Eye Health

According to a 2006 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, exercise may not only help you improve your physical fitness, but it could also save your eyesight. In fact, this study suggests that regular exercise (three or more times a week) can reduce a person’s risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration by as much as 70%.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease that damages the central part of the retina, known as the macula, and may eventually permanently distort a person’s central vision. AMD, which is divided into two categories: wet AMD and dry AMD, is the leading cause of severe vision loss in individuals over the age of 60.

Wet AMD: With wet AMD, a growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula leak into the retina.
Dry AMD: With dry AMD, which is the more common of the two forms of AMD, individuals experience deposits called drusen in the macula.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health followed close to 4,000 men and women between the ages of 43 and 85 for 15 years, detailing both their exercise habits and lifestyle. Then, researchers administered comprehensive eye exams every five years to track eye health.

Research Findings: Regular exercise can reduce a person’s risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration by as much as 70%. Researcher M.D. Knudston also suggests other factors, especially diet, could also affect the risk of AMD.

Comprehensive Eye Exams in Annapolis, Maryland

Led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Sam Boles, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases, like Age Related Macular Degeneration. AAEC offers comprehensive ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care.

To learn more about Age Related Macular Degeneration, please contact Dr. 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!

Source:

Exercise may protect Eyesight WebMD
Knudtson, M. British Journal of Ophthalmology, Oct. 31, 2006, online first edition. News release, BMJ Specialist Journals. WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: “Eye Health: Macular Degeneration.”

One in four children, roughly 12.1 million children worldwide, have a vision impairment. Of children ages three to five, one in 20 have a problem that could result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Most of these issues, however, can be corrected if caught early enough and treated properly.

You should have your child’s eyes examined shortly after birth, before each school year, and as any problems arise. As parents, it is important to be aware of the warning signs your child might be experiencing impaired vision. These include:

•Blurred or double vision
•Headaches or pain in the eyes
•Difficulty copying from board at school
•Holding books close to read or sitting close to the T.V.
•Squinting
•Sensitivity to light
•Burning, itching, watery or redness in eyes that is not explainable

If you suspect your child is suffering from any of the above conditions, do not hesitate to schedule an eye exam with your regular eye doctor. An eye care professional can rule out various eye diseases, recommend treatment, and prescribe corrective lenses if appropriate.

The most common types of eye problems seen in children are:

•Myopia (nearsightedness)
•Stabismus (crossed eyes)
•Amblyopia (lazy eye)

In order to increase awareness of childhood vision problems, August has been named National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. And with the school year right around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s next eye exam.

If you have any questions about what you have just read, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

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

Sources:

1) August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: Foods your whole family can eat for healthy vision DiscoverBulk.com

2) August in National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month LAReaders.com

3) Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month NewEngland.HealthCHarities.org

4)August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month KISBYTO.Blogspot.com