(PreserveMacForte.com) As it turns out, some of the best research into combating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is taking place in sunny Hawaii, reported Hawaii News Now recently.
Adult AMD, an eye ailment that adversely impacts central vision, is the primary cause of vision loss in people older than 65, according to the article. However, research and trials conducted in Hawaii are leading to significant developments to aid people living with the eye impairment condition.
The article noted that Tim Freeman, a Kailua resident, enjoys making use of his 2007 Shelby GT 500 Mustang muscle car. However, 36 months ago, Freeman was on the verge of never again being able to operate a motor vehicle. The article explained that Freeman started to notice fuzziness and darkness in one of his eyes. And he was subsequently declared legally blind when his vision deteriorated to 20/400.
63-year-old Freeman, who was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, said in the article that it was “very, very scary” to suffer vision impairment.
Meanwhile, Dr. James Lai, an eye surgeon working at Retina Consultants of Hawaii, said in the article that there are two forms of AMD, namely dry AMD and wet AMD. The former is the most common while the latter, which occurs when abnormal vessels form in the eye and leak blood and fluid, is the more dangerous. Treatments such as needle injections to the eye and various drugs can help people with AMD to regain some of their lost sight.
Dr. Lai warned people not to delay if they suspect that they might have AMD because too long a delay could lead to irreversible vision loss. That’s where Freeman was lucky. He sought treatment sooner rather than later and, as a result, has seen his vision climb to 20/30. This means he’s able to drive his car, read books and enjoy golfing, according to the article.
According to various reports, people with AMD can face difficulty doing things such as reading, writing, watching TV and even recognizing faces of people they know. While there is no cure for AMD, people can help to ward off the ailment by seeing their eye care specialist annually for tests.