefits to help your vision but also lower the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
There are many healthy foods that fall into these categories. Foods like carrots, kale, and spinach are rich in vitamin A. Citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes are rich in vitamin C. Eggs, whole grains, and vegetable oils are a great source of vitamin E. You can find high-levels of Zinc in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Fit these foods into your diet to provide your body an extra push to help maintain healthy vision. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough vitamins through diet alone or have food allergies, consult with your Eye Michigan doctor regarding eye vitamins.
Low vision is a condition where patients experience blurred sight, partial sight, tunnel vision, or even being legally blind. Unlike many other eye impairments, low vision cannot be corrected through glasses or surgery. Even with corrective lenses and medical procedures, low vision cannot be restored to 20/20. While a “cure” is not an option, there are things sufferers can do to help them function in their daily lives. Depending on individual cases, ophthalmologists may take different approaches that are aimed to try to enhance vision as much as possible such as: prescription lenses, therapy or magnification.
Low vision is a condition that can affect people of all ages, but most often strikes elderly individuals. Several different diseases are often to blame for low vision. Glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration to name the most common.
The effects of low vision are, by definition, irreversible, and therefore the best way to manage low vision is to prevent it from happening. Many common eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can be detected before any considerable damage has taken place. Having a simple and noninvasive test performed early on can prevent a lot of complications in the future. Maintaining regular scheduled visits with your ophthalmologist has the potential to save your vision. Contact Eye Michigan to schedule your appointment today.
