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Care For Your Eyes As You Age
Vision

Care For Your Eyes As You Age

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Care For Your Eyes As You Age

Care For Your Eyes As You AgeThe baby boomer generation makes up an estimated 76 million people – roughly one-fourth of the U.S. population. This means that either you or someone you love is part of this aging group. According to Eye on the Boomer, a recent survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society, almost as many baby boomers say they worry about losing their vision as those that say they worry about having heart disease or cancer. What’s more, 78 percent of those surveyed ranked vision as the most important of the five senses. Yet, more than half of the survey respondents ages 45-65 said they don’t typically have a recommended annual eye exam, and even fewer are aware of important nutrients that can play a key role in eye health.
Experts recommend that disease prevention, including lifestyle modification, attention to dietary intake and vitamin supplementation must become a greater focus of primary vision care. Studies indicate that proper nutrition promotes healthy eyes, however many American diets are found to be deficient of the critical nutrients that help protect eye health.
“If people are at risk for heart disease they typically make lifestyle modifications,” says Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, president of the Ocular Nutrition Society. “This survey found that people are as concerned about their eyes but do not know the simple steps they can incorporate into their daily lives to take care of them.”
* Vitamin supplements can be used for your eyes, too
While people take a variety of different supplements to support their health, vitamins specifically formulated to help protect the eyes are often not in the mix – and for many people, they should be. While more than half of those surveyed are taking supplements to protect their joints, bones or heart health only 18 percent say they take supplements to support their eye health.
“As we grow older, the need for certain vitamins and nutrients to support the eye increases – the survey revealed low awareness of these essential nutrients,” says Anshel of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin. He adds that there is a “need for greater education on the lifestyle modifications that baby boomers can incorporate into their daily lives, including proper nutrition, to help safeguard eye health as they age.”
To help protect eye health as they age, Anshel recommends people aged 45-65 take the following steps:
* Stop smoking, exercise regularly and wear sunglasses with UV protection
* Make an annual appointment with an eye doctor
* Eat foods rich in eye healthy nutrients, such as tuna or salmon for omega-3s and spinach, kale and broccoli containing lutein and zeaxanthin
* To help overcome shortfalls in the diet consider a vitamin supplement specifically-formulated for eye health
To learn more about the Eye on the Boomer survey as well as eye health, please visit ocularnutritionsociety.org.

Provided by: ARA
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HealthVision

Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

shutterstock_228022354More than 15 million older adults in America are affected by some form of macular degeneration, a progressive disease which can lead to severe vision loss in the most advanced form, end-stage AMD. There are two main types of AMD: Wet and Dry, and treatment options vary.
Early stage AMD – Currently, there is no treatment, but AMD should be monitored annually by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).Also, there are many service providers who can educate AMD patients and their caregivers about vision assistive devices such as reading glasses with high-powered lenses, video magnifiers, computer aids and many more. Ask your physician for a referral to a low vision occupational therapist.
Intermediate AMD – There are several treatments that may slow progression, but will not cure AMD.

  • Vitamin therapy (AREDS2 formulation for Dry AMD)
  • Anti-VEGF injections (for Wet AMD) — A few different anti-VEGF drugs are available (e.g., Lucentis) and vary in cost and how they are injected.
  • Photodynamic therapy (for Wet AMD) -This technique involves laser treatment of select areas of the retina.
  • Laser surgery (for Wet AMD) – The procedure involves aiming an intense “hot” laser at the abnormal blood vessels in your eyes to destroy them.

AMD Image Post 2End-Stage (Advanced AMD): The CentraSight treatment program uses a tiny telescope, an FDA-approved medical device, which is implanted inside the eye to improve vision and quality of life for individuals affected by End-Stage AMD. It is the only surgical treatment option for AMD.It is also a Medicare eligible, out-patient procedure. Learn more at www.CentraSight.com or by calling 877-99-SIGHT (7-4448)The telescope implant is not a cure for End-Stage AMD. It will not restore your vision to the level it was before you had AMD, and it will not completely correct your vision loss. Patients with this level of AMD have had to cease driving due to their vision; after the telescope procedure, although near and distance vision may improve, driving will not be possible because the implant does not restore normal vision.
How is AMD Prevented?
It’s impossible to completely prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration. Common risk factors for AMD are:

  • Smoking. Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD.
  • Race. AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.
  • Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk.

To reduce your risk, avoid smoking, exercise regularly, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels and eat a healthy diet with green leafy vegetables and fish.

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age-related macular degeneration
Vision

Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
age-related macular degenerationWhen evaluating the blindness epidemic in America, experts project age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will affect an estimated 20 million people in the United States by the year 2020. Yet, new national survey results reveal that 3 out of 4 Americans don’t know that AMD is in fact, the leading cause of blindness despite more than 40% of older Americans either have it or knowing someone with this disease for which there is no cure. The top survey choice selected was, incorrectly, glaucoma. Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
The survey results highlight the need to educate older adults living with or at risk for macular degeneration, as well as their potential caregivers, about how to manage and treat a progressive condition for which there is no cure. Notably, the survey found that more than 1 in 3 (35%) Americans, who know someone with macular generation, assist them frequently. But despite the high prevalence of AMD, the majority of respondents – 66% — report that they are unconfident in their ability to care for their loved one should a family member develop it.
What Do You Need To Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The signs of macular degeneration are subtle at first. Straight lines, like mailbox posts, may appear bent or crooked, or vision might be slightly blurred. It isn’t until AMD progresses that caregivers may find that their parents need more help paying bills, running errands, and recognizing friends they meet on the street. As central, “straight-ahead” vision deteriorates, an older adult sacrifices their independence and it’s very common for these patients to experience increased stress or depression as a result.[i]
 
Today, more than 15 million Americans are affected by some form of AMD and approximately 2 million Americans have the advanced (End-stage) form with associated vision loss, which is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of 60. Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, but at its most aggressive, it can completely block the macula, which is the region of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision. Although peripheral vision remains unaffected by AMD, the developing “blind spot” in central vision is not something people can see around using natural eye moments.
Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam, usually given by an ophthalmologist, can detect AMD. It’s important that caregivers ensure that their loved ones see their eye doctor at least once a year, or more frequently if AMD is progressing, to be assessed for treatment. The more common form of AMD is called dry (atrophic) AMD, which is a slower progressing form of macular degeneration compared to wet (neovascular) AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood and damage the macula. Wet AMD is only diagnosed in 10 percent of all patients.
Learning about macular degeneration and different strategies to identify symptoms, treat and manage the condition benefits both the patient and their caregiver. Those interested in learning more about AMD can visit a new online resource, AMDAffectsMe.com to find out if they or a loved one, is at risk for this debilitating condition.
[i] Bennion, AE, Shaw, RL, Gibson, JM “What do we know about the experience of age related macular degeneration?A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research” Social Sciences and Medicine 75 (2012) 976e985

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End Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration
Vision

End Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

End-Stage Age-Related Macular DegenerationEnd Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration

Supporting and caring for someone with the end-stage age-related macular degeneration is a tough job. We don’t realize how much we rely on our vision until it starts to diminish. People living with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) reportedly experience increased depression and stress. It’s important to provide both practical and emotional support as the disease progresses. Simultaneously, make sure to take care of yourself. Even the most devoted caregiver needs a break to feel refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge. The good news is that treatment for AMD can slow progression, which means you and your loved one can “see” a bright future ahead. End Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration
Linda T., from Schenectady, NY, was helping her mother, Patty G. almost daily as her vision worsened due to age-related macular degeneration. Though Patty still lived in the home where she raised her children, Linda visited to help her with shopping, getting to medical appointments and other daily life tasks, like cooking and bill paying. Embarrassed that she couldn’t recognize friends and family any more, Patty also found herself withdrawing from her life, which was hard on the entire family. It was Linda who discovered that Patty would benefit from the telescope implant for end-stage AMD. She brought Patty to her ophthalmologist to learn about it, then accompanied her to the out-patient surgery and practiced the exercises Patty’s occupational therapists prescribed to master her new vision. Today, Patty can see the faces of her family, read and watch TV, and even travel independently. She walks to her local stores and can navigate train stations. (Driving is not an expected outcome from this procedure because normal vision is not restored.) End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The telescope implant is one of the newest treatments for AMD and the only FDA approved surgical option. Like the other treatments, it is not a cure for AMD, but it is proven to restore vision and improve quality of life. Patients must be at least 65 years old and meet other health requirements. Most importantly, their cataract must be in place in the eye to be operated one. The procedure is Medicare eligible. Supporting End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration
For more information visit www.CentraSight.com or call toll-free 977-99-SIGHT
End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Vision

Age Related Macular Degeneration

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Age-Related Macular DegenerationAge Related Macular Degeneration

What Do You Need to Know About (AMD)
More than 15 million older adults in America are affected by some form of macular degeneration, a progressive disease which can lead to severe central vision loss in the most advanced form, end-stage AMD. Approximately 2 million Americans have advanced forms of AMD with associated vision loss, which is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of 60. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Although AMD does not cause complete blindness, it robs individuals of their straight-ahead vision, resulting in what is often referred to as a central vision “blind spot”. While AMD does not affect the outer circle of peripheral vision, hence a person will always be able to see things to the side, this vision is too low resolution (blurry) to make up for lost central vision.
For many people, the first sign of AMD is something they notice themselves. Straight lines like doorways or telephone poles may appear wavy or disconnected. When they look at a person, their face may be blurred while the rest of them are in focus. Lines of print may be blurred in the center or the lines may be crooked.
How is AMD Diagnosed?
As the National Eye Institute explains, the early and intermediate stages of AMD usually start without symptoms. Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect AMD. The eye exam may include:

  • Visual acuity test: This eye chart measures how well you see at distances.
  • Dilated eye exam: This provides a better view of the back of your eye.
  • Amsler grid test: This checks whether you are seeing unusual wavy lines.
  • Fluorescein angiogram: This test makes it possible to see leaking blood vessels, which occur in a severe, rapidly progressive type of AMD.
  • Optical coherence tomography: Like an ultrasound, OCT can achieve very high-resolution images of any tissues that can be penetrated by light—such as the eyes.

During the exam, your doctor is looking for drusen, which are yellow deposits beneath the retina. Most people develop some very small drusen as a normal part of aging. The presence of medium-to-large drusen may indicate that you have AMD. Another sign of AMD is the appearance of pigmentary changes under the retina.
Wet and Dry AMD:
Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is the most common form of age-related macular degeneration and it can be a very slow progression. Macular Degeneration Partnership explains that it occurs when the there is a “breakdown or thinning of the layer of pigment epithelial cells (RPE) in the macula. These RPE cells support the light sensitive photoreceptor cells that are so critical to vision.” As these cells die and drusen build up, the macula is damaged, reducing central vision.
Wet AMD, also called neovascular AMD, is only diagnosed in about 10 percent of patients, according to the National Institutes of Health. Vision loss associated with wet AMD occurs when abnormal or very fragile blood vessels grow under the macular and then leak blood and fluid. This damages the macula. Typically, patients who develop wet AMD often are diagnosed with dry AMD, first.
Treatments for Wet and Dry AMD vary and an ophthalmologist will recommend specific treatments based on severity. For more information about AMD, visit http://www.centrasight.com/about_amd
Learn about Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Caring for the AMD patient
Vision

Caring for the AMD patient

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

amd post 3Caring for the AMD patient

As we age, many of us will start noticing changes in our vision as we reach for reading glasses more frequently and need regular eye exams to update our existing prescriptions. But many older adults find their vision is further impeded by the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can blind people in their straight-ahead (central) vision. Tasks that used to be simple, like selecting the right cereal brand or recognizing the face of a neighbor, become increasingly challenging as the disease progresses.
As AMD worsens, the need for caregiving goes up. According to a recent study, people living with advanced AMD, may need assistance as much as 3.7 hours per day and 4.7 days per week. Given that 72 percent of people living with AMD are cared for by either their spouse or adult child and there is no cure, family caregivers need a good understanding of how to best assist someone with limited central vision and the different treatment options available for their loved one as the disease progresses. Education and practical strategies can also mitigate the stress that caregivers report feeling in caring for someone living with AMD.
Regardless of whether your loved one has the wet or dry form of AMD, it is very likely to progress over time. For example, as the blind-spot grows larger, patients will need more assistance in navigating rooms. It is helpful to describe the furniture location and let them know who is in the room with them as this helps with orientation and reduces patient stress.
Caregivers should also explore low vision centers in their community (e.g., Lions Clubs or Lighthouse organizations), as those organizations can provide education about and access to low vision assistive devices that can improve patients’ ability to read, watch TV or use the computer. A low vision specialist can also train patients to navigate their changing world more effectively.
Further, make sure to develop a strong relationship with your loved one’s doctor. Treatment for AMD is tailored to each patient and available treatments have improved vastly in just the past ten years. Treatments might include:

  • Vitamin therapy: Often called the AREDS2 prescription (named after a very large government study), this therapy includes a specific combination of vitamins to slow the progression of AMD.
  • Eye injections: Called anti-VEGF treatment, the injections (e.g., Avastin, Lucentis, Eyelea) can slow progression of the wet form of AMD.
  • Photodynamic therapy: A “cold” laser treatment for wet AMD (often in combination with injections).
  • Laser therapy: Also for wet AMD, a laser destroys or seals off new blood vessels to prevent leakage.
  • Telescope implant: For end-stage AMD patients, a tiny telescope (the size of a pea) is implanted in one eye to restore central vision. The other eye is left “as is” to preserve peripheral vision. Caregivers will need to support patients as they learn to use the telescope implant and their new vision. The telescope implant is not a cure for AMD, but it is proven to restore vision and improve quality of life. It is FDA approved and Medicare eligible.

Note, cataract surgery is often performed on the AMD patient. However, studies show that there is little central vision improvement for the patient whose condition is advanced.
For more information about AMD treatment with the telescope implant, visit www.CentraSight.com or call 877-99-SIGHT.

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Vision

What is CentraSight® and the Telescope Implant?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

CentrasightAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina. End-Stage AMD is the most advanced form of the disease and the leading cause of irreversible central vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of 60. This blind spot is different than the visual disturbances experienced with cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens) and is not correctable by cataract surgery or eyeglasses. Side vision, or peripheral vision, is not affected by AMD, but is too low resolution to make up for lost central vision. At this time, there is no cure for End-Stage AMD and no way to reverse its effects, but there is a novel treatment available for qualifying candidates.
What is CentraSight® and the Telescope Implant?
FDA approved, the pea-sized telescope implant is intended to improve distance and near vision in people who have lost central vision in both eyes because of End-Stage AMD. The telescope implant is surgically placed inside one eye. The implanted eye provides central vision; the other eye provides peripheral vision.
The telescope implant is not a cure for End-Stage AMD. It will not restore your vision to the level it was before you had AMD, and it will not completely correct your vision loss. Patients with this level of AMD have had to cease driving due to their vision; after the telescope procedure, although near and distance vision may improve, driving will not be possible because the implant does not restore normal vision.
Are you or a loved one a candidate?
In general, to be considered a potential candidate for the telescope implant an ophthalmologist must first confirm that you:

  • Have irreversible, End-Stage AMD resulting from either dry or wet AMD
  • Are no longer a candidate for drug treatment of your AMD
  • Have not had cataract surgery in the eye in which the telescope will be implanted
  • Meet age, vision, and cornea health requirements

After the ophthalmologist confirms that you are a potential candidate, your vision will be tested using an external telescope simulator. The results of the test and visual training/rehabilitation evaluation visits will help you and your ophthalmologist decide if you are likely to benefit from the CentraSight treatment program, which includes an out-patient surgery followed by low vision rehabilitation.
The telescope implant is not a cure that “sees” for you. For the telescope implant to work, patients need to work with low vision specialists as well as practice with the device at home.
Realistic Goals:

  • Recognizing faces of family and friends
  • Watching television
  • Reading
  • Various hobbies like painting, knitting or gardening

Unrealistic Goals:

  • Driving
  • Seeing a golf ball in flight
  • Playing tennis
  • Never having to use a magnifying glass again

Visual goals can be assessed with an external telescope simulation during pre-surgery screening visits. An ophthalmologist will describe the risks and benefits of the telescope implant, including the risks of surgery.
The CentraSight treatment is a Medicare eligible procedure. Additional information can be found at www.CentraSight.com or by calling 877-99-SIGHT (7-4448)
1 Hudson HL, et al. Ophthalmology. 2006.

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