Guest BloggerLove at First Sight – How to See More with Macular Degeneration
Do you remember a time when you caught sight of something that made your heart pound and your pulse race? Was it seeing your first love across a crowded school gymnasium or was it something as simple as a firework exploding on the Fourth of July? Something that we all love, but often take for granted is our vision. For some people with age-related macular degeneration, seeing the faces of their family and friends or being able to read a conversation heart on a piece of Valentine’s Day candy is impossible. That’s because macular degeneration is a progressive disease, which
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Kimberly JohnsonExplosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Vision rehabilitation maximizes hope and independence New studies predict boom in cases of low vision, but help is available. As the last of the baby-boom generation approaches the age of 65, the number of cases of visual impairment and blindness is projected to experience a boom of its own in the coming years. According to recent studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of Americans who are visually impaired—including those with low vision—is expected to double to more than 8 million by 2050. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Low
Continue readingRestoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration
Telescope Implant Restores Vision in Seniors with Age-Related Macular Degeneration In 2012, lifelong Branford, CT resident Rosalie Cappetta, 72, began to notice that her vision wasn’t as sharp as it used to be. Her central vision had blurred and darkened, making it difficult to cook, recognize people and drive. After seeing an ophthalmologist, she was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a rapidly progressing form of AMD caused by leaking blood vessels that damage and scar the macula. Restoring Vision for Age Related Macular Degeneration For more than two years, Rosalie received a common treatment for AMD --
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Jeff DaileyTelescope Implant for Macular Degeneration
Imagine what it's like to slowly lose your vision over time - until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. While most people accept achy joints or muscle weakness as part of the aging process, eyesight is a critical factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence. Telescope Implant for Macular DegenerationDegeneration Severe vision loss is a reality for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease of the retina that affects more than 9.1 million people in the United States. What is it like to
Continue readingAmericans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause When 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
Continue readingEnd Stage Age Related Macular Degeneration
End 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
Continue readingAge Related Macular Degeneration
Age 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
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