(Updated 7/29/19) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease of the retina wherein the light-sensing cells in the central area of vision (the macula) stop working and eventually die. The disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and it is most common in people who are age […]
Australian investigators have found that patients who consumed two or more eggs per week reduced their risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) by 62% compared to those who consumed 1 or fewer. More than 3,600 patients from the Blue Mountains Eye Study, aged 49+ years, were examined across a 15-year follow-up period. 2,034 […]
Neovascularization is the term applied to growth of errant blood vessels into the retina. This can occur whenever the retina is compromised by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, myopic degeneration, or diabetic macular edema. Neovascularization is initially identified during dilated eye examinations, the scheduling of which depends upon the patient’s initiative in acquiring and […]
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. My stocking was hung by the chimney with care, But I ripped it right down when I tripped on the chair. Then out on the lawn I heard such a clatter, I rose from the floor to […]
A report published in Review of Optometry on November 5, 2018 announced research* showing that non-anemic patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) who take oral iron supplements may be at risk of retinal/subretinal hemorrhage. Researchers have found that use of oral iron supplements was significantly associated with retinal/subretinal hemorrhage at baseline in patients with […]
A report from the National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that more than half of older patients surveyed said their primary care providers have not asked them about their vision. Considering the number of ailments that can affect the aging population, vision is unfortunately often overlooked. This is concerning, since the incidence of age-related macular […]
Transcript of a presentation to the International Low Vision Support Group June 2018 Dan Roberts, Director Select this link for audio-visual format INTRODUCTION This is our 13th annual summary of leading research and developments occuring during the past 12 months in the fields of blindness and low vision. Sources for further information will appear beneath […]
Studies in France and the Netherlands have shown that a Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers investigated the effects of such a diet on a large sample from subjects from two population-based prospective studies. The diet consists of more than median intakes of vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, […]
by Dan Roberts As we age, we face a number of challenges not enjoyed by the young. It seems like every day brings another condition that makes us wonder, “Is this the Big One that’s going to do me in?” Fortunately, most of these conditions are temporary, rearing their heads only to warn us that […]
by Dan Roberts You’ve heard it before: “Tobacco Smoking Is A Major Cause Of Age Related Macular Degeneration”. According to most research, individuals 65 years of age and over double their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) if they smoke. Why? Because tobacco smoking: Reduces levels of plasma antioxidant, a substance in the blood […]