Macular Degeneration Risk & Inflammation Test

Your risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) may be marked by a blood test for inflammation. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston reporting in JAMA Ophthalmology found that the risk of macular degeneration (AMD) is correlated with the findings of the CRP (c-reactive proteins) test, an inflammation marker commonly used for heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. 

The pooled findings across the groups showed that there was a significantly increased risk of AMD for those patients with high versus low CRP levels and those with high CRP levels also had a significantly increased risk of neovascular or Wet AMD. The researchers concluded that elevated levels of CRP predict greater future risk of AMD. 

It is believed that this information might shed light on underlying mechanisms and could be of clinical help in the identification of persons at high risk of AMD who may benefit from increased adherence to lifestyle recommendations, eye examination schedules and therapeutic protocols.

If you or someone you know has questions about their risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and inflammatory markers such as the CRP test, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

Fall River Senior Eyes Have Better Vision

“Aging eyes have better vision-seniors should be pleased,” stated Fall River Ophthalmologist Gregory Hofeldt, M.D. of Center for Sight. According to a study published in Ophthalmology-the official publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology the prevalence of activity-limiting visual impairment is decreasing and has been decreasing-and this is really great news for seniors. “While the study wasn’t terribly specific, I believe that better cataract surgery and lens implants, better diabetes treatment and control and a sharp decrease in smoking all play a role in why seniors now have better overall chances of preserving their eye health and vision,” Dr. Hofeldt stated.

Modern cataract surgery-with advanced technology lens implants has become routine and complications are pretty rare. Years ago, people waited until a cataract was so bad that even a poor surgical result was better than living with a cataract. Today, when the presence of a cataract impairs either the quality of vision or the quality of life, the techniques and procedures allow for safe and effective cataract surgery to be performed.

• Today, only 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes as compared to 1 in 3 in the 1980s.
• Smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration, which is one of the most common vision impairing eye diseases in seniors. 
• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and age and obesity are leading risk factors for diabetes.
• Even though diabetes rates in the U.S. continue to climb, better therapies are now available to prevent and treat diabetes-related eye health vision problems.

To some extent, seniors have helped preserve eye health and vision by taking the step of having regular eye exams which are quite important for everyone as they age, especially people with diabetes and other health conditions that can lead to vision loss.

If you wish to learn more about aging eye problems and senior vision problems please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients wishing to learn more about aging eye problems and senior vision problems in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton and Tiverton.

Fall River Seniors & Macular Degeneration Awareness

Robert Kelly, M.D.
Fall River Retina Specialist

Fall River seniors are alerted to increase their awareness of the risks and symptomsof Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) as February is National Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month.

Types of Age Related MacularDegeneration (AMD)

There are two types of AMD, a “Dry” form and a “Wet” form. It is estimated that 85-90% of people with AMD have the Dry form, which results in a gradual vision loss whereby the central vision begins to blur or dim-but leaves the peripheral vision intact. Fortunately, only 10 percent of people with AMD have the Wet form which progresses much quicker and can cause catastrophic vision loss as a result of fluid leakage, bleeding and scarring in the retina.

Symptoms of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Drymacular degeneration causes patients to complain of a slow, progressive dimming of central vision that may also cause colors to fade. Wet macular degeneration causes patients to first notice a distortion or bending of their central field vision, which may quickly and suddenly progress to a central blind spot. Both dry and wet AMD leave the peripheral or side vision intact.

Reducing Risk of Vision Loss from AgeRelated Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Once you are over 50, it becomes increasingly important to have a thorough, dilated eye exam every one to two years-and even more often if you have any family history of AMD or at the recommendation of your eye doctor. The key to preventing vision loss from AMD is early detection, quick diagnosis, then immediate treatment with vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGF) injections such as Lucentis® or Eylea®.

Patients can often reduce their risk of developing AMD by not smoking as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with Trans fats, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising, and controlling blood pressure and weight. Further a special nutritional supplement called “AREDS Formulation” may helpful for some patients - but only with the express recommendation of their doctor.

If you or someone you know has questions about Age RelatedMacular Degeneration (AMD) please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.