Macular Degeneration

(time 01: 24) : Dry Eye: Introduction

Dry Eye is a chronic condition that results from an insufficient production of tears, or excessive evaporation of the tear film. Dry eye affects millions of people worldwide, and is one of the most common reasons that patients visit their eye doctor. Dry Eye is usually associated with dryness, scratchiness or burning of the eyes. Some people experience a “foreign body sensation,” a feeling that something is in the eye. The condition can also produce watery eyes because dryness can stimulate excess tearing as a reflex. In its early stages, dry eye causes mild discomfort, but it may become very uncomfortable as the condition progresses. One of the keys to improving this condition, and avoiding damage to the eyes, is to recognize the symptoms of dry eye early, and to seek treatment for it. Without treatment, chronic dry eye can lead to eye infection, scarring, and possibly impaired vision.Do your eyes itch? Do you suffer from burning, chronic redness, or a grittiness in your eyes? If you do then the chances are that you are one of the ten million americans who suffer from some form of dry eye syndrome. Our tears are made up of 3 important layers. When our tears lack one or more of these components, or when too few tears are produced, the tear film can break down causing dry spots to develop. As a result, the condition known as dry eye occurs. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eye care professional can prescribe treatment to help alleviate the symptoms, so that your eyes remain healthy and your vision remains unaffected.

(time 1:00) : Dry Eye: Treatment Overview

Millions of people suffer from dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Artificial tears – which come in liquid, gel and ointment form – are used to temporarily moisten and lubricate the eyes. Another solution is to block the drainage canal that carries tears away from the eye’s surface – allowing the eye to get more use out of the tears available. Some patients are candidates for prescription medications that can increase tear function and production. Prescription steroid drops work in a similar fashion, by reducing inflammation in the tear-producing glands of the eye. Eye care providers are also discovering the benefits of nutraceuticals. These nutrition-based options may help to lessen the symptoms of dry eye and improve tear quality. While dry eye syndrome may be an ongoing condition, the right treatment from your eye care professional can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

(time 1:15) Macular Degeneration: Description

Age related macular degeneration also called AMD, is the deterioration of the center of the retina called the macula. The macula is the part of the retina which is responsible for our central vision and our ability to see color and fine detail when looking directly at an object. Age related macular degeneration or AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. In the early stages of AMD there is little or no vision loss. As the disease advances, images can become blurred or distorted, or a dark or empty area can appear in the center of the vision. AMD does not cause total blindness, because side vision is not affected. There is some good news relating to macular degeneration. With regular check-ups, early diagnosis and new treatment options, doctors are now able to prevent or minimize the damage that Age Related Macular Degeneration can cause to vision.

(time 1:53) : Macular Degeneration: Treatment Overivew

While macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss, you can take steps to delay its progression and preserve your vision. Vision that is lost due to macular degeneration can not be recovered, so prevention is an important part of treating this condition. You can play a part by leading the healthiest lifestyle possible. Quit smoking, control your blood pressure, watch your weight and exercise. Studies have shown that nutrition matters as well, and that taking a prescribed combination of nutritional eye supplements can slow the development of this condition. During the early stages of treatment, your eye care professional may write a new prescription for your eyeglasses, and ask you to schedule regular eye exams. You may also be asked to use an at-home eye test, called an Amsler grid, to monitor for changes in your vision. Although dry AMD is far more common than wet AMD, wet AMD requires timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Treatments for wet AMD can involve focusing an intense beam of laser light onto the retina, which can seal leaking blood vessels, or even eliminate them. Some patients are good candidates for medications that are injected directly into the eye, which can slow the progression of the disease, and help preserve vision. Should permanent vision loss occur, specialized glasses and low vision equipment such as magnifiers and bright lights may help. Your doctor will discuss which treatment options may be best for you.