Find Kardus: macular

Showing posts with label macular. Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2016

What is Macular Degeneration

Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people age 60 and older. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina, responsible for central vision and seeing fine details. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures the picture that we see. ARMD destroys central vision, what we use for daily tasks, like reading and driving. In ARMD vision loss can be mild or severe, and it can worsen gradually or suddenly.

There are 2 forms of the disease: Dry ARMD and Wet ARMD. In Dry ARMD the deterioration tends to be slow and gradual. In Wet ARMD abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, destroying the retina, and causing sudden and severe vision loss.

High-dose antioxidant vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of advanced ARMD and vision loss. Adequate levels of these vitamins and minerals are difficult to obtain just by diet. They are not a cure for AMD but may delay the onset of advanced disease. Wet ARMD can be treated with injections of medicines into the eye.

All patients should have a dilated eye exam to look for Macular Degeneration. To schedule a dilated eye exam or if you have questions, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

If you or someone you know suffers from eyestrain symptoms they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help identify the possible causes and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

DAmbrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

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Massachusetts Surgeon on Cataract Macular Degeneration Risk

Massachusetts Cataract Surgeon Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. explained that cataracts and age related macular degeneration (AMD) share at least one common risk factor-AGE. Cataract formation and macular degeneration both increase in frequency and incidence with age and thus it is pretty common to have one, the other or both as we head through our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The question that many patients get confronted with is whether to have cataract surgery if they have macular degeneration. And, if they do, will it make the AMD get worse and faster.

The general consensus among cataract surgeons is that with proper preoperative diagnostic testing, examination and consultation patients who have age related macular degeneration (ARMD) and who develop a cataract are able to have cataract surgery after being counseled on what to expect with regard to overall vision improvements and lifestyle benefits. While ARMD is not a reason to avoid cataract surgery, realistic expectations must be established by and between you and your cataract surgeon. Further, the most current and widely accepted studies on AMD progression after cataract surgery found that there was no difference in the frequency of the disease among patients who had cataract surgery as compared to those who did not.

If you or someone you know has cataracts and age related macular degeneration and have questions about cataract surgery and lens implants, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

DAmbrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Orange, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

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Eye Health Macular Degeneration Drinking Alcohol

The eye health problem of macular degeneration may be impacted adversely by drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol. According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology drinking more than the recommended daily amount of alcohol may increase the risk of eye disease such as age related macular degeneration (AMD). A standard glass of wine or beer each contains about 15g of alcohol. “It appears from this study that consuming more than 20g of alcohol a day was associated with an increase in early age-related macular degeneration of about 20 per cent in men and women compared with non-drinkers,” commented Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. “A number of earlier studies highlighted the risk of heavy drinking on eye health but there was little evidence until now about the association between moderate drinking and age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner, Massachusetts.

If you or someone you know has questions about eye health, macular degeneration and drinking alcohol please feel free to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) & diabetic retinopathy and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

DAmbrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

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AMD Macular Degeneration Diet Factors

“Dietary factors are known risk factors for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of vision loss among persons aged 65 and above,” commented Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care. “In particular high glycemic index diets have been thought to be a contributing risk factor for AMD.” Glycemic index is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Most fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and fructose products low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index. Most foods like baked potatoes, extruded breakfast cereals, white bread, white rice and corn flakes are high glycemic index foods.

Researchers reporting in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied the association between dietary glycemic index and the 10 year incidence of AMD in the Blue Mountain Eye Study population. Over 10 years, 208 of 1810 persons developed early AMD. After age, smoking, other risk factors, and dietary constituents were adjusted for, a higher mean dietary glycemic index was associated with an increased 10 year risk of early AMD. Conversely, a greater consumption of cereal fiber and breads and cereals (predominantly lower glycemic index foods such as oatmeal was associated with a reduced risk of incident early AMD. No relation was observed with late AMD. The researchers concluded that a high glycemic index diet is a risk factor for early AMD—the recognized precursor of sight threatening late AMD. Low-glycemic-index foods such as oatmeal may protect against early AMD.

If you or someone you know is concerned about age related macular degeneration or AMD, they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

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Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness in Massachusetts

“Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50, affecting more than two million people. Although AMD is incurable, there are new treatments that can, at a minimum, prevent further vision loss from the disease and in many cases actually help recover lost vision,” commented Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

AMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact. It is progressive and painless. There are two types of ARMD: Dry and Wet. Approximately 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry form which results in gradual vision loss. Although only 10 percent of people with ARMD have the wet form, it generally progresses much quicker than the dry form. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid, causing rapid and severe central vision loss.

Patients can often reduce the risk of developing ARMD by not smoking as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight. “We are fortunate to be able to offer Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drugs that inhibit the development of unwanted blood vessels that cause wet ARMD as these agents are effective in helping to prevent further visual loss and even improve vision,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

Patients older than 50 years of age are encouraged to have a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that ARMD is detected and treated early. The key to successful treatment is early detection and intervention.

If you or someone you know is at risk for AMD please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule and eye exam. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

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Physics May Help Macular Degeneration AMD

“What does physics have to do with help for macular degeneration patients?” asked Boston Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. “The application of optical physics might be helpful to patients with macular degeneration in regaining some functioning vision to overcome the visual distortion caused by AMD. While the key to maintaining eye health and vision as we age-especially regarding macular degeneration-is having regular eye exams, there are still a growing number of patients who experience a disturbing distortion and twisting of their vision resulting from macular degeneration,” explained Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner.

Nobel Laureate Walter Kohn described a potential application of what is a dynamic “translator” for the particular distortion a patient experiences either in handheld computers or an optical corrective lens. “We routinely use the Amsler Grid, a graph-paper-like pattern to diagnose AMD-Dr. Kohn suggested that the Amsler grid could also be used to develop an optical correction,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.

When people with healthy eyes look at the Amsler Grid, they see its straight horizontal and vertical lines, with a dot at center. Patients with AMD, however, often perceive a distortion about two or three centimeters in diameter in the center.

Amsler Grid

Dr. Kohn has initiated the development of software that lets an AMD patient, using a mouse, pull the virtual lines until he or she perceives the grid as “perfect,” yielding reversal of the specific distortion a person experiences. Dr. Kohn then uses these results to create a correction for that patient. In one experimental device, a handheld computer scans the printed page, using software to perform dynamic compensation, distorting the text to make it readable for patients. In addition, Dr. Kohn uses of a slab of optical material to fabricate the visual correction so that AMD patients could hold the optical slab of refractive material over text, pictures or reading material, just like the magnifying glass people use for seeing small type—only the surface of Kohn’s slab resembles ocean currents or waves that reverse the distortion.

“These are very exciting ideas and offer promise to help us deal with the visual distortion caused by macular degeneration,” offered Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.

If you or someone you know is concerned about age related macular degeneration (AMD) risk or has any family history of age related macular degeneration they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

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Boston Doctor on Macular Degeneration Awareness

Athol, Massachusetts Office

Boston Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. commented on National Macular Degeneration Awareness month. “It’s no surprise that the number of people affected by macular degeneration is continuing to climb, especially with to the aging baby boomer population,” said D’Ambrosio, Jr. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner, Massachusetts.

It is estimated that more than 2 million people age 50 and older have late AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) which represents a 25 percent increase between 200 and 2012. “In the past, we were pretty much only able to give patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) bad news about their vision and prognosis. Today, for most patients, with early detection, diagnosis and treatment, at a minimum we can prevent further vision loss from the disease and in many cases we can actually help recover lost vision,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

February marks the 2013 National Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month. Here is what patients should know about AMD. AMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact. It is progressive and painless. There are two types of AMD, a “Dry” form and a “Wet” form. It is estimated that 85-90% of people with AMD have the Dry form which results in a gradual vision loss. Fortunately, only 10 percent of people with AMD have the Wet form which progresses much quicker and can cause catastrophic vision loss. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid. Leaking or bleeding vessels leads to swelling and bleeding in the Macula, causing visual distortions or decreased vision. Over time, this can lead to scarring in the Macula and create damage that may result in the loss of central vision. Patients can often reduce their risk of developing AMD by not smoking as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with Trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight.

“What patients need to be aware of is that once you are over 50, it becomes increasingly important to have a thorough, comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years-and even more often if you have any family history of AMD or at the recommendation of your eye doctor. The key to preventing vision loss from AMD is clearly early detection, quick diagnosis and then immediate access to treatment with vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGF) injections such as Lucentis®”, summarized Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

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Aspirin Macular Degeneration AMD

There may be a relationship between frequent aspirin use and Macular Degeneration (AMD) according to researchers from the European Eye Study who reported some interesting findings on the October 2011 publication Ophthalmology which is the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They found that frequent aspirin use may be associated with an increased risk of early or late “wet age-related macular degeneration”, with an “odds ratio” that increases upon frequency of consumption. However the study is somewhat limited in that there was an unknown amount of aspirin taken, as well as the possibility that participants may have taken aspirin after experiencing visual problems. So, at this time the study is interesting but inconclusive and certainly patients taking aspirin to offset the coronary risk profile or other vascular problems should NOT discontinue taking aspirin unless they have been directed to do so by their personal physician.

Patients who have question or concerns about Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) should feel free to contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for information or to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

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Eye Drops for Macular Degeneration

Massachusetts eye doctor Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. shared some thoughts and information about some possible eye drop treatments for macular degeneration. “We have been so fortunate to be able to treat “wet” macular degeneration with vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGF) injections such as Lucentis®. With regular eye exams and early detection and diagnosis this has made a huge impact on so many people and their quality of life,” commented Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. “However, 85% or so of the cases of macular degeneration that we diagnose are “dry” macular degeneration and thus it would be significant if we could find some form of treatment for this type as well. Although we don’t fully understand the exact cause of “dry” AMD, we know that it tends to progress more slowly than the “wet” type and is characterized by the appearance of small white or yellowish deposits, called drusen, form on the retina, beneath the macula, causing it to deteriorate or degenerate over time. The most likely cause is a diminished blood flow in the blood vessels of choroid-a tissue beneath the retina that supplies it with oxygen and nutrients,” Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner explained.

The FDA has facilitated a “fast track” approach and testing of an experimental eye drop that has an active ingredient that has been approved and used in an oral formulation to treat hypertension. It is thought that these new eye drops may act to increase choroidal blood flow and circulation and thus slow or stop the progression of AMD from the early stage (dry AMD) to the later stage (wet AMD) by increasing the blood flow in the eyes choroidal vessels. Thus far the early clinical studies show that the drug is safe for use in human subjects and is now being tested to determine if it can be an effective treatment for dry AMD by increasing choroidal blood flow.

“We are continually reviewing the research, the publications and the FDA clinical trials to find better ways to take care of our patients-it’s just part of being a good physician and our patients depend on us. More to come regarding “dry” macular eye drop treatment as soon as we have the data and information,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

DAmbrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving greater Boston and central Massachusetts including Athol, Acton, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

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Find Kardus

Friday, December 30, 2016

What is Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Massachusetts Surgeon on Cataract Macular Degeneration Risk

Massachusetts Surgeon on Cataract Macular Degeneration Risk

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Eye Health Macular Degeneration Drinking Alcohol

Eye Health Macular Degeneration Drinking Alcohol

Friday, November 11, 2016

AMD Macular Degeneration Diet Factors

AMD Macular Degeneration Diet Factors

Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness in Massachusetts

Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness in Massachusetts

Monday, October 10, 2016

Physics May Help Macular Degeneration AMD

Physics May Help Macular Degeneration AMD

Friday, October 7, 2016

Boston Doctor on Macular Degeneration Awareness

Boston Doctor on Macular Degeneration Awareness

Friday, August 26, 2016

Aspirin Macular Degeneration AMD

Aspirin Macular Degeneration AMD

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Eye Drops for Macular Degeneration

Eye Drops for Macular Degeneration