Seniors can take an important step in preventing vision loss from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by scheduling regular eye exams and sharing their risk factors with their eye doctor. Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans, but thanks to recent treatment advances we have dramatically changed the course of this disease for seniors. BUT, early detection is a critical first step to preserving vision!
About Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
In the United States, approximately 11
million Americans are affected by some type of AMD. AMD has two types, a wet
type and dry type. While dry AMD leads to a gradual loss of vision, wet AMD leads
to faster, even catastrophic vision loss and is the most advanced form of the
disease. Wet AMD is responsible for 90 percent of all AMD-related blindness. As
recently as 10-12 years ago, the “wet” form of AMD was considered largely
untreatable and many patients went blind. Then came the introduction of
injectable anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs which
block formation of abnormal blood vessels under the retina that cause permanent
vision loss. The usage of anti-VEGF drugs has nearly halved the incidence
AMD-related blindness in some countries.
There are several anti-VEGF drugs available that are used to treat AMD.
Two of these, Lucentis® and Eylea®, were designed specifically for the
treatment of AMD whereas a third drug, Avastin®), was originally developed to
treat various types of cancer, but is commonly used “off-label” in patients
with AMD. The recommended frequency of these injections varies from every few
weeks to every few months, and duration of treatment varies by case.
About AMD Risk Factors
Common risk factors for AMD include
increasing age, family history, smoking, and blood vessel disease such as high
blood pressure and diabetes. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (common in cold
water fish) may lower risk. Seniors need to know that in its earliest stages,
AMD may not have any symptoms. As it progresses, slight changes in vision may
occur such as blurry or distorted vision, blank spots in vision and colors
appearing less vivid or bright.
If you or someone you know
has not had a recent eye exam, especially if you are over 50 with a family
history of AMD or have other AMD risk factors, schedule an eye exam at Center for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google+ 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.
