Two articles from recent newsletters:
What is MACULAR DEGENERATION?
The macula is the part of the retina that provides central vision. It allows for the most precise visual tasks such as reading, seeing fine detail, and driving. Over time, the cells that make up the macula can break down, leading to a condition known as Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Macular degeneration exists in two forms: “Dry” or “Wet”. Fortunately, dry macular degeneration accounts for the majority of patients with the disease (about 90%). In dry ARMD, deposits called drusen leak out of retinal blood vessels and collect in the macular area. Over time, the drusen can accumulate and increase in size and number, eventually causing extreme distortions in the vision: Straight lines will appear curved and the vision becomes blurry. On the other hand, in wet ARMD, blood leaks out of the vessels behind the macula causing severe, and sometimes rapid, vision loss. Patients with wet ARMD often see a black spot in their central vision that never goes away. Even though wet ARMD only accounts for 10% of all macular degeneration patients, it makes up about 90% of all severe vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65. More Americans lose their vision from ARMD every year than from glaucoma and cataracts combined.
So who is at risk for developing this condition? Women are more likely to develop the disease then men. In addition, family history, smoking, and heart disease are all proven risk factors for developing ARMD. There is also a link between the disease and the amount of lifetime exposure to UV radiation.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed a specific combination certain vitamins (beta carotene, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C) lowered the possibility of progression in about 25% of patients who are considered “high risk” for developing vision loss. You can link to the AREDS study through our website: www.moorestowneye.com.
Aside from vitamins, there are no other treatments available at this time for patients with dry ARMD. However, new and exciting treatments have recently been discovered to treat wet ARMD patients. Macugen, a drug used in cancer patients, has been shown to actually regress the bleeding in wet ARMD patients and partially restore vision that was once lost. As research advances and we learn more about this potentially blinding condition, it is vital that patients are screened regularly with annual eye exams.
How does a baby read the eye chart?
The doctors at Moorestown Eye have joined a new national public health program, InfantSEE™. Under this program, supported by former President Jimmy Carter, Drs. Friedman will provide comprehensive eye assessments to infants in their first year of life at no cost, regardless of income.
Visual development is most dramatic between 6 and 12 months of age, and early detection can prevent and help reduce the threat of serious vision impairments. In fact, one in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems by the time they are 18 years of age.
Surveys have revealed that the large majority of mothers feel confident that their pediatricians have the time and resources to identify potential eye and vision problems. Actually, a typical well-child visit to the pediatrician lasts an average of 22.1 minutes, which is effective for detecting only obviously identifiable eye problems. Using various techniques involving lights, toys, eye sprays, and special infant assessment equipment; Drs. Friedman can detect asymmetric development of refractive errors that can lead to amblyopia, often referred to as lazy eye, or other problems such as eye misalignment. Although infants cannot respond verbally, the first year of life is an ideal time to conduct an extensive eye assessment. Typically, infants sit on their parent's lap while the doctors use lights and other hand held objects to check that the eyes are working together and that there are no significant refractive issues that will impede proper vision development.
As part of the national launch, former President Carter issued a call-to-action through a public service announcement (PSA), which will educate parents about InfantSEE™ and urge them to take advantage of the program. The PSA cites his personal experience regarding his grandchildren's eye problems. His granddaughter was diagnosed and treated as a toddler for amblyopia, a leading cause of vision loss in people younger than 45, which will affect one in 30 children. His grandson's amblyopia was not identified until grade school and may never be fully corrected. When amblyopia is caught PRIOR to school age, it is much easier to treat than later in childhood.
If you have an infant, or know someone who does, tell them about InfantSEE and call our office for an appointment. You can also check out more about InfantSEE at www.Infantsee.com.
