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  • Glaucoma
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  • AMD
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    What is glaucoma?

    Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve — the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing numerous wires. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.


    Early detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.

    Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.

     

    Laser Surgery

    Laser surgery treatments may be recommended for different types of glaucoma.
    In open-angle glaucoma, the drain itself is treated. The laser is used to modify the drain (trabeculoplasty) to help control eye pressure.
    In closed-angle glaucoma, the laser creates a hole in the iris (iridotomy) to improve the flow of aqueous fluid to the drain.

    Surgery in the Operating Room

    When surgery in the operating room is needed to treat glaucoma, your ophthalmologist uses fine, microsurgical instruments to create a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to leave the eye. Surgery is recommended if your ophthalmologist feels it is necessary to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. As with laser surgery, surgery in the operating room is typically an outpatient procedure.


    What is your part in treatment?

    Treatment for glaucoma requires teamwork between you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist can prescribe treatment for glaucoma, but only you can make sure that you follow your doctor's instructions and take your eyedrops. Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you more frequently. Typically, you can expect to visit your ophthalmologist every three to four months. This will vary depending on your treatment needs.

     
     
    What You Should Know About AMD

    Macular Degeneration is an eye condition in which the macula, a sensitive area in the retina responsible for central and detail vision, is damaged, often causing loss of central vision.
    Prevention

    • Regular eye exams by your Eye M.D. Your Eye M.D. is specially trained to detect many vision-threatening conditions even before you develop symptoms. The earlier problems are detected, the better the chance of preventing vision loss.

    • Protection from UV-A and UV-B rays. Some studies have suggested that prolonged or frequent exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays may be a factor in macular degeneration and other eye conditions, so always wear sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UV rays when outdoors.


    • Proper nutrition. High levels of zinc and antioxidants can play a role in slowing the progression of macular degeneration. A healthy diet can't hurt and can prevent many other health problems.

    Treatment

    • "Dry" form — No proven effective treatment. Studies have found that high levels of zinc and antioxidants play a key role in slowing the progression of AMD in advanced cases.

    • "Wet" form — laser surgery or photodynamic therapy may help as well as low vision rehabilitation.

    • Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

      is one of the most promising new treatments for the "wet" form of macular degeneration. It involves the injection of the FDA-approved drug,VisudyneTM, into the bloodstream, followed by a brief laser treatment. The laser "activates" the drug, which helps destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye that damage the macula. Several treatments may be necessary for it to be effective.

    Unproven Treatments

    Be wary of any treatment that promises to restore vision, cure or prevent macular degeneration. There are many so-called "miracle cures" advertised (often in magazines or on the Internet) that have not been adequately tested for safety or efficacy. These treatments may be expensive and are generally not covered by insurance. If you are considering trying a new or untested treatment make sure you talk to your Eye M.D. to ensure they are safe and won't interfere with timely and effective treatment of other eye problems.

    Current Research

    There is a great deal of research and several major scientific studies being conducted to find the causes of AMD and to develop effective treatments for all types of macular degeneration. Visit the National Eye Institute Web site for additional information www.nei.nih.gov
     
     

    Loss of vision can be prevented

    Regular medical eye exams may help prevent unnecessary vision loss. Recommended intervals for eye exams are:

    Age 20-29: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every three to five years. Others should have an eye exam at least once during this period.

    Age 30 -39: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every two to four years. Others should have an eye exam at least twice during this period.

    Age 40-64: Every two to four years.

    Age 65 or older: Every one to two years.