Eye Exams Key to AMD Diagnosis & Treatment for Birmingham Seniors

Seniors should take note that the American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated February as Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month in an effort to help alert patients about how to preserve eye health and vision and avoid the problems of aging. End Quote

Birmingham, AL (1888PressRelease) January 30, 2018 - “Seniors can take an important step in preventing vision loss from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by scheduling regular eye exams and sharing their risk factors with their eye doctor,” commented Birmingham Ophthalmologist Jennifer Michelson, M.D. of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. “Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans, but thanks to recent treatment advances we have dramatically changed the course of this disease for seniors. BUT, early detection is a critical first step to preserving vision!,” stressed Dr. Michelson.

About Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
In the United States, approximately 11 million Americans are affected by some type of AMD. There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. While dry AMD leads to a gradual loss of vision, wet AMD leads to faster, even catastrophic vision loss and is the most advanced form of the disease. Wet AMD is responsible for 90 percent of all AMD-related blindness. As recently as 10-12 years ago, the wet form of AMD was considered largely untreatable and, as a result, many patients went blind. Then came the introduction of injectable anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs which block formation of abnormal blood vessels under the retina that cause permanent vision loss. “Anti-VEGF drugs such as Lucentis® and Eylea® were designed specifically for the treatment of AMD and have nearly halved the incidence AMD-related blindness in some countries,” noted Dr. Michelson. The recommended frequency of these injections varies from every few weeks to every few months, and duration of treatment varies by each patient.

About AMD Risk Factors
Common risk factors for AMD include increasing age, family history, smoking, and blood vessel disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (common in cold water fish) may lower risk. Seniors need to know that in its earliest stages, AMD may not have any symptoms. As it progresses, slight changes in vision may occur such as blurry or distorted vision, blank spots in vision and colors appearing less vivid or bright.

If you or someone you know has not had a recent eye exam, especially if you are over 50 with a family history of AMD or have other AMD risk factors, please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C., Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule an eye exam.

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham is located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye surgeons.

For additional information, contact:
Preston Lawley, Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C., 11201 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, (P) 205-930-0930 or E-Mail: prestonl ( @ ) michelsonlaser dot com

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.

http://www.michelson-lasik-cataracts-birmingham.com

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