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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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 readingTreatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
More 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
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Kimberly JohnsonAmericans 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
Continue readingCaring for the AMD patient
Caring 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
Continue readingWhat is CentraSight® and the Telescope Implant?
Age-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
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