Your Brain May be Disguising a Blinding Eye Disease
Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urges people to protect themselves from age-related macular degeneration.
According to a recent survey, most of the People are unaware that people do not always experience symptoms before losing vision to eye disease. During February, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging people to protect themselves from vision loss from AMD by getting a baseline eye exam by age 40.
AMD happens when part of the retina called the macula is damaged. It’s the part of the eye that delivers sharp, central vision needed to see objects straight ahead. Over time, the loss of central vision can interfere with everyday activities, such as the ability to drive, read, and see faces clearly.
Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – have more tools than ever before to diagnose AMD earlier, and to treat it better. But these advances cannot help patients whose disease is undiagnosed or patients who are unaware of the seriousness of their disease.
The Academy offers these steps to help people take control of their eye health:
1. Get regular comprehensive medical eye exams.
Because AMD often has no early warning signs, getting regular comprehensive eye exams from an ophthalmologist is critical. Academy guidelines state that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 — the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. From age 40 to 54, get your eyes examined every 2 to 4 years; from 55 to 64, every 1 to 3 years. By age 65, get an exam every one to two years, even in the absence of symptoms or eye problems. If you have risk factors for eye disease, you will need to be examined more frequently.
2. Quit smoking.
Numerous studies show smoking increases the risk of developing AMD, and the speed at which it progresses. Smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration compared with a nonsmoker
3. Eat a well-balanced diet.
Many studies demonstrate that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-packed foods, such as salmon and nuts, may reduce the risk of AMD. Research also suggests that patients who ate fresh fish, an important source of omega-3s, were at lower risk of developing AMD.
4. Exercise regularly.
Exercising three times a week can reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by 70 per cent. Studies also show that physical activity may lower the odds of both the early and late stages of AMD.
5. Know your family’s eye health history.
If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 per cent greater chance of developing the condition. Before your next eye exam, speak with your family about their eye health history. You may need more frequent eye exams based on your family history.
“Most people understand the importance of annual medical examinations," said Rahul N. Khurana, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “However, we often forget that our eyes also need regular evaluation by a medical doctor. Degenerative diseases, such as AMD, can now be successfully treated, but early detection is imperative to avoid lasting consequences."
“People’s lack of understanding about AMD is a real danger to public health,” said Rahul N. Khurana, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “As the number of people with AMD is expected to explode in the coming years, it’s more important than ever that we prioritize eye health and have our eyes examined regularly.”
Here is the message from our lead consultant Professor Dr Zia Ul Mazhry,
" A common Reason for deterioration of vision in old age is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition had been incurable until recently. Many Preventive and curative treatment has become available for AMD. Please get your eyes evaluated for this common reason for legal blindness."
More needs to be done to elevate eye health as a priority. According to that same Harris Poll, while 81 per cent of respondents say they do everything they can to protect the health of their eyes, only 11 per cent say eye appointments top their list of the most important doctor appointments to keep.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
About Eye Health Education By Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan:
Welcome to the Education Portal of Acuity Eye Centre Lahore Pakistan. We are committed to serving our patients and our community, to the development and propagation of new concepts to preserve and enhance vision. Our three missions—clinical service, education, and research—are closely interrelated. Visit: https://eyeacuity.com/education/
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