NEW YORK, Sept. 17 Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects more than 10 million older Americans, continues to be the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. The global cost of the disease according to a recent report is estimated at $343 billion, underscoring the need for swift actions to raise awareness of prevention and treatment options.
During this year's AMD Week, which runs from September 18-26,some of the leading eye-care organizations from 25 countries, has issued a call to action to doctors, patients and caregivers through the public awareness campaign "Don't Surrender to AMD."
This is a promising time for patients as preventative measures and effective, timely treatments have the ability to alter the disease tremendously,but macular disease is only as preventable and manageable as people are knowledgeable. Knowing the facts can significantly improve a person's chances of maintaining healthy vision and a better quality of life."
The National Institutes of Health projects the number of AMD diagnoses to double to 20 million by 2020. Losing vision has devastating consequences to an individual's daily life and those affected by the disease often suffer from severe depression and loss of independence.
However, those at-risk and AMD patients can take steps to reduce needless sight loss. AMD can be prevented or slowed down if a person takes action to keep his or her vision healthy. Along with regular eye exams, the first step is a healthy lifestyle (Don't smoke, take exercise, eat healthily and use sunglasses in bright sunlight). Specially formulated vitamins for those affected by the disease may help, and effective clinically-approved treatments are available for the most severe form of AMD.
In addition, low vision rehabilitation and support services can significantly help patients live with the disease and make the most of their remaining vision.
AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage,we have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year.
Through its "Don't Surrender to AMD" campaign,has increased public education efforts - which will span across print, radio, and digital media, including an interactive e-card - to inform the public of preventative measures and treatment options that are available in the fight against AMD.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Don't Surrender To Macular Degeneration
By ARA
Aging gracefully can require you to accept certain changes in your body, from gray or thinning hair to skin that's less firm than it was in your youth. But loss of vision shouldn't be on your short list of changes that are an inevitable part of growing older.
If you're older than 50, you should know about your eye health and what you can do to prevent or slow vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and that number is projected to double by 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health.
"AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage," says Dr. Alan Cruess, Chairman of AMD Alliance International's Scientific Advisory Panel. "We have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year."
AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina (think of it as your eye's internal projection screen) responsible for clear central vision. There are two types of AMD - "dry" and "wet." The dry form affects 85 to 90 percent of people with AMD and causes varying degrees of vision loss, characterized by a collection of deposits in the macula called drusen. Far less common, but much more serious, wet AMD causes severe vision loss, as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the eye.
If you take certain measures to keep your eyes healthy, you can prevent AMD or slow its progress. AMD Alliance International suggests taking the following three steps to help prevent and manage AMD.
1. Get regular eye exams
Everyone older than 50 should get regular eye exams. Most people believe they receive eye exams as often as they should. However, according to a recent AMD Alliance International study, only 63 percent of those at risk and 56 percent of those at high risk for AMD have their eyes checked annually. Routine exams can help identify AMD and other eye problems in their early stages, when many diseases are more easily treatable.
2. Understand the risk factors for AMD
By knowing the risk factors, you can take steps to reduce the chance of getting AMD. Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD - if you are 50 or older, you're at risk of developing the disease. Having a family member with AMD can also increase your risk.
While you cannot control your age or genes, there are other risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, obesity, and having high blood pressure, that are controllable.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk for AMD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who smoke are between two and five and a half times more likely to develop AMD than people who do not smoke.
Studies also suggest that AMD is linked to diets high in saturated fat. Reducing saturated fat consumption and eating more fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables - all foods that are rich in vitamins C and E, selenium and carotenoids - may delay the onset or reduce the severity of AMD. Fish rich in omega-3 fats, like salmon, tuna or mackerel, may also slow the progress of AMD when eaten two to three times a week, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
3. Ask questions and know your treatment options
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your ability to ask the right questions and receive accurate information is crucial. Review "Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional" at www.amdalliance.org to help guide the conversation at your next eye exam. Be sure you know your exact diagnosis and all available treatment options.
Specially formulated vitamins can reduce the risk of advanced AMD for some patients. Effective, clinically approved treatments are also available for the most severe form of AMD, which may reverse some vision loss. Make sure you ask your doctor about your options and understand what treatment you are receiving.
People living with macular disease should be able to fully participate in choosing their treatment and healthcare options. Know your rights and download the Patient Charter.
Also, if you're diagnosed with AMD, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help you use your remaining sight to its full potential through special techniques and low vision aids.
Age-related macular degeneration and the loss of vision can be prevented and slowed down. By learning about the disease and making healthy lifestyle choices, many Americans will be able to enjoy healthy vision well into their golden years.
Aging gracefully can require you to accept certain changes in your body, from gray or thinning hair to skin that's less firm than it was in your youth. But loss of vision shouldn't be on your short list of changes that are an inevitable part of growing older.
If you're older than 50, you should know about your eye health and what you can do to prevent or slow vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and that number is projected to double by 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health.
"AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage," says Dr. Alan Cruess, Chairman of AMD Alliance International's Scientific Advisory Panel. "We have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year."
AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina (think of it as your eye's internal projection screen) responsible for clear central vision. There are two types of AMD - "dry" and "wet." The dry form affects 85 to 90 percent of people with AMD and causes varying degrees of vision loss, characterized by a collection of deposits in the macula called drusen. Far less common, but much more serious, wet AMD causes severe vision loss, as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the eye.
If you take certain measures to keep your eyes healthy, you can prevent AMD or slow its progress. AMD Alliance International suggests taking the following three steps to help prevent and manage AMD.
1. Get regular eye exams
Everyone older than 50 should get regular eye exams. Most people believe they receive eye exams as often as they should. However, according to a recent AMD Alliance International study, only 63 percent of those at risk and 56 percent of those at high risk for AMD have their eyes checked annually. Routine exams can help identify AMD and other eye problems in their early stages, when many diseases are more easily treatable.
2. Understand the risk factors for AMD
By knowing the risk factors, you can take steps to reduce the chance of getting AMD. Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD - if you are 50 or older, you're at risk of developing the disease. Having a family member with AMD can also increase your risk.
While you cannot control your age or genes, there are other risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, obesity, and having high blood pressure, that are controllable.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk for AMD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who smoke are between two and five and a half times more likely to develop AMD than people who do not smoke.
Studies also suggest that AMD is linked to diets high in saturated fat. Reducing saturated fat consumption and eating more fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables - all foods that are rich in vitamins C and E, selenium and carotenoids - may delay the onset or reduce the severity of AMD. Fish rich in omega-3 fats, like salmon, tuna or mackerel, may also slow the progress of AMD when eaten two to three times a week, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
3. Ask questions and know your treatment options
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your ability to ask the right questions and receive accurate information is crucial. Review "Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional" at www.amdalliance.org to help guide the conversation at your next eye exam. Be sure you know your exact diagnosis and all available treatment options.
Specially formulated vitamins can reduce the risk of advanced AMD for some patients. Effective, clinically approved treatments are also available for the most severe form of AMD, which may reverse some vision loss. Make sure you ask your doctor about your options and understand what treatment you are receiving.
People living with macular disease should be able to fully participate in choosing their treatment and healthcare options. Know your rights and download the Patient Charter.
Also, if you're diagnosed with AMD, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help you use your remaining sight to its full potential through special techniques and low vision aids.
Age-related macular degeneration and the loss of vision can be prevented and slowed down. By learning about the disease and making healthy lifestyle choices, many Americans will be able to enjoy healthy vision well into their golden years.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Summer Eye-Care Tips: How to Protect Your Peepers !
by Lisa Martin on September 3, 2010
With September upon us, it may be hard to remember that we still need to use sun protection. With temperatures still summer-like, you still need to protect yourself, your skin, and even your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.
Often times, eye protection tends gets overlooked while you are lathering on the sunscreen and making sure you are wearing light cool bamboo clothes. Here are a few tips to protect one of the most important organs of your body:
1. Wear your shades! I know you have heard it before, but ultraviolet rays (UV) are really bad for your eyes. These rays can burn your corneas (the surface of your eyes). UV rays can also lead to the development of cataracts (which cause hazy vision) and age related macular degeneration (which is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans). Preventing such long-term damage is easy – buy sunglasses with labels that clearly state that they protect you from 99% – 100% of UVA and UVB light. You may even consider using wraparound sunglasses to stop the UV rays from entering from the sides of the frame! A dark lens does not necessarily offer UV protection; it must also say it does on the label. My doctor has a rack of sunglasses that do just that. I know when buying from them that I am receiving the best sunglasses for my eyes. If you already wear glasses, you can also purchase prescription sunglasses that do the same thing!
2. Wear a hat! A wide-brimmed hat or cap can further protect you from the sun’s harmful rays especially those that hit the eyes from above your sunglasses. Or course, we would recommend one made from bamboo!
3. Stick with your plan! Even if your daily summer routine varies, it is very important to stick with your regular eye care treatment regimen. Your eye doctor will be able to track any changes that are occurring with your eyes (sometimes before you even notice).
4. Wear your swim goggles! If you swim for sport or even for recreation, make sure that you wear goggles to protect your eyes from waterborne bacteria and swimming pool chemicals.
5. Get adequate rest! Summertime never seems long enough. However, instead of packing a million activities into your summer vacation, try getting a little extra sleep. Rest can refresh your eyes and help them work more efficiently.
6. Don’t smoke! Smoking is a known risk factor for macular degeneration. It has also been linked to the development of cataracts and dry eye syndrome. Just add this to the many reasons why you should quit!
7. Lastly, don’t forget the kids! Kids of all ages – from babies to teens – need to wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat or visor. As with adults, make sure your child’s sunglasses block out 99% – 100% of UV rays.
With September upon us, it may be hard to remember that we still need to use sun protection. With temperatures still summer-like, you still need to protect yourself, your skin, and even your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.
Often times, eye protection tends gets overlooked while you are lathering on the sunscreen and making sure you are wearing light cool bamboo clothes. Here are a few tips to protect one of the most important organs of your body:
1. Wear your shades! I know you have heard it before, but ultraviolet rays (UV) are really bad for your eyes. These rays can burn your corneas (the surface of your eyes). UV rays can also lead to the development of cataracts (which cause hazy vision) and age related macular degeneration (which is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans). Preventing such long-term damage is easy – buy sunglasses with labels that clearly state that they protect you from 99% – 100% of UVA and UVB light. You may even consider using wraparound sunglasses to stop the UV rays from entering from the sides of the frame! A dark lens does not necessarily offer UV protection; it must also say it does on the label. My doctor has a rack of sunglasses that do just that. I know when buying from them that I am receiving the best sunglasses for my eyes. If you already wear glasses, you can also purchase prescription sunglasses that do the same thing!
2. Wear a hat! A wide-brimmed hat or cap can further protect you from the sun’s harmful rays especially those that hit the eyes from above your sunglasses. Or course, we would recommend one made from bamboo!
3. Stick with your plan! Even if your daily summer routine varies, it is very important to stick with your regular eye care treatment regimen. Your eye doctor will be able to track any changes that are occurring with your eyes (sometimes before you even notice).
4. Wear your swim goggles! If you swim for sport or even for recreation, make sure that you wear goggles to protect your eyes from waterborne bacteria and swimming pool chemicals.
5. Get adequate rest! Summertime never seems long enough. However, instead of packing a million activities into your summer vacation, try getting a little extra sleep. Rest can refresh your eyes and help them work more efficiently.
6. Don’t smoke! Smoking is a known risk factor for macular degeneration. It has also been linked to the development of cataracts and dry eye syndrome. Just add this to the many reasons why you should quit!
7. Lastly, don’t forget the kids! Kids of all ages – from babies to teens – need to wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat or visor. As with adults, make sure your child’s sunglasses block out 99% – 100% of UV rays.
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