Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ADM) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50. It is a disease that affects both eyes with the average age of visual loss in the first eye being 65 years. Involvement of the second eye has an increase in incidence potential each year. The degeneration impairs the macula, which is the part of the retina used for central vision, thus, making driving, reading and close work difficult or impossible. Peripheral vision is spared.Partial vision aids which include hand magnifiers and high magnification spectacles are the only treatment/therapy available – we have these for you to examine. There is no “cure” for macular degeneration and it can get worse. Early detection from macular degeneration is the most important factor in determining if your eyes can be treated. This can be accomplished by covering one eye at a time and observing if straight lines, letters and numbers appear bent, multiple, blank spots or jumbled. You should check your vision in this way frequently for these specific changes that may mean you have macular degeneration. If you see any problems with your vision similar to these, make an appointment with Dr. Baron immediately.

Recent studies have suggested the possibility of Vitamin E and Zinc in helping this disease. A mega-multivitamin, 50 mg. Zinc, and 800 I.U. of Dry Vitamin E is the recommended dosage. In addition, aerobic exercise which will increase blood flow, thus increasing oxygen supply to the macula is advised. Aerobic exercise includes brisk walking, running, swimming, aerobics and biking. There is no known cause of this blinding disease but annual eye exams, Vitamin E, Zinc, aerobic exercise, good sunglasses, and a diet as if you were a cardiovascular diseased patient may help in prevention and early detection. The sooner macular degeneration is diagnosed the sooner you can be helped with low vision aids and/or laser therapy.

There is growing evidence that ultra-violet radiation may break down the retina earlier in life.
While we live longer, this could leave your last years very sad. Do not wait until this dispute is
settled to protect your eyes….use the best sunglasses!!!