(PreserveMacForte.com) Eye doctors working at the Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center are continuing their efforts to educate patients about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk factors that they should be aware of, reported 24-7PressRelease on January 25.
Scott Buck, M.D. said in the press relates not only that eye doctors are ensuring that patients understand AMD risk factors, but also that they are informing patients about symptoms that may be signs of macular degeneration and letting them know how important it is to go in for regular eye exams.
Dr. Buck added in the press release that the growth in the elderly population necessitates informing patients of the need to understand the importance of things like “early detection, diagnosis and treatment” of AMD so that incidences of vision loss can be reduced.
According to Dr. Buck, there are over 2 million people older than 50 who are living with late AMD, which represents an increase of 25% since 2000.
The press release noted that AMD is the primary cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 50 and older. While the eye condition currently has no cure, timely detection and diagnosis can, with the right treatments, halt further vision impairment and may even restore a portion of lost vision.
According to the press release, Dr. Buck stressed that it is crucial for patients who are 50+ to “have a comprehensive, dilated eye exam every” 12 to 24 months so that an eye doctor can look for “any signs of AMD” sooner rather than later. People who have a family history that includes AMD should, added Dr. Buck in the press release, see their eye doctors more frequently. He said that eye doctors “can help preserve vision” courtesy of “early detection and diagnosis.”
According to the press release, Dr. Buck also suggested some preventative tips for people who’d like to do everything they can to lessen their odds of getting macular degeneration. Tips include avoiding smoking, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, consuming substantial amounts of produce and fish with omega-3 fatty acids, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood pressure under control and steering clear of foods containing trans fats.