Macular Degeneration, also known as Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a condition in which the central part of the back of the eye loses blood circulation. Generally considered to be a part of the aging process, there is a breakdown of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular region. As the disease progresses, central vision diminishes. It is believed that this breakdown may be due to a lack of nutrients being supplied to the region. Additional studies have found a genetic link to this disease and have confirmed that smoking doubles the risk of developing macular degeneration. Treatment should also involve a discontinuation of smoking as well as nutritional management, including Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals.
Macular Degeneration, is the leading cause of vision loss in Caucasians over the age of 60. It is a painless disruption of the critical seeing part of the eye’s retina (the macula) which blurs things directly ahead of you such as reading, driving, TV, sewing, etc. Those most at risk are people with fair complexions, smokers, and people who have spent much time outdoors. To learn more about the harmful effects of smoking to your eyes, click here.
In keeping up with the latest technological advances and in striving to deliver better patient care, we are very excited to offer Macular Degeneration testing & monitoring using the “Foresee PHP” as well as the brand new “Spectralis OCT” systems. Dr. Janot is the first to have brought both of these technologies to Southwest Louisiana! These tests are quick, painless and provide information that is used to precisely follow patients with “dry” macular degeneration. These devices are very helpful in catching macular degeneration right upon conversion to the rapidly-progressing, vision-threatening “wet” form of the disease, before irreversible vision loss occurs.
A major reason for the devastating effects of macular degeneration has been a lack of effective monitoring tools to detect the conversion from dry to wet macular degeneration. Reliance on older, outdated techniques often results in diagnosis that is too late – after the disease has been wet for enough time that retinal damage and vision loss have already occurred.
Treatment for wet macular degeneration works best early on, right when the disease converts to its wet form. If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, call our office to schedule a consultation using the Spectralis OCT and the Foresee PHP.
For further information, click on the links below.
Nutritional Supplements for Macular Degeneration
The Macular Degeneration Partnership
