February: Shine a Light on Eye Health – AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month at Care Optics
- By Care Optics -
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- 19 Feb, 2025
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Our eyes are our windows to the world, yet millions face the challenges of vision loss due to conditions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other low vision disorders. February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight these sight-threatening conditions and emphasize the importance of early detection and expert care. At Care Optics in Woodford and Dagenham, we're dedicated to providing cutting-edge eye care solutions to protect and preserve your precious vision. Whether you're concerned about AMD, experiencing early signs of vision loss, or simply due for a routine eye exam, our experienced team is here to support you.
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. There are two main types:
- Dry AMD: The most common form (around 90% of cases), dry AMD involves the thinning of the macula over time, often accompanied by drusen (small yellow deposits). One subtype of dry AMD is geographic atrophy, which involves more advanced damage to the macula. This leads to a gradual decline in central vision.
- Wet AMD: Less frequent but more severe, wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These vessels can leak fluid and blood, causing rapid and significant vision loss.
Recognising the Signs of AMD:
Early detection is key to managing AMD. Be aware of these common symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
AMD Risk Factors: Are You at Risk?
While some risk factors are unavoidable, others can be modified:
- Age: The risk of AMD increases significantly with age.
- Genetics: A family history of AMD puts you at higher risk.
- Smoking: Smoking doubles your risk of developing AMD.
- Diet & Lifestyle: Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and obesity can contribute to AMD.
- UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may increase risk.
Early Detection: The Power of OCT Scans in Woodford
Early diagnosis is crucial for slowing the progression of AMD. At Care Optics Woodford, we utilize advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans. This state-of-the-art imaging technology allows us to visualize the layers of your retina in detail, detecting early signs of AMD before symptoms appear. This allows for timely intervention and personalized management plans.
Living with Low Vision: Finding Support and Solutions
Low vision refers to significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. 1 It can be a consequence of AMD, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or other eye conditions. Low vision can significantly impact daily life, making tasks like reading, writing, navigating, and recognising faces challenging.
How Low Vision Affects Daily Life:
- Difficulty with reading, writing, or using digital screens
- Trouble recognizing faces or navigating surroundings
- Increased reliance on brighter lighting and magnification tools
- Reduced independence and quality of life
Solutions for Low Vision: Regaining Independence
At Care Optics, we offer a range of solutions to help individuals with low vision maximize their remaining sight and improve their quality of life:
- Specialized Lenses and Magnifiers: We can recommend and provide a variety of optical aids, including magnifiers, telescopes, and specialized lenses, to enhance vision for close-up tasks and distance viewing.
- Assistive Technology: Explore the world of assistive technology, including digital magnifiers, text-to-speech apps, screen readers, and other tools that can improve accessibility and independence.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: We can provide guidance on practical strategies for adapting to low vision, such as optimizing lighting, increasing contrast, using large-print materials, and decluttering your environment.
Advanced Eye Care Solutions at Care Optics: Your Vision is Our Priority
Care Optics in Woodford and Dagenham provides comprehensive eye care services, including:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: Thorough eye exams to detect early signs of AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases.
- OCT Scans in Woodford: Advanced retinal imaging for early AMD detection and monitoring.
- Customized Low Vision Aids: Personalized recommendations and fitting for low vision devices.
- Varifocals in Woodford: Seamless vision correction for presbyopia and other age-related vision changes.
- Myopia Control: Strategies to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, reducing the risk of future eye health complications.
February Special Offers: Invest in Your Eye Health
This February, take advantage of these special promotions:
- Student Discount Wednesdays: Students receive 20% off frames, lenses, and sunglasses at our Woodford & Dagenham locations.
- Over-60s Eye Exam Discount: Book your eye exam before 1 pm any day this month and receive a reduced rate.
Protecting Your Vision: A Proactive Approach
While some AMD risk factors are beyond our control, you can take steps to protect your vision:
- Nutrient-Rich Diet: Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin (e.g., leafy greens, oily fish, nuts).
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD and other health problems.
- Regular Exercise: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity.
- UV Protection: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
- Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to detect any changes early.
Book Your Eye Examination Today
Causes
As written above, UV exposure seems to be one of the main reasons for Pterygium development, but wind and dust can also cause it as this leads to Dry Eye Disease, which by consequence will lead to this condition. Genetics may also play an important part, as some people seem to be more at risk than others.
Signs & Symptoms
Pterygium usually appears on the side of your eye that is closest to the nose, but it can also appear on the other sometimes. It is common to have it in one eye only, although sometimes it may appear on both eyes.
There are people who don't experience any symptoms or require treatment in the beginning, but as the growth develops, there can be redness, gritty, itchy or burning sensation, the eyes can become irritated and even swollen.
When the Pterygium starts to invade the cornea, it distorts the shape of the front of the eye, causing the curve of the cornea to change, leading then to refractive errors (Astigmatism in most cases).
Treatment
The treatment depends on the size of the Pterygium itself. If it's just a small growth, your Optometrist/Ophthalmologist can advise the patient on lubricants (eye drops or gels) to temporary reduce symptoms like redness, swelling, itchy or gritty felling.
If the Pterygium is more advanced, the only option is then surgery.
How to avoid it
As previously said, UV radiation and exposure seems to be one of the main reason leading to Pterygium. For that you have the perfect solution that is available for everyone - sunglasses . A good pair of sunglasses will filter the UV rays, giving you a sharper vision but also protecting you from conditions like Pterygium, Cataracts, Glaucoma, etc. Make sure to buy your sunglasses from a Optician instead of a shop non-related to eye care. A good pair of sunglasses should have UVA, UVB and UVC protection, and usually those shops will only have one of those protections - or even none.
We remind you that if you have any of these symptoms or any other, if you need to book an appointment or if you have any queries, please contact us over phone or email. We will be very happy to help you.
Keep in mind: At Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care
