Treatment in Florida by Low Vision Specialists

• Author: admin
• Filed under: Eyes Vision
• Date: Jun 30,2008

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is common among people who have reached the age of fifty and beyond, and is a weakening of the macula, part of the eye’s retina. As it progresses, those who suffer from it start to lose their central vision; peripheral vision may remain, but objects directly in front become blurry and out-of-focus. Your Florida low vision eye doctor cannot cure this condition once it has begun, but low vision treatments are available that can stop it from progressing further.

In Florida, many retirees come to live out their golden years; the age of the average Floridian is older than almost anywhere else in the U.S. Florida offers a lovely climate and many amenities, but unfortunately, macular degeneration can keep seniors from enjoying their Florida retirement to its fullest. There’s no cure for low vision due to macular degeneration, but low vision specialists in Florida can offer treatments.

Can It Be Prevented?

Low vision Specialists in Florida and elsewhere are likely to tell you that macular degeneration prevention is not possible. However, there are risk factors that when minimized can substantially lower the chances of developing macular degeneration. Besides regular eye examinations, the best things to do are to avoid tobacco and to include fresh fruit and nuts in your diet.

What Type of Treatments Are There?

There are actually two different types of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. One is called “wet,” while the other is known as “dry.” The latter variety is far more common. This happens gradually over time, and is the result of the slow deterioration of the macula. The “wet” form is relatively rare, occurring in about 10% of cases. However, it is more serious; caused by an abnormal build-up of blodd-vessels in the eye, it can strike suddenly and result in blindness very quickly.

In either case, low vision specialists in Florida often advise their patients to eat a diet that is rich in dark, leafy green vegetables (i.e., spinach, kale, collard greens) and salt-water fish such as cod or salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These may be effective in macular degeneration prevention when it comes to controlling the symptoms. Certain antioxidant vitamins and minerals such as zinc may also be helpful, although these should not be taken without a doctor’s guidance. Other than that, there are some prosthetic devices that low vision specialists in Florida can recommend and for which they can fit you that will help you in making the most of your remaining eyesight.

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