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| 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.
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.
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.
