Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration

“I have a family history of macular degeneration.  Is there anything I can do to help keep this from happening to me?”

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans, and at present is considered an incurable eye disease.
Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail.

Our diets include many processed foods that are lacking in the nutrients required to maximize macular pigment.  In addition, exposure to blue light from digital devices can contribute to macular disease and limit visual performance.

Recently a company has come out with a supplement that seems to be helping patients maintain a healthier macula.  Studies have shown that visual performance can be improved at any age following supplementation with a formulation that contains all three of macular pigment’s constituent nutrients.  MacuHealth with LMZ3 has been shown to appreciably improve visual performance and has also been shown to outperform alternative formulations.  We have started recommending this supplement to our at risk patients to help protect their macula from lifelong retinal injury, and reduce the risk of developing macular disease. 

We are now carrying this supplement in our office.  If you feel that you would like to try this, please call the office for an appointment with one of our eye doctors.

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Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Light

Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Light

Everyone has been told to wear sunscreen to protect their skin from exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet light, but did you know that you also need to protect your eyes as well?  

Sunglasses aren't just a fashion statement; they shield your eyes from ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun, even on cloudy days.  Long term exposure can lead to eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.  

It is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, so the American Optometric Association recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer  both UV-A and UV-B protection, and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outside.  If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames (which are now available with prescription lenses) can provide additional protection from the sun's harmful rays.

It is also very important to remember to provide protection for your children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.  

There are other opportunities to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  A clear coating can be applied to prescription eyeglasses that will also safeguard your eyes from the harmful rays.  In addition, many contact lenses now are available with UV protection.

Every year there are new advances in ultraviolet protection for your eyes.  When you come to our office for your eye exam, make sure you ask one of our doctors or opticians what would work best for your individual needs.