AMD - Age-related Macular Degeneration and Memory Loss

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND MEMORY LOSS

by BlogUncategorized

February is national Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) awareness month. While there is no cure for Macular Degeneration early detection is key to slowing down vision loss and keeping your sight. Studies have also shown that AMD can have an effect on cognitive functioning. For those that are visually impaired memory is one of the most important things.

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss. It is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. The central portion of the retina, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing vision for the eye, allowing us to read, recognize faces or colors, drive and do many day-to-day activities.
While there is no cure for this disease there are treatments to help slow it down. It is important to maintain yearly eye exams for early detection. This disease like so many is very difficult to notice until you have already lost a large portion of your vision.

Lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of developing AMD. Some lifestyle changes might include proper exercise and diet, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from the UV rays of the sun. People that run a higher risk of developing AMD are people who have a family history, race, Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than African American or Hispanic heritage, and smokers.

There are three stages of AMD:

  1. Early AMD: At this stage, most people do not experience vision loss. The presence of medium-sized drusen (yellow deposits beneath the retina), is usually an early sign your eye doctor looks for.
  2. Intermediate AMD: This is where vision loss may start to be noticed, however it may not be enough to be noticeable. Specific tests will look for pigment changes in the retina and larger drusen deposits.
  3. Late AMD: At this stage vision loss has become noticeable.

Additional factors that may increase your risk are:

  • Smoking. Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of developing AMD.
  • Family history. If your family history includes AMD you are at a higher risk.
  • Ethnicity. AMD is more common in Caucasians than other races.

You have the power to take control of your health. These are some things you can do to help prevent AMD:

  • Exercise Regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy veggies and fish
  • Avoid smoking
  • Maintain proper vitals such as blood pressure and cholesterol.

AMD is best detected by maintaining routine eye exams. Be sure to tell your eye doctor if anyone in your family has or had Macular Degeneration. Often people question why dilation is part of a regular exam. This allows us to look into the back of your eyes for any changes that may be occurring.

While there is no cure for this disease things such as changing your diet and adding proper exercise can help to slow down the loss of vision. You have the power to choose. Take control and choose a healthier lifestyle. Your eyes will thank you for it.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening and Saturday appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

Women's Eye Health - Health Concept: WOMEN'S HEALTH text drawn on paper with heart to the side

TIPS TO BETTER EYE HEALTH

by ArticlesBlog

Women's Eye Health - Health Concept: WOMEN'S HEALTH text drawn on paper with heart to the sideDo you take your eyes for granted? Often patients take their eyesight for granted until they begin having problems with their vision. When day-to-day activities become challenging, that will trigger a call for an eye appointment. Having good vision and healthy eyes may determine your ability to remain independent and self-sufficient.

Studies have shown that women make up 65 percent of AMD cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients are women. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Often women put their family’s health and screenings before themselves and neglect regular eye care.

In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyper thyroiditis. In addition, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormonal changes pregnant women experience. As women age and go through menopause, dry eye occurs at double the rate.

Prevention is key to preventable vision loss. The good news is most vision loss is preventable. Here are some simple steps to take control of your eye health today:

  1. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at 40. Get a yearly comprehensive medical eye exam. An exam by an eye care professional skilled in medical and surgical eye care provides the opportunity to identify diseases and conditions that are not symptomatic in the early stages.
  2. Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited – macular degeneration and glaucoma in your family’s history can increase your risk by 50% for macular degeneration and from four to nine times for glaucoma. If you haven’t talked with family members about their eye conditions, now is the time to do so.
  3. Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains benefit the entire body, including the eyes.
  4. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Tobacco smoke worsens dry eye.
  5. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer.
  6. Bacteria will form from your eyelashes and requires daily eyelid hygiene. Like brushing your teeth, your eyelids need daily care. Hot compresses help keep tear producing glands working at top efficiency.

In a comprehensive eye exam at Bissell Eye Care, our state-of-the-art technology allow us to look at the overall health of your eyes. During these exams, we may discover conditions that affect your eyes in addition to perhaps uncovering an underlying condition in your overall general health. This will ultimately help your primary care provider enhance your overall health and wellness.

Be proactive, stay healthy and protect your eyesight with regular eye exams.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

LIVING WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

by ArticlesBlog

February is National Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) awareness month. We want to make sure that you know what side effects to be on the lookout for. While there is not cure for Macular Degeneration early detection is key to slowing down vision loss and keeping your sight.

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss. It is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. The central portion of the retina, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing vision for the eye, allowing us to read, recognize faces or colors, drive and do many day-to-day activities.

While there is no cure for this disease, there are treatments to help slow it down. It is important to maintain yearly eye exams for early detection. AMD is very difficult to notice until you have already lost a large portion of your vision.

Lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of developing AMD. Some lifestyle changes might include proper exercise and diet, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from the UV rays of the sun. People that run a higher risk of developing AMD are people who have a family history, race, Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than African American or Hispanic heritage, and smokers.

There are three stages of AMD:

  1. Early AMD: At this stage most people do not experience vision loss. The presence of medium-sized drusen (yellow deposits beneath the retina), is usually an early sign you eye doctor looks for.
  2. Intermediate AMD: This is where vision loss may start to be noticed, however it may not be enough to be noticeable. Specific tests will look for pigment changes in the retina and larger drusen deposits.
  3. Late AMD: At this stage vision loss has become noticeable.

Remember that early detection and treatment is key to help save your vision. Be sure to tell your eye doctor if anyone in your family has or had Macular Degeneration. Take charge of your health and see clearly with routine eye exams.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.