February is AMD Awareness Month Get Informed

GET INFORMED WITH THESE EYE CARE TIPS!

Give your eyes some love this February as Tanner Clinic celebrates Eye Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. More than 135 million people worldwide suffer from impaired vision, according to federal government estimates. Unfortunately, those millions of people’s poor vision aren’t correctable by prescription glasses, contact lenses, surgery or medicine.

Age-macular degeneration (AMD) often affects people ages 50 and older. The disease is caused when the macula that helps produce sharp vision in your eyes is damaged. This leads to your center of field vision appearing blurry, distorted or dark. The National Eye Institute compiled a list of risk factors that include:

Smoking: Medical research proves that smoking doubles your risk of AMD.
Race: AMD is most common among Caucasians, more than other races including African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.
Family History and Genetics: People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk of developing the condition. At last count, researchers had identified nearly 20 genes that can affect the risk of developing AMD. Many more genetic risk factors are suspected, as well.

This February, Tanner Clinic wants to keep your eyes healthy with a few tips. Let’s look at each:

TIPS FOR EYE HEALTH

REGULARLY SCHEDULE EYE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS

Many eye diseases like AMD go unnoticed in their early stages. Receiving a comprehensive dilated eye examination from your eye doctor once a year can prevent eye disease. Monitoring your eyes’ health regularly allows your eye doctor to start treatment quickly if any signs of diseases appear.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET

Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia recommend eating a diet of green, leafy vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and maintaining a healthy weight to promote overall eye health. Eating a healthy diet prevents diseases like AMD from developing.

PROTECT YOUR EYES

Eye protection comes in forms like sunglasses and hats. If you expose your eyes to high levels of harmful ultra-violet (UV) light and blue light, you’re at a higher risk of developing AMD and other degenerative eye diseases. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your eyes whenever you’re in areas with brighter lights.

PRACTICE HEALTHY HABITS

Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking have the added benefit of reducing the risk of eye disease. Eating healthy and exercising regularly are both good habits that preserve good vision and eye health. However, smoking puts you at higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related diseases. When you quit smoking and practice other healthy habits, you significantly reduce the risk of developing AMD. Don’t postpone medical care if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

o Blurry vision

o Black spots

o Flashes of light

o Loss of sight in one or both eyes

The eye doctors at Tanner Clinic treat patients suffering from low vision and every other eye care treatment specialty available. Our doctors and staff are committed to providing the highest quality service and personal care. Schedule your appointment today to get the best eye care in the state.

Heart Health: What You Need to Know

Eating Healthy Goals to Set During National Nutrition Month