Tag Archives: eye disease

Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know

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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.

Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma

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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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Studies Show Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men

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Studies Show Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men

Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men

American Academy of Ophthalmology urges women to make eye health a top priority

 Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from blindness and conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.1 In support of Healthy Vision Month, Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind women to make vision a top priority.

 

Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients (blindness) are women.2 Why the inequity? There are a few theories. 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. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries.

 

Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women.3 In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience.

 

Good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today:

  • Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist – a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care – is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages.

 

  • Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk.

 

  • Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish.

 

  • Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.

 

  • Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors.

 

“Eye exams aren’t only about checking a person’s visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes,” said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We encourage women as well as men to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority today, we can help protect our sight as we age.”

 

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.

 

Have you had your eyes examind in the last few years? If not call and make your appointment Today, 480-994-1872 or make an appointment online, click here!
 

  1. National Eye Institute
  2. National Eye Institute

3. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;136

Could you be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome?

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Could you be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome?

Could you be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome?

Do your eyes ever burn or feel sandy and gritty? Are they ever red and irritated? You may be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome.

Historically, eye doctors attributed dry eye syndrome to a reduced amount of tears on the eyes. Although this is a very common cause of dry eye, studies have shown that dry eye is far more involved. Your eye doctor will check the amount of tears, the drainage and quality of your tears, the oil glands that align your eye lids, and the way you blink. All of these factors are important to know prior to determining a treatment plan specific to your individual needs.

In many cases, simply adding an artificial tear to one’s daily routine is not enough to manage symptoms of dry eye. Because there are a multitude of underlying conditions that can lead to dry eye, we treat not only our patient’s symptoms, but the underlying cause of our patient’s dry eye as well.

 

At Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our first approach to treating dry eye disease is utilizing a homeopathic technique when possible. In many cases, incorporating warm compresses, artificial tears, and a doctor recommended Omega-3 supplement into your daily routine, can significantly improve your symptoms.

 

If you are experiencing burning, redness, gritty sensation, excessive watering or intermittent blurry vision call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment or click here to make an appointment online!

 

 

 

 

 

6 Foods That Could Be Saving Your Vision!

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6 Foods That Could Be Saving Your Vision!

We all know eating a healthy diet has many positive benefits, but did you know it could be preventing eye diseases? Here are a list of 6 Foods that could be saving your vision and other tips!

 

Foods that are full of vitamins like C and E, zinc, lutein and omega-3’s are extremely beneficial for eye health!  According to Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) these nutrients are linked to a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and dry eye later in life.  It’s always a good idea start incorporating healthy foods into your diet no matter how late or early in life we begin.

 

Here are 6 foods the be incorporating into your diet:

Citrus-Fruits Cold-Water-fish greens Nuts Oils whole-grains

 

People who have diabetes or AMD or are at risk for eye diseases and can benefit by following a low-glycemic index diet.  A low-glycemic index diet contains foods that do not raise the blood sugar in the body. For more information on the low-glycemic diet click here!

 

People with AMD may be able to slow the progression of the disease by taking a special nutrient supplement developed as a result of the AREDS2 research.  Supplements like PRN have been developed because of the AREDS2 study!

PRN_EYE_

. The formula includes:

  • Vitamin C (500 mg);
  • Vitamin E (400 IU);
  • Lutein (10 mg);
  • Zeaxanthin (2 mg);
  • Zinc oxide (80 mg); and
  • Copper oxide (2 mg).

PRN has a few supplements for eye health click here to read more about the supplements and where to purchase them.

This is promising news for people who are at risk for, or already have AMD. But before stocking up on these supplements, be sure to talk with one of our Eye Doctors to learn if they are recommended for you. Some people should not take large doses of antioxidants or zinc for medical reasons.

 

People who smoke should ask their physician before taking the original AREDS supplement, because one of the ingredients, beta carotene, as been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer in smokers or people who have recently quit smoking. An alternate version of the original AREDS supplement formulated to be safe for smokers is available. Our Eye Doctors can give you more information on this option.

 

As you think about ways to improve your eye health, remember: vitamins and nutritional supplements are not a cure for eye disease, nor will they give you back vision that you may have already lost. But good nutrition at all ages is vital for your entire body, and plays an important role in maintaining healthy eyes. Hopefully you found these 6 Foods that could be saving your vision helpful!  Talk with one of our Eye Doctors about any concerns you have about your eye health or call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment!

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

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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).