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Reducing Your Risk of AMD

Macular Degeneration

  • AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 55 in the United States.
  • There are two types of AMD: dry AMD (more common) and wet AMD (usually more severe)
  • Symptoms: Early symptoms can be vision reduction at night which can be difficult to distinguish whether this is from AMD or some other cause without having an Eye Examination.
  • Vision loss occurs over several years. If it worsens reading and distance vision can be significantly impaired.
  • Treatment occurs in the initial stages with supplements, good healthy diet, not smoking and sunglasses.
  • If the dry form turns to wet AMD (which occurs 10%) of the time, treatment is needed with injections to keep the vision from becoming significantly reduced.

Unfortunately there is no cure for AMD. Age, smoking and family history are the most important risk factors.

Here are some things you can do to help protect your eyes from AMD:

  • Don’t Smoke: Smoking increases the risk of getting AMD and progressing to advanced AMD.
  • Diet is important: If possible, eat several servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Spinach, kale, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables are especially helpful.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega 3s are recommended; found in fish (salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel are best), and have a proven benefit as well.
  • OmegaQuant: A blood test is recommended to determine whether you are getting the correct dosage of Omega-3. A supplement may be recommended based on the results.
  • Lifestyle: Control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses or glasses with a blue-light filter when appropriate. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and blue light is a risk factor.
  • Supplements: Supplements help reduce the risk of AMD getting worse. They do not fix or cure AMD.

Allisonville Eye Care Center is pleased to offer new technology for early detection of the #1 cause of legal blindness in the US known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Dr. Roark and Dr. Bollier recommend a new piece of technology that is a screening test for all patients age 45. A newly developed device, the AdaptDx Pro, is used to measure the number of minutes it takes you to adjust from bright light to darkness. The test is non-invasive and takes only 5-10 minutes.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration is a progressive eye disease that causes the central lining at the back of the eye known as the macula to deteriorate with age. The macula is responsible for your central vision, which allows you to do things like read, watch TV, recognize faces, and drive. Unfortunately, this disease is common and affects about 14 million Americans- 1 in 3 above the age of 75!

What are the earliest symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Poor night vision and difficulty adjusting to a dark room after bright light exposure are often the earliest indications of this disease. ONLY THIS DARK ADAPTATION TEST CAN REVEAL ABNORMAL DARK ADAPTATION.

What are the benefits of early detection?

Early detection allows several proactive measures to be taken to reduce the risk of vision loss.

Who should have this test?

We recommend a screening/baseline Dark Adaptation test for any patient who fits the following description:

-age 45 and above -family history of Macular Degeneration

-current or former smoker -diagnosis of heart disease, hypertension or high cholesterol

-diagnosis of diabetes -difficulty seeing in dim light or adapting to the darkness

 

Call or text us at 317-577-0707 to schedule an exam and assessment for AMD at Allisonville Eye Care Center.

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