Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is one of the most common causes of vision loss in seniors. However, most seniors don’t lose all of their vision from AMD. Seniors who have AMD may need home care services to help them with household tasks. However, with home care providers, most seniors who have AMD can live independently at home if they want to. The risk of AMD-related vision loss increases with age. Smoking, high blood pressure, and lifestyle choices can also increase the risk of developing AMD.
Some of the things that seniors should know about AMD include:
What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative eye disease that primarily affects the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, central vision, allowing you to see fine details. AMD can lead to a gradual loss of this central vision.
The Types of AMD
There are two main types of AMD: dry AMD (non-neovascular) and wet AMD (neovascular). Dry AMD is more common and involves the gradual breakdown of cells in the macula, resulting in blurred central vision. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which can lead to sudden and severe vision loss.
Risk Factors For AMD
Several risk factors are associated with AMD, including aging, family history, smoking, obesity, and hypertension. Seniors with these risk factors should be especially vigilant about their eye health.
Early Detection Matters
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of AMD. Since AMD often develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, routine eye check-ups can identify the disease before significant vision loss occurs.
Symptoms Of AMD In Seniors
The symptoms of AMD can include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, trouble recognizing faces, and a dark or blank spot in the center of one’s vision.
Lifestyle Modifications Can Help Lower The Risk Of AMD
Seniors can take certain steps to reduce their risk of AMD progression. This includes eating a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and fish, as well as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes can support overall eye health.
Is There A Treatment For AMD?
While there is no cure for AMD, there are treatments available to help manage the condition, particularly for wet AMD. These treatments may involve injections into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels or photodynamic therapy. For dry AMD, certain vitamin and mineral supplements may slow the progression of the disease.
Low Vision Rehabilitation Can Help Reduce The Symptoms Of AMD
For those with advanced AMD that significantly impacts their vision, low vision rehabilitation is a helpful option. This program provides training and tools to make the most of the remaining vision and improve daily living skills.
Assistive Technology Can Also Help Seniors Who Have AMD
There are various assistive devices and technologies designed to help seniors with AMD maintain their independence. These may include magnifiers, reading aids, and screen-reading software for computers and smartphones.
Regular Monitoring Is Necessary After Diagnosis
Seniors with AMD should follow their eye care professional’s recommendations for regular monitoring and follow-up appointments. Changes in vision or the progression of the disease can be managed more effectively when detected early.
Sources: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/agerelated-macular-degeneration-amd
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services near Ridgefield CT, please call and talk to our friendly and dedicated staff. (203) 744-8380
Home Care Advantage provides quality Non-Medical Home Care for seniors and families in Danbury, Bethel, Easton, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Southbury, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and surrounding areas.
With over 25 years of healthcare experience working with seniors, our model and approach to non-medical home care services are straightforward, providing you with the compassionate care you deserve. Providing care from the heart is what we are all about; we proactively work with you and your family to develop a care plan designed to meet your specific need for assistance and budget.
In addition to having an extensive work background in healthcare, my recent educational experience allowed me to earn my Doctorate Degree in public healthcare. This achievement enhanced my knowledge of the ever-evolving healthcare delivery system and heightened my awareness that you cannot go it alone to get the best outcome. Additionally, I have seen how some of my family members struggled and were overwhelmed with ensuring that their parents were safe and their needs were met. They did not know who to trust or where to turn for reliable and affordable help. I have made it our mission to be part of the solution allowing seniors to remain independent and be treated with the respect they deserve.
We are committed to providing excellent care for our clients, just as we would care for members of our own families. Please be assured that I will use my knowledge and background to protect and be a trusted resource for seniors and their families.
You can be confident that our caregivers are carefully screened, dependable, and selectively chosen to meet the specific needs of our clients. They are experienced and highly trained to provide excellent quality care and follow a strict professional code of conduct and ethics.
Our caregivers are competitively paid directly by our agency; there is no additional charge to you. Home Care Advantage files Social Security/Medicare, Federal and State Withholding Tax, and Unemployment Insurance for our employees. Workers’ compensation insurance and a fidelity bond cover the caregivers and supervisory staff.
Our caregivers are here for you and will work hard to assist you with your specific needs in the comfort of your own home. It is said that “Home is where the heart is.” Let Home Care Advantage provide care that will enrich your life and help you maintain an independent lifestyle in the comfort of your own home, “where you want to be.” Call us now! We look forward to working with you and your family.
Dr. Beverly J. Ruekberg, DHP, MPH, MA, Ed.
President/Geriatric Care Manager
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