Good News About Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Posted on

Mar 16, 2018

Share This
Visual impairment or legal blindness affects approximately 3% of the U.S. population over the age of 40, or a total of 4.2 million people. The most common cause of vision loss in this age-group is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), accounting for approximately 54% of cases. With increasing age, the prevalence of vision loss climbs to over 6% among Caucasians over the age of 85. AMD has two forms: Dry (non-exudative) or Wet (exudative). Even though the wet form only represents 10-15% of cases of AMD, it accounts for the majority of cases of significant vision loss. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow (neovascularization) into the retina and are prone to leak and bleed, causing scarring and permanent loss of central vision.
This all sounds like bad news for seniors, but in fact, there is a lot to be thankful for in the treatment of wet AMD.
Not your parents disease. If you ever had a parent or relative being treated for wet AMD in the past, unfortunately the disease often robbed patients of their central vision despite laser and other treatments. Thankfully, the treatment of wet AMD has improved substantially in the last 15 years and there are 3 injectable drugs currently used with good success. If a patient experiences new blurry or distorted vision from wet AMD, the current treatments can stabilize vision in 95% of patients and improve vision in 30-40% of patients.

Area of active research. Despite the improvement in treatment for wet AMD, there is no cure for the disease, and the current injection treatments often need to be continued for life. As a result, treatments that last longer and require fewer injections are being studied. In addition, eye drops, pills and other less invasive treatments are being investigated. A cure for this disease lies in the promise of stem cell or gene therapy. If either one of these treatments prove effective, then far fewer people will have to suffer from age-related vision impairment.
It is recommended that people over the age of 65 (even without any risk factors or symptoms) have an annual eye exam. If you have AMD, your eye doctor may send you to a retinal specialist who can evaluate and develop a treatment plan that is right for you as well as determine whether you qualify to participate in any new clinical research trials.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Patrick Coady of New England Retina Associates. He may be reached at 800-228-0843.

Other Articles You May Like

Cataracts: The Uninvited Party Crashers in Your Eyes

Ah, life a dazzling carnival of colors, faces, and all the good stuff. But what if I told you a sneaky villain lurks in the shadows, plotting to turn your world into a blurry, hazy mess? Enter cataracts, the masked bandit of clear vision, here to play havoc with your daily dose of awesomeness! Let's delve into how cataracts can cast a shadow over your life and why addressing them is paramount for regaining clarity and reclaiming your vibrant world.Imagine watching your grandkids but with a gradual increase in fuzziness. That's the slow progression of cataracts as they compromise the clarity of your vision. Everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces become increasingly challenging. The world loses its sharpness, and life's intricate details fade into a subtle haze. Cataracts don't just cloud your vision; they can also cast a shadow over your social interactions. Facial expressions, gestures, and the nuances of communication become obscured, leading to strained relationships and potential isolation. The vibrant spectrum of social scenes turns monochromatic as you navigate through a distant and disconnected world.Routine activities that once felt effortless can become stumbling blocks in the presence of cataracts. The compromised vision raises safety concerns, limiting your independence. From navigating familiar spaces to engaging in daily tasks, the fear of potential accidents looms large, reshaping how you move through the world. The frustration of being unable to see clearly can take an emotional toll. Everyday activities that were once effortless become sources of stress and anxiety. The fear of the unknown regarding your eyesight can create a cloud of worry, impacting your mental well-being and overall enjoyment.From the grandeur of a sunset to the subtleties of a loved one's expression, cataracts can lead to missing out on life's precious moments. The diminished quality of vision becomes a barrier to fully experiencing the richness of life, affecting your ability to savor and appreciate the world around you.Life is a grand production filled with scenes of joy, beauty, and precious moments. Unfortunately, cataracts can turn these scenes into missed opportunities. Understanding the multifaceted impact of cataracts is crucial. It's not just a matter of compromised vision; it's about how these cloudy intruders can drastically alter how you perceive and engage with the world. Seeking timely intervention, such as cataract surgery, not only removes these visual obstacles but also restores the vibrancy and richness of the scenes of your life. When it comes to addressing cataracts, Snead Eye Group is more than an eye care provider; we are here to guide you on your journey to improved vision. From diagnostics to surgery and beyond, our commitment to excellence ensures that clarity awaits at the end of the tunnel. With our expertise, using the latest technology, and personalized care, Snead Eye Group illuminates the path to a future where clarity, vibrancy, and visual brilliance take center stage. Dont hesitate to call us today. Lets get through this and take your freedom back from Cataracts!

See the World in High Definition: Your Eyes Deserve the Snead Advantage!

Are you tired of squinting at the world through the blurry haze of cataracts? Do you find yourself missing the details, like the sparkle in your grandchild's eye or the vibrant sunset colors? It might be time to consider the transformative journey of cataract surgery. Here's why opting for cataract surgery at Snead Eye Group is not just a choice; it's a decision rooted in expertise and safety.Let's address the elephant in the roomyour eyes. We get it; the thought of someone tinkering with the windows to your soul can be a bit nerve-wracking. But fear not! Snead Eye Group has got your back, or should we say, your eyes covered.At the core of Snead Eye Group's commitment to safety lies a dedication to utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology. Our surgeons at Snead Eye Group employ the most advanced modern technology, ensuring that the removal of cataracts is a precise and streamlined process. Every step, from preoperative diagnostics to surgery, is meticulously designed to maximize safety and minimize risks.State-of-the-Art Facilities for Patient ComfortSafety isn't just about surgical precision; it's also about creating an environment where patients feel secure and comfortable. Snead Eye Group's state-of-the-art facilities are designed with patient well-being in mind. Every aspect of the patient journey, from the waiting room to the operation, is considered, fostering an atmosphere of trust and reassurance.Experienced OphthalmologistsAt the heart of Snead Eye Group's commitment to excellence is our team of seasoned ophthalmologists. Our specialists bring a wealth of experience to the operating table, having successfully performed countless cataract surgeries. Their expertise is not only a testament to their skill but also to their unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of each patient.Personalized Care Tailored to Your Unique NeedsWe recognize that every patient is unique, so Snead Eye Group takes a personalized approach to cataract surgery. Pre-operative assessments are conducted with meticulous detail, allowing the surgical plan to be tailored to the specific characteristics of each individual eye. This personalized care contributes to the procedure's safety and enhances the likelihood of optimal visual outcomes.Comprehensive Postoperative SupportThe journey doesn't end when the surgery is complete. Snead Eye Group provides comprehensive postoperative support to ensure a smooth recovery process. This includes detailed instructions, follow-up appointments, and a commitment to addressing concerns or questions arising after the surgery. This continuity of care reinforces the commitment to the long-term well-being of each patient.Once the surgery is complete, prepare for the Technicolor dream of a lifetime. You'll see the world in all its glorysharp, vibrant, and clear. The only fog you'll encounter is the morning mist on a serene mountainside. No more squinting at menus, pretending to read road signs, and missing out on the little things that make life beautiful. With Snead Eye Group, you'll see life through a clear lens and wonder how you ever lived without it.Choosing cataract surgery at Snead Eye Group isn't just a medical decision; it's a choice to embrace a clearer, more vibrant future. The confluence of advanced technology, experienced professionals, personalized care, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive postoperative support sets Snead Eye Group apart as a leader in the field. Your eyes deserve nothing less than the best, and at Snead Eye Group, safety and excellence converge to illuminate a path to clearer vision and a brighter tomorrow.

Lights, Camera, Clarity with Cataract Surgery!

Picture this: You're at a family reunion, struggling to recognize your relatives because everyone seems to have become blurry, unidentifiable blobs. Welcome to the world of cataracts where foggy lenses obscure life's most precious moments.Cataracts, those sneaky little villains, are like the uninvited guests at life's grand party. They're the cloudiness that creeps into your eye's natural lens, causing everything to lose sparkle. But do not worry, because there's cataract surgery! Cataracts can limit your ability to perform daily tasks independently. After surgery, you regain the freedom to live life on your terms. The primary goal of cataract surgery is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one. With cataract surgery, you can experience a significant improvement in your vision. Colors become more vivid, and contrast is restored. Reading a book or enjoying the scenery becomes second nature once again.Cataract surgery isn't just about seeing clearly; it's about living fully. It allows you to engage in the activities you love, travel, and experience the world in all its beauty. Snead Eye Group is not just an eye center in Southwest Florida. We are a team of dedicated professionals passionate about your eye health. We have board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists with decades of combined experience, ensuring you get the best possible care.No two patients are alike; we recognize that your vision needs are unique. At Snead Eye Group, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate your eyes, discuss your visual goals, and tailor a care plan specifically for you. We believe that staying ahead of medical advancements will provide more comfort.Snead Eye Group is committed to using only the latest advancements in cataract surgery to ensure precision, safety, and excellent patient outcomes. Whether you have specific visual goals or underlying health concerns, our team will work closely with you to create a tailored care plan that best suits your situation.Cataracts can significantly impact your quality of life by hindering daily activities such as reading, driving, and enjoying hobbies. By choosing Snead Eye Group for your cataract surgery, you're investing in regaining your independence and the confidence to pursue the activities you love.With our exceptional team, advanced technology, and commitment to personalized care, you can trust Snead Eye Group to be your partner in regaining your life's clarity and vibrancy. Schedule an appointment today and embark on a journey toward a clearer, more vibrant tomorrow.