Macular Degeneration

An estimated 10 million Americans show evidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye condition that can destroy “straight-ahead” vision.

February is AMD Awareness Month and I encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations.  To help people better understand this disease, we’ve prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions about AMD.

Q: What is AMD?

A: AMD stands for Age-related Macular Degeneration, a disease that breaks down the macula - the light-sensitive portion of the retina that allows you to see fine detail. It blurs the straight-ahead vision required for activities such as reading or driving

Q: What causes AMD?

A: The causes of AMD are still unknown. One form of AMD (Dry) may be caused by aging and thinning of the macular tissues, pigment deposits in the macula, or a combination of the two. The other form of AMD (Wet), results when new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes retinal cells to die and creates blind spots in central vision.

Q: Who is at risk for AMD?

A: Risk factors for AMD include:  Smoking, High Blood Pressure, Obesity, and Family History of AMD. Also, Caucasians and females are more prone to AMD.

Q: What are the symptoms of AMD?

A: Early symptoms of AMD included blurred vision or dark spots in the center of vision. The symptoms can appear painlessly and gradually, making early detection and treatment essential.

Q: How can AMD be detected?

A: Early-stage AMD can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test and dilated eye exam. If AMD is detected, further tests may be required.

Q: Can AMD be cured?

A: There is no cure or AMD at this time. There are, however, certain treatments that can slow or minimize vision loss, and, in some cases, even improve vision.

Q: How is AMD treated?

A: There are several treatment options that your eye doctor may consider, including:

* Vitamins. Research suggests that certain vitamin supplements taken in combination may reduce vision loss in some stages of AMD

* Laser Surgery (Wet AMD)

* Injections (Wet AMD)

“While there is no cure for AMD, early detection and treatment can slow or minimize vision loss, and, in some cases even improve vision.” Dr. (Your Last Name) said. “There are also devices that can help people suffering from AMD-related vision loss achieve improvement in their functional vision for performing daily routines.”

---James B. Mayer, OD, FCOVD
     Agape Optometry Center
     Thousand Oaks, CA   91360

Cold, Winter Air Can Cause Dry Eye Syndrome 

Millions of Americans experience discomfort associated with dry eye syndrome.  Dry eye is a condition where the tears produced by the eyes lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision.  Tears not only wash away dust from the eyes, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help defend against eye infections by removing bacteria.

Dry eye syndrome can result when one or more of the eye's layers fail to produce the right quantity or balance of tears.  This condition has a multitude of causes but generally can stem from the following factors:

• Age: As Americans age, eyes naturally become drier. Consequently, the majority of people older than 65 experience some symptoms of dry eye.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye with hormonal changes during pregnancy, while using oral contraceptives and following menopause.
• Medications: Decongestants, antihistamines and antidepressants are among numerous medications that can reduce tear production.
• Medical Conditions: Health issues associated with arthritis, diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome and thyroid problems can produce dry eye symptoms. 
• Environment: Dry climates and exposure to wind and smoke may trigger dry eye. It's also important to blink regularly, especially if you work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Eyewear/Surgery: In some cases, long-term wearing of contact lenses may cause dry eye (or make eyes less comfortable if they are dry), and previous eye surgery, such as LASIK, may lead to a temporary decrease in tear production.
• Cosmetics: When the lid margin is coated with heavy makeup, it can block the openings of the oily glands, which help lubricate the eye.

Treatment for dry eye syndrome varies depending on the severity.  Some people can use artificial tears or similar eye drops or ointments that simulate the action of tears, but most will require therapeutic agents prescribed by their optometrist. There are also oral capsules that can help the eyes maintain tear production and guard against future tear loss. 

Additionally, you can help alleviate symptoms of dry eye by following a more holistic approach, such as:

• Eating fish or taking a nutritional supplement that contains polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Increasing humidity in your home and/or office.
• Blinking more frequently, especially when reading or staring at a computer screen, as well as lowering the screen to at or below eye level.
• Wearing sunglasses with wraparound frames to reduce exposure to wind and sun.
• Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome.  Salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel and other cold-water fish are rich in essential fatty acids and can help reduce inflammation, enhance tear production and support the eye's oily outer layer as well as provide health benefits for your cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems.

--James B. Mayer, O.D., F.C.O.V.D.
     Agape Learning & Optometry Center
     Thousand Oaks, CA   91360

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

It can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. "IT" is Glaucoma, the Silent Thief of Sight.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations.  A regular eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage Glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all.”

While the early stage symptoms may not be noticeable, persons with more advanced Glaucoma may notice blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects.

Glaucoma affects an estimated 4 million Americans said.  Some people are more at risk than others. Those at higher risk include:

•People over the age of 60

•African-Americans over age 40

•People with diabetes

•Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury

•Anyone with a family history of glaucoma

While there is no cure for Glaucoma, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss.  First and foremost in the process is a comprehensive eye health exam by your family eye doctor.

---James B. Mayer, OD, FCOVD
     Agape Learning & Optometry Center
     Thousand Oaks, CA   91360