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

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

More and more employers are offering their employees the option of directing their health care spending with Flexible Spending Account Plans (FSA), through “Cafeteria” Benefit Plans.  And savvy plan participants are directing that spending towards eye care.

Most participants know they can use their plan dollars for eye examinations, eyeglasses and contact lenses.  But there are many more ways to apply those dollars towards eye care.

For example, plan participants can use their accounts to pay for prescription medications for eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome and glaucoma, even laser vision surgery.

These plans may also be used to extend the benefits of a patient’s vision plan.  A patient who is covered by a separate vision plan, can use flex dollars for the co-payment on a covered eye health examination.  Or, if their vision plan provides one pair of eyeglasses, the patient can use plan dollars to pay for computer glasses, driving glasses or prescription sunglasses.

Some plans have a deadline by which the employee must use the dollars in their account or forfeit them.  Contact lens patients who face such a deadline may consider purchasing an annual supply of lenses with their remaining plan dollars.

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