Degenerative Eye Diseases

Living with Macular Degeneration: Tips from your Annapolis Eye Doctor

October 26, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

The leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula. Currently, about 1.75 million U.S. residents have advanced AMD with that number expected to grow to almost 3 million by 2020.

AMD can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as reading and driving. But the disease is manageable. Although there is currently no cure for AMD, there are several methods designed to slow or even stop the eye disease from progressing.

Home Remedies to Slow the Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

1. Eating Green, Leafy Vegetables: A diet rich in vitamins, like those found in green, leafy vegetables, may help slow the progression of AMD.

2. Taking Supplements: Similar to the above recommendation, taking supplements like antioxidant vitamins and zinc cab help delay vision loss. But check with your doctor before taking any supplements.

3. Eating Fish: A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish may lower your chances of getting AMD.

4. Limiting Fat Intake: An abundance of saturated fats could actually increase your risk of developing AMD.

5. Getting Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight could help lower the risk of developing wet AMD, one of the two forms of AMD.

6. Using an Amsler Grid: If you have AMD, you should check the vision in both eyes daily using an Amsler Grid. And if you notice your vision worsening, it is important to call your eye doctor as soon as possible.

7. Regular Visits with the Eye Doctor: AMD can advance so slowly that individuals initially notice little change in their vision. Other times, AMD progresses more rapidly and may even lead to vision loss in both eyes. This is why regular eye exams are so important.

Living with AMD and the resulting vision loss doesn’t have to be debilitating. There are several ways you can adjust your lifestyle to keep your quality of life as much as possible. Work with your eye doctor to find ways to best use your remaining vision.

To learn more about Age-Related Macular Degeneration, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Are Eye Diseases, like Glaucoma & Cataracts, on the Rise?

July 10, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

According to a new report by Prevent Blindness America, eye diseases are rising at an alarming rate in the United States, with many of these vision problems are severe enough to cause vision loss or even blindness.

United States Eye Disease Statistics

Instances of Diabetic Retinopathy, which involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina, have risen 89% over the past 12 years., now affecting nearly 8 million Americans over the age of 40.
Instances of Macular Degeneration, which affects the part of the eye (macula) that provides sharp, central vision, have risen 25%, now affecting more than 2 million American over the age of 50.
Instances of Cataracts, which is the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older, have risen 19%. The eye disease now affects more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40.
Instances of Open Angle Glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma, have risen 22%, now affecting more than 3 million American over the age of 40.
34 million Americans over the age of 40 have Myopia (Nearsightedness).
14 million Americans over the age of 40 have Hyperopia (Farsightedness).
2.9 million Americans suffer from Low Vision.
Currently, about 1.3 million Americans are Legally Blind.

Preventing Vision Loss

The best way to protect your eye health is by getting regular eye checkups from your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist. During your checkup, your eye doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but he/she will also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss.

To learn more about Eye Diseases or Proper Eye Health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Eye Diseases Rising at a Rapid Rate in U.S.

Natural Supplements Can Help Slow or Prevent Degenerative Eye Diseases

February 17, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Vitamins and nutrients play a key role in your vision. Research has proven that a balanced diet, including the right vitamins and nutrients, will not only optimize visual acuity in healthy eyes, but it may also help reduce the risk of eye problems, such as degenerative eye diseases.

Important Vitamins and Nutrients

Vitamin A and beta-carotene: Vitamin A is crucial for night vision, wound healing, and proper functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin B complex: B complex vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 folic acid, biotin and choline – can help reduce chronic inflammation and prevent elevated homocysteine levels in the blood. These issues have been associated with vascular problems affecting the retina. B complex vitamins may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration and assist in the treatment of uveitis.

Vitamin C: Research suggests that this antioxidant plays a role in reducing the risk of cataracts.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been linked to lowering the risk of macular degeneration.

Vitamin E: Studies have shown Vitamin E to help reduce the risk of cataracts.

Lutein and Zeaxathin: These may reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Phytochemical Antioxidants: These nutrients appear to provide protection from oxidative stress in the body, including the eyes.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids: These nutrients have been known to reduce the risk of dry eyes.

Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids appear to help the body absorb vitamin C for higher antioxidant efficiency.

If you feel you may not be getting enough of the above vitamins and nutrients, talk to your primary care physician, nutritionist, or eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist – about starting a nutritional supplements regimen to ensure that you get all the important nutrients you need for good, healthy eyesight.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Degenerative Eye Disease Prevention, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Dr. Boles and everyone else at the Anne Arundel Eye Center proudly support the efforts of The Polakoff Foundation and their role in the ongoing fight against glaucoma. Click here to purchase tickets online for the Polakoff Foundation’s Mardi Gras Celebration to help raise money to aid the fight against blindness.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Guide to Choosing Nutritional Supplements for Vision