Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know

Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know

Macular Degeneration, often referred to as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. It controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail. Macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry or wet. Wet Macular Degeneration refers to growth of new blood vessels in the macula, where they are not supposed to be. The dry form of Macular Degeneration is more common than the wet AMD. Eighty five to ninety percent of patients are diagnosed with dry AMD. Macular Degeneration by itself will not lead to total blindness. In almost all cases, some vision remains and few Macular Degeneration patients experience total visual loss

Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In its early stages, the condition may not have symptoms and may be unrecognized by the patient until it progresses or affects both eyes.

Symptoms include:

  • Dark, blurry areas in the center of vision
  • Diminished or changed color perception
  • Distorted vision in which straight lines appears wavy or blank.
Macular Degeneration Vision

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Aging: Approximately 10% of patients 66 to 74 years of age will have findings of Macular Degeneration. The prevalence increases to 30% in patients 75 to 85 years of age.
  • Smoking: Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD.
  • Race: AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.
  • Genetics & Family history: The lifetime risk of developing late-stage Macular Degeneration is 50% for people who have a relative with the condition, versus 12% for people who do not have relatives with the condition.

How is it detected:

AMD can be detected in a routine eye exam. Your doctor may also ask you to look at an Amsler grid, a pattern of straight lines that resemble a checkerboard. See how an Amsler grid works by taking a Macular Degeneration Test.

Management

No surgical treatment is available for this condition; however, there are very effective treatments available for “wet” macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health perform a large study, called AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study), found benefits with some vitamin supplements along with high doses of antioxidants. The follow up study, AREDS2, showed that the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin also have benefits. These combinations of supplements have been suggested by the National Eye Institute to slow progression of the disease, click here for more info on these supplements!

Although much progress has been made recently in Macular Degeneration treatment and research, there is still no cure for this disease. Change your lifestyle now, quit smoking, wear UV filtered sunglasses, start taking the proper supplements and schedule your annual eye exam with one of our physicians today!

References:
“What is Macular Degeneration?” Web Blog Post. American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
“Adult Macular Degeneration.” Web Blog Post. Macular Degeneration Foundation.
“The Amsler Grid.” Web Blog Post. Macular Degeneration Partnership. 2015
“Facts about Age-Related Macular Degeneration”. Web Blog Post. National Eye Institute. July 2013.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin in amounts sufficient to control blood sugar levels.

People with any type of diabetes can develop hyperglycemia, which is an excess of blood sugar, or serum glucose.

Although glucose is a vital source of energy for the body’s cells, a chronic elevation of serum glucose causes damage throughout the body, including the small blood vessels in the eyes.

As a result, if you have diabetes you run the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, in which damage occurs to the delicate blood vessels inside the retina lining at the back of the eye.

You are also at increased risk for developing cataracts (clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye), or glaucoma (a disease that results in damage to the optic nerve).

Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. The vessel walls thicken as they absorb excess sugar. This narrows the opening in the middle of the vessel so it can’t flow as much blood, oxygen, and nutrients needed for the eye tissues.

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy. With this condition, damaged blood vessels in the retina begin to leak extra fluid and small amounts of blood into the eye. Sometimes, deposits of cholesterol or other fats from the blood may leak into the retina.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) occurs when abnormal new blood vessels begin to sprout on the surface of the retina or optic nerve.

The new blood vessels are very fragile and sometimes break, leading to blindness. The new vessels are also often accompanied by scar tissue that may cause the retina to wrinkle or detach.

The good news is that tight control of the blood sugar level in diabetics can often reverse the damage and restore vision. There are several other treatments that can also help.

This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® program (www.geteyesmart.org).

What You Need to Know about Glaucoma

What You Need to Know about Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve, usually from high intraocular pressure (fluid pressure) and it results in visual field loss. Glaucoma is called the “sneak thief of sight” because patients may not notice any change in vision until significant loss has occurred, which is why regular monitoring is essential. When caught early, it is easily treatable.

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5 Tips for Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

5 Tips for Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Love Your Eyes: Ophthalmologists Remind Older Americans to Protect Themselves from Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Seniors are at heightened risk for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. The disease damages central vision, limiting a person’s ability to read and recognize faces. Approximately 2.1 million Americans had AMD as of 2010. This number is expected to double to more than 5.4 million by 2050. Meanwhile, fewer people are aware of the disease compared to other eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.

To help raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration, the Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are reminding seniors that their eyes need love, too. There are steps they can take to take better care of their eyes and protect themselves from AMD-related blindness.

 

Here are five eye-loving tips from the Academy and the facts behind the advice:

 

  • Get regular comprehensive medical eye exams. AMD often has no early warning signs, so getting regular comprehensive eye exams is critical to diagnosing and treating AMD in its early stages. The Academy recommends that people over age 65 get an exam every one to two years, even if they have no signs or symptoms of eye problems.

 

  • Quit smoking. Numerous studies have shown smoking to increase the risk of developing AMD and the speed at which it progresses. If you smoke, you are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration compared with a nonsmoker.

 

  • Know your family’s eye health history. If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the condition. Before you go in for your next eye exam, speak with your family about their eye health history. Sharing this information with your eye doctor may prompt him or her to recommend more frequent eye exams. The earlier AMD is caught, the better chances you may have of saving your vision.

 

  • Eat a diet rich in omega-3s and low in cholesterol and saturated fat. A number of studies have shown that people who had a reduced risk of AMD had diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish. In one study of patients who were at moderate risk for AMD progression, those who reported the highest omega-3 intake (not in the form of a supplement) were 30 percent less likely to develop advanced AMD after 12 years. In another study, an increased risk of AMD was found in individuals who had a higher intake of saturated fats and cholesterol and in those with a higher body mass index.

 

 

“There is still a worrying lack of awareness when it comes to AMD, despite it being the number one cause of blindness in seniors,” said Rahul N. Khurana, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Older Americans who are unaware of the disease may be putting themselves at risk by not taking early steps to care for their vision. The good news is that they protect their sight from AMD-related blindness by showing their eyes some TLC with regular eye exams and lifestyle changes.”

 

Age-related Macular Degeneration is a very serious eye disease and the proper steps should be taken to protect your vision. Make sure to be seen by an eye doctor often for a comprehensive eye exam!   To make an appointment call us at 480-994-1872 or visit our website to book online!

 

 

 

 

Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma

Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma

Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma

Scottsdaley Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind the public of the importance of eye exams

Glaucoma is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. It affects more than 3 million people in the United States—nearly half of whom are unaware they have the disease. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in reminding the public that early detection and treatment can help protect your sight.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Typically, the disease initially has no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness.

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Technology Can Help Seniors with Low Vision

Technology Can Help Seniors with Low Vision

Technology, Tools and Rehabilitation Can Help Seniors with Low Vision Maintain Their Independence

Each day, approximately 10,000 Americans turn 65, and one in six adults this age and older has a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.[1]

As part of its support for Low Vision Awareness Month this February, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC are providing older adults with low vision guidance on how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence.

An estimated 2.9 million Americans have low vision, which makes it difficult or impossible for them to accomplish activities such as reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car or recognizing faces. Low vision can be caused by eye diseases that are more common in older people, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Fortunately, there are many strategies and resources available to people with low vision that can help them overcome these challenges. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC recommends that people with low vision and those who care for them follow these tips:

  • Make things bigger – Sit closer to the television or to the stage at performances. Get large books, phone dials and playing cards. Carry magnifiers for help with menus, prescription bottles and price tags.
  • Make things brighter – Make sure areas are well-lit and cover shiny surfaces to reduce glare. Consider increasing color contrasts as well. For instance, drink coffee from a white mug and always use a felt-tipped pen with black ink.
  • Use technology – Many of today’s newer technologies have applications that can help with low vision. For example, e-readers allow users to adjust the font size and contrast. Many smartphones and tablets can also be used to magnify print, identify cash bills and provide voice-navigated directions.
  • Organize and label – Designate spots for your keys, wallet and frequently-used items in your refrigerator. Mark thermostats and dials with high contrast markers from a fabric store; label medications with markers or rubber bands; and safety-pin labels onto similarly colored clothing to tell them apart.
  • Don’t isolate yourself – Keep your social group, volunteer job, or golf game. It might require lighting, large print cards, a magnifier, a ride, or someone to watch your golf ball. Ask for the help you need.
  • Consider low vision rehabilitation – If you have low vision, you can greatly improve your quality of life through vision rehabilitation, which teaches you how to use your remaining vision more effectively. Talk with your eye doctor to determine if referral for low vision rehabilitation is right for you.

Having low vision does not mean giving up your activities, but it does mean finding new ways of doing them. If you think you may have low vision, schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors right away. The faster you receive care, the faster you can return to doing the things you enjoy and do them more independently.

Call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment or make on online here! 

This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® program (http://www.geteyesmart.org)

[1] http://www.pewresearch.org/daily-number/baby-boomers-retire/

Half of Those with Glaucoma Don’t Know It; Are You At Risk?

Half of Those with Glaucoma Don’t Know It; Are You At Risk?

Approximately 2.7 million Americans have the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, but only half are aware of it. Meanwhile, glaucoma incidence is on the rise. Researchers predict that glaucoma will affect as many as 6.3 million Americas by 2050. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are sharing a list of risk factors that can lead to the disease.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which links the eyes to the brain. It is most commonly associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss in a person’s side vision, then in his or her central vision. With early diagnosis and treatment, sight can be preserved. However, glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so it is imperative that people know the risk factors.

 

Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing glaucoma, including:

 

  • Family History: Individuals with a parent or sibling with glaucoma have a nine times higher risk of developing the disease, according to one study.
  • Older Age: As people age, their risk for glaucoma increases. Because this is the case for several eye diseases, the Academy recommends that adults start getting regular comprehensive eye exams at age 40. This is the age when early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may first occur, even if you have seemingly perfect vision. It is important to get comprehensive eye exams from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, a physician specializing in eye care.
  • African, Hispanic or Asian Heritage: People of African and Hispanic heritage are three times more likely to have the most common form of glaucoma than Caucasians. Glaucoma-related blindness is at least six times more prevalent in African Americans than in Caucasian Americans. Additionally, people of Asian heritage are at an increased risk of a sudden and acute form of glaucoma known as angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Nearsightedness: People who are nearsighted are more likely to have glaucoma. One study even found that the more severe the nearsightedness, the higher the risk of glaucoma.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes increases risk of glaucoma. The longer a person has lived with diabetes, the greater their risk for glaucoma becomes.

Additionally, when the cornea – the clear, round dome on the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil – is abnormally thin, IOP readings may be falsely low. This puts patients at increased risk for undiagnosed glaucoma. This is common among those who have had refractive surgery, such as LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy. Another risk factor associated with glaucoma is a history of eye trauma.

 

“Many of my patients are surprised to learn that one or more of these factors put them at an increased risk,” said Andrew Iwach, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and glaucoma specialist. “Being aware of your personal risk of glaucoma is the first step to saving your sight. If you are at risk, get an exam – the sooner you do, the better we can protect you from vision loss

 

Recently the Diopsys, a new very sensitive test has become available to screen for glaucoma that may not be obvious. Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons is one of the few eye physician practices in the area that now offers this test.

 

Glaucoma treatment ranges from medicated eye drops to a variety of surgeries that can help reduce high IOP. This may involve procedures that make small changes in the eye to help fluid drain more easily. In some cases, small devices known as shunts or stents are inserted in the eye to increase the flow of the eye’s fluid.

 

 

If you have questions about glaucoma or want to schedule a comprehensive eye exam call our office at 480-994-1872 or visit www.scottsdaleeye.com.

 

 

 

This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® program (www.geteyesmart.org).