Give Yourself the Gift of Good Vision this Holiday Season

 

 

1. Eat a balanced diet

 

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables will give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off eye diseases and maintain good vision. 

2. Stay active

 

 

Staying active is a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity comes with many issues and can put a strain on your good vision, such as diabetic eye disease. An active lifestyle can help increase blood flow and improve oxygen levels within the eyes.

 

3. Wash your hands

 

Frequently washing your hands will rid them of any germs or bacteria that can go into your eyes when you touch them. This is extremely important if you wear contact lenses. If you touch your lenses with dirty hands, your lenses can trap bacteria and cause infections. Other infections, such as conjunctivitis can occur in those without lenses who touch their eyes frequently without washing their hands.

 

4. Don’t smoke

 

Smoking causes a ton of added health issues such as high blood pressure, lung issues, cancer, and more, but did you know that smoking can increase your risk for developing many eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

 

5. Wear proper eye protection

 

Although it may not be extremely sunny where you live during the winter months, it is extremely important to protect your eyes at all times while outside. UV rays can damage your eyes and cause vision loss. Other eye protection, such as protective eyewear when playing sports, using power tools, and goggles while skiing is also very important to maintain good vision. 

 

6. Rest your eyes

 

Getting a good night’s sleep is the first step to letting your eyes get the rest they need, after all, your eye muscles are the most active muscles in your body. Resting your eyes is especially important in today’s digital world, and can help prevent digital eye strain. To do this, rest your eyes every 20 minutes by staring at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This is called the 20-20-20 rule. It is also important to blink frequently while using electronics to maintain your eye’s natural moisture. 

 

The most important thing you should be doing to maintain a healthy vision is to receive your annual eye exams. With most eye conditions, early detection is the key to preventing vision loss. Skipping your annual exam can quite literally cause you to go blind. Another important thing to note is that you may need comprehensive exams more than just once a year depending on underlying factors that can increase your risk of certain eye diseases. These risks include having diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a family history of eye conditions. So, this year, give yourself the gift of healthy vision by following these tips and scheduling your annual exam. 

 

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph’s office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

The post Give Yourself the Gift of Good Vision this Holiday Season appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/give-yourself-the-gift-of-good-vision-this-holiday-season/
via https://perfect2020.com

Avoid Accidental Eye Injury This Christmas with this Guide

 

We have all seen or read the warning signs on children’s toys. Most commonly, the choking hazards and the recommended ages for playing with the specific toy. However, something less commonly acknowledged on these warning labels is the risk of blindness due to eye injuries. 

With the holidays coming up, this type of injury is very common this time of the year. Although these warning labels are often ignored, toys can be harmful to children. In 2016 alone, there were more than 240,000 Emergency Room visits due to injuries caused by toys*. Since December is the most popular month for gift-giving due to the holidays, it is also Toy Safety Month. 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, thousands of children sustain eye injuries and even blindness each year*. Furthermore, nearly 90% of these injuries could have been prevented through the use of protective eyewear*. Due to this increasing number of sustained eye injuries and the unawareness of this issue, it is important for parents, grandparents, and anyone else purchasing toys as a gift to be aware of their abilities in preventing injuries. 

The first way to prevent eye injuries sustained from a toy is to only buy age-appropriate toys. If the label on the toy says not suitable for children under the age of 5, then simply don’t buy it for a child under the recommended age. It is also important to consider younger children when purchasing toys for older kids. 

Be mindful of pieces that may easily break off, or other pieces of the toys that can pose a potential choking hazard. When purchasing toys, look for those marked with “ASTM.” This means that these toys meet the National Safety Standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials*. 

Another way to prevent eye injuries is to make sure that children are always properly supervised while they’re playing. Having an adult present will decrease the chance for accidents involving toys. In addition to proper supervision, it is important to educate children on how to properly use their toys. Before you allow children to use any of their new toys, read the instructions, and warnings, on the box. 

It is also recommended to keep toys put away when they’re not in use. Ideally, potentially hazardous toys should be kept in a spot that children can not get to if they’re not being properly supervised for the specific activity. This can include any board games that may have small pieces. Be sure to inspect toys for loose pieces before allowing children to play with them, and throw away any broken toys to avoid accidental injuries.

The single most common toy that causes eye injuries are those that entail projecting smaller pieces. Toys of this kind include dart guns, toy bows and arrows, and missile-firing toys*. It is important to note that pellet guns, bb guns, and airsoft guns have been reclassified and removed from toy sections due to the hazards they entail. If children will be playing with dart guns or toy bows and arrows, it is important that they wear the proper eye protection. Eye protection should be appropriate for the type of activity that is being performed, and they should meet the national safety standards. You can visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website for more information about these safety standards. 

In addition to preventing eye injuries from toys during the holiday season, it is also important for parents, other family members, caregivers, and anyone else who may be supervising children while playing to be aware of first aid when eye injuries are involved. 

If an eye injury occurs, do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye. Do not try to remove any debris from the eye. If the debris is a small piece, you can lift the eyelid and ask the child to blink rapidly to try and remove the object. If the object does not come out on its own, close the eye and seek help immediately. Avoid applying any ointment or medication to they eye in the event of an injury. Keep in mind, only eye injury that includes hazardous chemicals should be flushed with water. If a cut or puncture of the eye occurs, it should be gently covered before seeking help to avoid any contamination. If an eye injury occurs, it is always a good idea to call your eye doctor for what they recommend for your injury. 

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph’s office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

*Attributions:

https://www.preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist

https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/toy-safety

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-children

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Toy_Report_2016.pdf?6ZwpKyiwsEdVzWXhH0m0doo5cJALIZFW

The post Avoid Accidental Eye Injury This Christmas with this Guide appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/avoid-accidental-eye-injury-this-christmas-with-this-guide/
via https://perfect2020.com

The Basics of Diabetic Retinopathy

 

With the amount of obesity and diabetic people at an all-time high, it is important to discuss something most people are completely unaware of, and that is vision loss as a result of diabetes. One of the most common eye diseases caused by diabetes is Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age Americans. 

With diabetes comes abnormally high blood glucose levels. These high levels of sugar within the blood can cause damage to the blood vessels within the retina of the eye, a tissue within the eye responsible for sensing light, sending nerve impulses to the brain, and forming a visual image of what you’re actually seeing. The damage of these vessels can cause them to swell, leak, or even cause new blood vessels to grow, causing impaired vision. This vision loss can occur in two different stages. 

The first stage of Diabetic Retinopathy is called Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR). Of the estimated 285 million people suffering from diabetic retinopathy, most of them are in the earliest or non-proliferative stage of the disease. Within this stage, blood vessels may have small leaks or even close. This leakage or closing can cause swelling within the eye, affecting vision. Those who are in the first stage of Diabetic Retinopathy suffer from blurry vision. 

The second stage of Diabetic Retinopathy is called Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). In this stage of Diabetic Retinopathy, new blood vessels grow within the eye at an abnormal rate. These vessels can leak or build up over time to cause scar tissue. This leaking can cause “floaters” in the vision, or even block central and peripheral vision altogether. Scar tissue can cause the retina to detach itself from the optic nerve, or it can cause damage to the macula of the eye. Either way, Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious condition, but there are ways to prevent it. 

The most obvious way to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy is by avoiding Diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes is hereditary, you can avoid type 1 diabetes by regular exercise and a healthy diet. Avoiding Diabetic Retinopathy with type 2 Diabetes can be more difficult, but can be avoided by controlling blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar levels can be done through medications and a healthy diet. It is important to discuss ways to control and manage blood sugar levels with your doctor. It is also vital for those who have diabetes to receive regular comprehensive eye exams. Similarly to most eye diseases, early detection is key in preserving vision. Annual comprehensive eye exams are recommended, but they may be necessary more frequently if you have underlying conditions such as diabetes. Talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist about how often you should get your eyes checked, especially if you are having any symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy. These symptoms include blurry vision, seeing “floaters” or floating dark spots, night blindness, vision changes, and seeing faded colors. 

 If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us. Our Kansas City location can be reached by calling 816-455-2020. You can reach our St. Joseph’s location at 816-279-7015.

The post The Basics of Diabetic Retinopathy appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/the-basics-of-diabetic-retinopathy/
via https://perfect2020.com

Do you Suffer from Diabetes? Here’s How it can Lead to Vision Loss.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 100 million adults in America are suffering from Diabetes or prediabetes*. This means that nearly 10% of the population suffers from this disease*. Out of these adults suffering from diabetes, 25% of them were unaware that they had diabetes*. Diabetes entails many symptoms, which include frequently urinating, being very hungry or thirsty, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, a slow healing process, abnormal weight loss, and tingling/numbness of the hands and feet*. In addition to many symptoms, diabetes also comes with many complications such as high blood pressure, increased risk of strokes, and nerve damage, but did you know that diabetes affects your vision as well?

Diabetic Eye Disease is a group of diseases that affect the vision of people suffering from Diabetes*. These diseases include Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Cataracts, and Glaucoma*. Each type of disease comes with its own list of symptoms, risks, and treatment options. One thing all forms of Diabetic Eye Disease has in common is the risk for severe vision loss, and the potential to cause blindness. Because Diabetic Eye Disease is often unnoticed until vision loss occurs, it is recommended for those who suffer from Diabetes to receive a dilated eye exam at least once a year. You should consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist to discuss how often you need an eye exam. The most common form of Diabetic Eye Disease is Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in people with Diabetes, and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults*. Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease that affects tissues within the Retina that detect light. This is caused by chronically high blood sugar that causes damage to the blood vessels within the eye. Vision impairment can occur through the leaking of these blood vessels or overgrowth of blood vessels. Another common form of Diabetic Eye Disease is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) occurs when fluid accumulates within the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp vision straight-ahead vision that is used when reading, recognizing faces, and driving*. DME is the most common cause of vision loss within people who suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy. Nearly 50% of those who suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy will develop DME*. Anyone who suffers from type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing Diabetic Retinopathy, including women who suffer from Gestational Diabetes. Gestational Diabetes entails its own risk factors for Diabetic Eye Disease. It is often not caught in its early stages and is rapidly worsening. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is always a good idea to have an eye exam, just to be safe.
Both Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema can be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During this exam, the eyes will be checked for signs of Diabetic Retinopathy or DME, such as leaking blood vessels, swelling of the Macula, changes of the lens or blood vessels, and damage to nerve tissue. Treatment for these conditions can include injections and/or laser surgery.

As for diet, there are foods that can help regulate blood sugar levels. These foods include berries, whole grains with a lot of fiber (such as oatmeal), avocado, cottage cheese, eggs, lean meats, and a variety of vegetables. By adding some of these foods to your diet, you can help control blood sugar and decrease the risk of complications that arise with diabetes. Another great way to control blood sugar levels is by choosing complex carbohydrates such as fruits, beans, lentils, and quinoa. Eating healthy snacks rich in fiber during the day can help control hunger and cravings. In addition to choosing healthier carbohydrates, you should offset the number of carbohydrates you’re eating by adding a lot of fresh, non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. In addition to a healthy diet, daily exercise can help decrease the risk for Diabetic Eye Disease. Daily exercise can help prevent obesity, and reduce the risk of diabetes.

By controlling blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise, you will be able to help control your diabetes or prevent diabetes altogether. By controlling and preventing diabetes, you are protecting yourself from Diabetic Eye Disease. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us. Our Kansas City location can be reached by calling 816-455-2020. You can reach our St. Joseph’s location at 816-279-7015.

*Attributions:
https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/?loc=adm
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html

The post Do you Suffer from Diabetes? Here’s How it can Lead to Vision Loss. appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/do-you-suffer-from-diabetes-heres-how-it-can-lead-to-vision-loss/
via https://perfect2020.com

Do You Think Costumes and Horror Films are the Scariest Things About Halloween? Think Again.

 

Halloween is a fun time of the year for children and young adults. They enjoy dressing up and going out for candy, but what is the scariest part of Halloween? Well, the answer is possibly going blind due to wearing cosmetic contact lenses. The reality is, not many people are aware of the risk that these “cheap” Halloween contacts entail. Sadly, these lenses are often sold illegally and are marketed to children and young adults as toys or fashion accessories.
Cosmetic contact lenses – otherwise known as circle lenses, colored contact lenses, and Halloween contacts – are not FDA approved. While they may make your eyes look a different color, like a vampire, or your favorite movie character, they should only be worn if you have seen an ophthalmologist/optometrist and have received a prescription. Contacts are not “one size fits all.” People have different eye shapes and unique conditions that may require specific contacts. Even if you have perfect vision, you should never buy contacts without a prescription just because they’re cheap. These costume lenses may cost less money, but they may cost you your eyesight.
A recent study shows that wearing these cosmetic contact lenses increases your risk for Keratitis – an infection that can cause blindness by 16 times or more*. The shocking part is that more than 60% of patients who developed Keratitis from these lenses, suffered permanent vision loss*. Keratitis is not the only risk that comes with cosmetic contact lenses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these lenses can scratch the eye, causing redness, light sensitivity, discharge, and pain. This scratching occurs due to sizing issues with the contacts. Another way these costume contacts can be harmful is by causing sores on the eyes, known as corneal ulcers*. When these sores heal, scarring can be left behind, which can permanently affect your vision. These cosmetic contact lenses may lead to many different types of infections, including herpes simplex*.
Treatment for these various issues that can arise as a result of wearing costume lenses can range anywhere from medicated eye drops to a corneal transplant*. It is unclear just how many injuries occur each year from wearing these lenses, but a recent study shows that more than 13,500 pediatric cases appear in the Emergency Room each year as a result of cosmetic lenses*. Although there have been no studies conducted to determine the number of injuries these lenses are responsible for, we do know that 17% of Americans have worn these lenses for decorative reasons alone, meaning they did not provide any vision correction. Of these people, 24% of them bought the lenses from an over-the-counter source that did not require a prescription*.
If you are thinking of getting cosmetic contact lenses for any reason, you should first consult your eye care professional. If you have never worn lenses before, they will examine your eyes to determine whether or not you are even a good candidate for contact lenses. Your eyes will then be examined to determine the proper size and fitting lenses that you need. During this exam and follow-up appointments, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will educate you on the proper care for your new lenses, including cleaning them and the duration they can be worn. When seeking cosmetic lenses, do not expect to be prescribed circle lenses, or any other lense that changes the appearance of the shape of your eye because they are not FDA approved*.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, you can protect your vision by receiving an eye exam for contacts before buying contacts. You can also protect your vision by only buying lenses from sources that require a prescription, online and in person. Of course you will want to follow the instructions from your eye care professional on cleaning and handling your lenses. Lastly, it is vital that you seek medical help if you begin to show any warning signs of infection or injury such as redness, long-lasting pain, and vision loss.
If you encounter these costume contact lenses being sold illegally, there are some ways that you can help. If you discover these lenses being sold illegally, you can report the retailer to the FDA. To do this, you may call 1-866-300-4374 or 301-796-8240 to report the retailer as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

*Sources: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/colored-lenses
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/colored-lenses
https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdate/ucm402704.htm
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/four-ways-costume-contact-lenses-ruin-vision
http://www.aoa.org/newsroom/dont-buy-contact-lenses-from-any-store-or-website-if-it-doesnt-require-a-prescription?sso=y

The post Do You Think Costumes and Horror Films are the Scariest Things About Halloween? Think Again. appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/do-you-think-costumes-and-horror-films-are-the-scariest-things-about-halloween-think-again/
via https://perfect2020.com

Here’s What you Should be Eating to Avoid Vision Loss

It’s Healthy Aging Month

When it Comes to your Contact Lenses, Healthy Habits Mean Healthy Eyes.

This year, August 19-23 is Contact Lens Health Week. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) created this health-observance week in hopes to educate the 45 million in the United States that wear contact lenses. By creating healthy habits, you can maintain healthy eyes. Here are just a few ways that you can help protect your eyes and prevent infections while wearing contact lenses.

First, you should never utilize lenses or their storage containers for longer periods of time than recommended. If you have daily lenses, then they should be thrown out at the end of each day. Likewise, if you have monthly lenses, they should be changed out for new ones at the beginning of each month. Additionally, storage containers can build up bacteria on your lenses if they are not properly rotated. If your contact lens storage case doesn’t come with a recommended time to replace it, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends replacing the storage containers at least every three months.

Additionally, you should also replace the solution in your contact lens case daily. Each time you take your contacts out of the case to wear them, you should dump out the old solution and let it air dry before re closing the case. At the end of the day, you should fill the case up with fresh solution. You should never mix the old and new solution by “topping it off” at the end of the day when removing your lenses. This can cause bacteria to build up and increase your risk of infection.

Speaking of infection, did you know that wearing your lenses while you sleep can increase your risk of infection by 6-8 times? Even if your lenses are 24-hour wear, you should not be sleeping in them. It is important to give your time eyes to rest and your lenses time to get cleaned. When you fall asleep in your lenses, they can become dry or build up bacteria, which increases your chance of infection.

Other don’ts when it comes to wearing contact lenses include mixing water with your contacts. Never rinse storage containers with water. Additionally, you should never shower or swim with your lenses in your eyes. Mixing water with contact lenses can cause them to swell, change shape, or adhere to the eye. Introducing water to your lenses can also introduce bacteria to them as well.

For those who haven’t gotten contact lenses yet, or are new to wearing contact lenses, here are the steps you should take to properly care for and wear your new lenses:

1. Wash and rinse hands before handling contact lenses. Make sure they are thoroughly dried with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses as well.
2. Take the lenses out of their storage container using your fingertips. You should never handle lenses with any other objects such as tweezers.
3. Place the lens in your eye properly. Make sure they’re not inside out before placing them on your eye. You should take them out and place them one at a time.
4. After the contacts are placed in your eyes, dump out the solution remaining inside of the storage container.
5. Place the container and lids right-side-up to allow them to air dry
6. Once you’re done wearing your lenses for the day, wash your hands and let them dry thoroughly before removing them.
7. Remove one lens at a time, and place it into your palm.
8. Squirt enough fresh solution into your hand to cover the lens.
9. Gently rub the lens in circular motions to clean the lens.
10. Place the cleaned lens back into the dry storage container and fill it to the line with fresh solution.
11. Place the correct cap onto the side with the lens in it.
12. Follow steps 7-11 for the other lens.
13. Wash your hands again and place the storage container in a safe spot.

It is important to note that different types of lenses may require additional or different steps for proper care. You should discuss these steps with your doctor.

If you have any questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call us. Our Kansas City location’s phone number is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph's office can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

To read more on Contact Lens Health Week, click here.

The post When it Comes to your Contact Lenses, Healthy Habits Mean Healthy Eyes. appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/when-it-comes-to-your-contact-lenses-healthy-habits-mean-healthy-eyes/
via https://perfect2020.com

July is UV Safety Month

Did you Know That Electronics Can Damage your Vision?

Modern day as we know it includes electronic devices in nearly every aspect. We work on a computer, are constantly on our phones checking social media, and then go home after a long day to watch television before bed. This may seem like an average day for most, but did you know that electronics can take a toll on your vision?
Digital Eye Strain is a collection of vision-related issues that can occur from prolonged use of electronics. It is a known fact that people spend most of their waking hours on some form of electronic device. That averages out to be 11 hours per day that we are watching, working, streaming, or texting on some form of electronic device. These issues that can arise from prolonged use of electronics show to worsen over time. That means the longer you’re on your computer or phone, the worse these issues can be. Symptoms of digital eye strain include strained eyes, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and shoulder or neck pain.
These symptoms can arise as a result of poor lighting, a glare on the screen, improper posture, or vision problems that have not been corrected. Symptoms are usually temporary and subside once you are no longer using an electronic device. Digital Eye Strain is diagnosed through a typical eye exam that include testing the accuracy of the person’s vision, how well the eyes function, and other tests that may be necessary as deemed by your doctor.
Treatments for Digital Eye Strain can vary greatly, and focus on the causes of the strain. For a lot of people, they are unaware that they have vision issues such as farsightedness. When they have an exam done, their doctor will see the vision issues and correct the problem using prescription lenses or other treatment necessary to correct the vision. For those who do not have undetected vision issues, special lenses specifically for the use of electronics may be prescribed. These lenses block the blue light emitted through screens on these devices.
Although we cannot simply completely cut electronic devices out of our lives, there are ways to help prevent digital eye strain. One way to reduce eye strain is by following what’s called the 20-20-20 rule. This rule consists of taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes, and staring at an object that is 20 feet away. Additionally, frequent breaks should be taken when using electronics for a prolonged period of time. Every two hours, get up from your desk, step away from electronics, and allow your eyes to rest for 15 minutes before returning. You could use the bathroom, grab a snack, go to lunch, or sit outside. It is also important to remember to blink frequently while using electronics to avoid dry eyes. Lastly, but perhaps the most important factor of reducing digital eye strain is proper positioning. The computer should be positioned in a well-lit area, without a glare on the screen. Your screen should be placed only 4-5 inches below your eyes. You should not have to move your head to see the screen. Your feet should be placed on the floor, arms resting on the chair, and your back should be straight while sitting.
All of these factors are important for reducing the risk for digital eye strain.
If you have any questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call us. Our Kansas City location’s phone number is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

The post Did you Know That Electronics Can Damage your Vision? appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/did-you-know-that-electronics-can-damage-your-vision/
via https://perfect2020.com

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in those over the age of 50. Age Related Macular Degeneration causes a loss of central vision. This vision loss occurs as the macula becomes damaged. The macula is located in the back of the eye, and it is responsible for transmitting signals to and from the brain. The macula is made of over a million light-sensitive nerve fibers.

 

Did you know that our brain is actually involved in a significant amount of our vision? It helps us interpret the images that our eyes see.

 

Since AMD is a common cause of vision loss, we’ve put together the most common questions about the disease and answered them. Here are the most common questions about AMD, answered.

 

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Age Related Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, which lets us see objects directly in front of us. Sharp, central vision is important for daily activities, such as reading, driving, looking at emails, or texting your spouse.

 

What are the Stages of Age Related Macular Degeneration?

There are three stages of Age Related Macular Degeneration. They are Early AMD, Intermediate AMD, and Late AMD. Early Age Related Macular Degeneration is detected through abnormal yellow deposits, called drusen, just below the retina. Those who are in the Early AMD stage do not normally experience vision loss. Intermediate Age Related Macular Degeneration is detected through the presence of Drusen, and/or pigment changes in the retina. Both of which are detected through comprehensive eye exams. Late Age Related Macular Degeneration is detected through the presence of Drusen, in addition to vision loss. There are two types of Late AMD. The first type is what is known as Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration. In Dry AMD, light-sensitive cells become damaged, causing vision loss. The other type of Late AMD is called Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration. In Wet AMD, the abnormal growth of new blood vessels occurs. These new vessels may leak or become damaged, causing the macula to swell or become damaged. It is possible to have both Wet and Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration in the Late Stage.

 

What are the Symptoms of Age Related Macular Degeneration?

In its early stage, AMD often does not entail any symptoms of the disease. In its late stage, AMD may cause distorted or blurry vision. Not all who develop early Age Related Macular Degeneration will develop late Age Related Macular Degeneration. If Age Related Macular Degeneration affects only one eye, you may not notice changes in vision in the late stage. This is why regular eye exams are so important, especially if you have a higher risk of developing Age Related Macular Degeneration.

 

Who is at Risk for Developing Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Those who smoke increase their risk of developing AMD by 200%. This disease is also more common among Caucasians than any other race. If Age Related Macular Degeneration runs in your family, you’re at a higher risk of developing the disease. Genetics can also play a role in who is more susceptible to the disease. Nutrition and lifestyle choices may also put you at a higher risk.

 

How is Age Related Macular Degeneration Treated?

There are no treatment options for Early Age Related Macular Degeneration since vision is not compromised and symptoms are not present during this stage. In Intermediate and Late Age Related Macular Degeneration, supplements, medications, or surgery could be successful in treating this disease. Although, vision loss is irreversible. If vision loss does occur, prescription lenses or glasses could help improve the quality of vision. Low vision devices may also be beneficial to those who suffer from distorted vision. Low vision devices include hand held magnifying glasses, reading glasses with high-magnifying lenses, video magnifiers, computers with large-print and speech-output systems, large print reading materials, talking watches, clocks and calculators, and other technologies used for those with low vision, such as closed-circuit television.

 

If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

Attributions: https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts

The post appeared first on .

from https://perfect2020.com/1568-2/
via https://perfect2020.com