Awareness + Knowledge Can Help!

More than two-thirds of Americans aged 55+ had an eye exam in the last year to maintain their vision, yet 80 percent don’t know that age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60, according to a new national survey.As part of Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month, our organization would like to share information that we found beneficial and informative. The survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, also found that only 46 percent of respondents could correctly identify the risk factors for this serious, progressive eye disease and just half could identify any one symptom. Even more alarming is that of the 24 percent of people who are familiar with AMD, only 31 percent know that treatment options exist.

According to this survey and the article, approximately 15 million people in the United States have AMD, and more than 1.7 million Americans have the advanced form of the disease, known as wet AMD, which is more than cases of glaucoma and cataracts combined. About 200,000 new cases of wet AMD are diagnosed each year in North America. As a result of the aging Baby Boomer population, the National Eye Institute estimates that the prevalence of advanced AMD will grow to nearly 3 million by the end of the next decade.

What is AMD?
From our website: Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye. The macula is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision.Age-related macular degeneration is the most common type of macular degeneration and is the leading cause of legal blindness in people older than 55 years in the United States. Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 9.1 million individuals in the United States. Owing to the rapid aging of the U.S. population, this number is expected to increase to almost 20 million by 2020. Because overall life expectancy continues to increase, age-related macular degeneration has become a major public health problem. To learn more about macular degeneration or our upcoming events, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Resources: http://www.favstocks.com/boomers-vision-loss/2434523/
By: John Agno

Toxic Protein Accumulation and Dry Macular Degeneration

A fair chunk of degenerative aging is caused by the accumulation of various kinds of damaging biochemicals, and here dry macular degeneration is added to that list: "A team of researchers, led by University of Kentucky ophthalmologist Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, has discovered a molecular mechanism implicated in geographic atrophy, the major cause of untreatable blindness in the industrialized world. ... Concurrent with this discovery, Ambati's laboratory developed two promising therapies for the prevention of the condition. ... Geographic atrophy, a condition causing the death of cells in the retina, occurs in the later stages of the 'dry type' of macular degeneration, a disease affecting some 10 million older Americans and causing blindness in over 1 million.There is currently no effective treatment for geographic atrophy, as its cause is unknown. Ambati's team discovered that an accumulation of a toxic type of RNA, called Alu RNA, causes retinal cells to die in patients with geographic atrophy. In a healthy eye, a 'Dicer' enzyme degrades the Alu RNA particles. ... We discovered that in patients with geographic atrophy, there is a dramatic reduction of the Dicer enzyme in the retina. When the levels of Dicer decline, the control system is short-circuited and too much Alu RNA accumulates. This leads to death of the retina. ... Alu elements make up a surprisingly large portion - about 11 percent by weight - of the human genome, comprising more than 1 million sequences. However, their function has been unknown, so they have been called 'junk' DNA or part of the 'dark' genome. For more information about research, to read this article, or to learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Link/ Resources: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-02/uok-pdi020311.php

Supplementation and Nutrition for Macular Degeneration...

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss among the elderly. Although we do not have a cure, studies like AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study), have shown that nutritional supplementations can reduce the progression of the disease. Yet, as the word indicates, supplementation should be used to enhance an individual’s diet not to substitute it. The best source of nutrients comes from dietary intake and supplementation should be secondary to food modifications.There are an array of nutrients that have been shown to protect the eye from various degenerative diseases like AMD. Examples include but are not limited to fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts, blueberries and low glycemic foods. It is important to note that changes in a diet should be discussed with your physician to prevent any adverse effects. For example, high levels of vitamin K (found in leafy greens) may intensify the effects of blood thinning medications.Although it is preferable to get vitamins and minerals from food, it may be difficult to obtain the high doses needed from diet alone. These particular supplements are not one-size fits all. Although some patients may require nutritional supplementation, not everybody needs an AREDS style supplement and not all individuals should take it. Furthermore, mega-doses of vitamins may be contraindicated and/or harmful in particular cases. More is not always better and mega-doses may be associated with adverse affects. The proper recommendation may depend on age, gender, systemic health, social behavior, as well as current supplements and medications one is taking. Any ocular vitamin supplementation should be discussed with your eye care provider. In addition to a good diet and possible nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes are beneficial in decreasing the prevalence and progression of AMD. These include smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, exercising, maintaining a proper body mass index (BMI), avoiding processed foods, and limiting foods that have a high glycemic index (such as processed foods). In absence of health related issues or contraindications, addition of various vitamins, minerals, and herbs through a well-balanced diet may play a key role in helping in the fight against AMD. As always, getting a regular eye exam is still a must. For more information about nutrition or to learn about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.

Article written by: Dr. Diana Shechtman and Dr. Jeffry Gerson

Go Exotic, Good Nutrition for Your Eyes!

By: Diana Shechtman, OD
Jeffry Gerson, OD

GO EXOTIC!! Antioxidants may be found in a number of exotic foods. Such antioxidants may include green tea & goji berries, which have a Chinese origin. Indian food, known for its curry spice, have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The French are known for their love of wine, which contains resveratrol, having some anti-oxidant properties, as well as cardio-protective benefits.In addition to a good diet and possible nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes are beneficial in decreasing the prevalence and progression of AMD. These include smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, exercising, maintaining a proper body mass index (BMI), avoiding processed foods, and limiting foods that have a high glycemic index (such as processed foods). In absence of health related issues or contraindications, addition of various vitamins, minerals, and herbs through a well-balanced diet may play a key role in helping in the fight against AMD. As always, getting a regular eye exam is still a must. For more information about treatments and experiments, please visit our website at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regimen! Thank you for your continued support!

This Month HELP Spread Awareness....

This month...HELP spread awareness about Age-related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision. February is Macular Degeneration and Low Visions Awareness Month. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the foremost cause of blindness for senior citizens. AMD is one of the causes of low vision, a term eye care professionals use to categorize substantial vision loss that cannot be helped by standard measures such as normal glasses, contacts, medicine or even eye surgery. AMD is a disorder that includes a variety of eye diseases that affect central vision. Central vision is what you see directly in front of you rather than what you see at the side (or periphery) of your vision. Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye. The macula is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision.There is no cure for AMD, early detection and attention can stop advancement of the degeneration and therefore thwart vision loss. For individuals who have already suffered from vision impairment, a normal life can be maintained with low-vision rehabilitation. Please visit our website at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ to learn more about macular degeneration and about our upcoming events. As always, please consult your Physician before beginning a new health care regime. Thank you for your continued support.

February's Awareness for Macular Degeneration and Low Vision...

Did you know that February is Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month? To learn more about how we are helping to inform people about advances and treatments...our upcoming educational conference on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Tampa Westshore Marriott will discuss what exactly macular degeneration is, what is examined in a doctor's office visit, current treatments for macular degeneration,furture treatments, genetic testing, clinical trials offered for macular degeneration, the new telescope implant, low vision, alternative therapies, and a question and answer session.Presentations will be given by prominent macular degeneration physicians and clinicians to include: Dr. Michael Tolentino, Dr. Sonya Braudway, Dr. Dana Deupree, Dr. Karen Gehrs, Dr. Benjamin Kim, Dr. Brian Madow, etc. Not to mention, You will have the opportunity to interact and meet the doctors and various vendors that will be discussing and talking about services and products that help patients treat patients with macular degeneration. For more information about the March 26th Educational Conference and how to Register, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@maculardegenerationassociation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. To learn more about the Macular Degeneration Association, please visit us on the web at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ We look forward to seeing and meeting you at the conference. Thank you for your continued support.

Genetic Testing for AMD is Here Today...

There are a number of factors affecting AMD, such as advanced age, smoking, UV exposure, overall health (that contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, diet) and family history. Many factors may be modified and yet others like genetics cannot.Although AMD may seem to be hereditary in some families and not others, genetics have been shown to contribute significantly to the disease.Multiple twin and sibling studies have collaborated to the familial nature of the disease. First-degree relatives of patients with AMD are at a significantly increased risk for the disease. Furthermore, large epidemiological studies have suggested a strong genetic risk factor for AMD. In fact, the risk of developing AMD increases 4 fold among patients with a positive family history.Today, Macula Risk (ArcticDX, Toronto, Ontario) is a genetic test specifically designed to determine genetic predisposition to AMD and vision loss attributed to the more advanced stage of the disease. Macula Risk genetic test separates individuals into one of 5 macula risk (MR) categories, with MR 3 through 5 representing an increased risk for the more advance stage of the disease. This accounts for approximately 20% of the general population. MR1 has less than a 5% risk of the advanced stage of the disease, while MR 5 carries greater than 55% risk. These results can aid the doctor in devising a specific management plan and follow-up protocol in order to reassure early intervention to prevent vision loss.The test only requires a simple in-office cheek swab, which is sent directly to the genetic lab. The report includes test results and written genetic support information (including access to genetic counseling). Macula Risk genetic testing is covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare, as long as the specific diagnosis (ICD-9) are identified by the doctor. The prognostic genetic test is intended for patients who have a diagnosis of early or intermediate AMD. Thus, the “at risk patient,” would have to pay a fee for the test. For more information about this article, other articles about research, or information about the Macular Degeneration Association please visit us at http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new regime. Thank you for your continued support!

Article written by: Diana Shechtman OD FAAO & Steven Ferrucci OD FAAO