ARMD Prevention

Prevention

At Professional Eye Associates, we recommend Macuhealth, a nutritional supplement that contains the three pigments found in the macula. Daily usage has been shown to restore macular pigment to normal levels. The unique formula contains all the vital carotenoids for macular health (lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin), and is designed to reduce the risk of macular degeneration progression. It is the ONLY available eye supplement with 10mg of meso-zeaxanthin, which is the only carotenoid pigment found exclusively in the macula, and is the most powerful antioxidant against free radical damage. The pigment inside the macula protects it in two major ways: by absorbing blue light from the broad spectrum and neutralizing harmful free radicals via anti-oxidant effect. Each capsule contains 10mg Lutein, 10 mg Meso-Zeaxanthin, 2 mg Zeaxanthin, with suggested use being once a day with a meal.

At Professional Eye Associates, we recommend dietary supplements of Lifeguard Omega Eye Advantage capsules be taken daily to provide the recommended intake necessary to prevent the progression. The recommended dosage is 2 capsules twice a day. As we age, the lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of our eye diminishes. Current medical research suggests this decline may contribute to age related macular degeneration. and supplemental lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of progressing from early to advanced AMD by about 25 percent. Lifeguard Omega Eye Advantage combines lutein and zeaxanthin with its highest quality Omega 3 oils. Growing medical evidence indicates that Omega 3s play an important role in the transport to and absorption by the macula of the lutein and zeaxanthin.

If you have AMD, too much direct light is painful for your eyes, due to light sensitivity. Reflected light and glare from horizontal surfaces compound your problems when you are already dealing with compromised vision. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight is commonly divided into two components: UV-A and UV-B, which is mostly absorbed by the cornea and lens. UV-A radiation has lower energy, but penetrates much deeper into the eye. Eye protection with the proper sunglasses is of paramount importance to prevent further damage from AMD. Proper sunglasses would be considered brands that absorb 99% of UV radiation, such as Oakley and Maui Jim. Alternatively, Transitions lenses are recommended in prescription eyeglasses. Transitions are photochromic lenses that change from clear when indoors to dark when exposed to UV radiation sunlight outside. Transitions lenses block 100% of damaging UVA and UVB radiation, preserving long-term eye health. Also, although not adequate alone, wearing a wide brimmed cap can block roughly 40% of UV radiation, and reduces UV that may enter above or around the glasses.

Routine check-ups for the eye are required at regular 3 month intervals in order to identify any vision-threatening problems and facilitate the proper treatment. In order to adequately assess a patient with macular degeneration, two of these check-ups must complete eye examinations with a dilated fundus examination, performed every 6 months. A formal visual field test should be performed on a yearly basis to assess any changes in central vision. Macular thickness should be assessed with statistical imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or Heidelberg Retina Tomography (HRT) to rule out sweeling or edema that can cause wet AMD. Retinal HRTs should be performed on a yearly basis. Fundus photography should be performed every 6 months to note any changes.

The Amsler Grid Test is one of the simplest and most effective methods for patients to monitor the health of the macula. The Amsler Grid is essentially a pattern of intersecting lines with a black dot in the middle. The central black dot is used for fixation, with one eye at a time. With normal vision, all lines surrounding the black dot will look straight and evenly spaced with no missing or odd looking areas when fixating on the grid's central black dot. When there is disease affecting the macula, as in macular degeneration, the lines can look bent, distorted and/or missing. The Amsler grid should be checked daily by patients with macular degeneration to monitor any changes. If any changes are noted, such as wavy lines, distortion, or blank spots, please contact your eye doctor immediately.

The previous information is based on a current review of the literature and it is updated on a regular basis. We tailor our treatment plan to each individual.