How to Manage Low Vision and Macular Degeneration

Peggy O’Neill, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lions Gate, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Voorhees, New Jersey, sees the effects of low vision in residents at the community. “Anyone can be at risk of developing low vision after middle age,” says Peggy. “Basic rules for good visual health apply here: monitor your vision regularly, schedule routine eye exams and contact a doctor with any sudden changes or concerns. This is the best way to prevent serious problems and stop them before they get worse.”

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT SENIORS’ VISION

Although most of the causes of low vision progress gradually, seniors should talk to their doctor if they experience any of these difficulties:

• Trouble recognizing familiar faces
• Difficulty doing things that require seeing up close (e.g., sewing, reading, cooking, fixing things around the house, matching colors)
• Trouble doing tasks because the light seems too dim
• Inability to read street signs or words on buildings

Early detection is vital to successful treatment of eye diseases. The sooner a problem is discovered, the better chances you have of undergoing treatment and stopping the progression of vision loss.

MACULAR DEGENERATION: UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

According to the National Institutes of Health, macular degeneration accounts for nearly 45 percent of all low vision cases. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes damage to the macula, a small spot at the center of the retina that allows us to see images clearly. Macular degeneration distorts the center of a person’s field of vision. Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness, but it does interfere with daily activities, such as driving, reading, writing or watching TV.

Though an exact cause of macular degeneration has yet to be found, experts at the National Eye Institute have distinguished major risk factors that lead to AMD. These include:

• Age – The disease is most common in people over 65.
• Race – Macular degeneration is most common in caucasians.
• Smoking – Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD.
• Family – There is a hereditary element of the disease, and several types of genes have been linked to macular degeneration.

Experts strongly discourage genetic testing for AMD, since no genetic tests currently exist that can diagnose or predict who may get the disease.

PREVENTING AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

According to the National Eye Institute, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration or slow its progression. The greatest preventative measure seniors can take is having routine eye exams once a year, where a doctor dilates the pupils to look at the retina. Other ways to reduce the risk of AMD include:

• Not smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining low blood pressure
• Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, found in green, leafy vegetables and fish

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION

Currently, there is no cure for low vision due to macular degeneration, but if AMD is detected early enough, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease and keep your remaining vision. For those that show signs of early macular degeneration, a doctor can suggest adopting healthy lifestyle changes to keep their condition from advancing. Early AMD usually shows no symptoms or vision loss, but doctors can detect it by finding deposits in the retina.

For those with intermediate macular degeneration, doctors may advise taking specific vitamins referred to as AREDS. Discovered through the National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Studies, taking certain nutritional supplements at specific doses can slow the progression of macular degeneration and reduce the risk of advanced AMD. Some companies sell AREDS over-the-counter, but experts warn consumers to read the labels, as some pills may contain different ingredients or different doses than the studies advise. Talk to a doctor before purchasing AREDS or other supplements.

If macular degeneration has progressed to the advanced stage of severe vision loss, certain therapies may be able to stop further loss of vision. However, these treatments can be costly and intensive. Drug injections into the eyes, photodynamic therapy and laser surgery are a few options available.

LIVING WITH LOW VISION

Although most causes of low vision cannot be corrected, many seniors can still enjoy their standard quality of life and continue their favorite activities by utilizing vision rehabilitation and low vision devices. Even if your doctor tells you that nothing can be done for your low vision, ask about vision rehabilitation services that can assist you in using magnifying devices, modifying your home and learning how to continue living safely and independently.

The most important thing seniors living with low vision can do is stay positive. When seniors are hopeful in finding ways to manage their low vision, they are more likely to take action to keep their remaining vision as long as possible.

A CLEAR VIEW OF HEALTHY SENIOR LIVING

“At Lions Gate, we strive to be an excellent resource on issues seniors and their families face throughout the aging process,” says Peggy. “We are committed to helping seniors lead active, healthy lifestyles, no matter what challenges they face along the way.

“Whether you need information on age-related health concerns, such as low vision, or connections to quality services and expertise, we can help you find solutions through our community events and extensive network of professional resources. Don’t wait to find the help you need to enjoy the best senior lifestyle possible!”