Are You Taking Your Eyesight for Granted?

Eyesight-for-GrantedFrom the Spring 2012 StayHealthy publication

For most, seeing the world is second nature and the thought that one day we might lose our sight doesn't seem possible. Yet according to the National Eye Institute, more than 3.3 million Americans are either legally blind or with low vision and receiving regular comprehensive eye exams is the best way to avoid the risk of serious eye problems.

Diabetes Does Damage
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States among adults age 20 and over according to the National Eye Institute.
"Not only do people with diabetes run the risk of developing this disease, they are also more likely to develop other eye diseases such as cataract and glaucoma," said Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Douglas Zale, MD. "Through regular medical checkups, the disease can be caught before it causes irreparable damage."

The Cataract Complication
"By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract of have had cataract surgery," Zale noted. "Cataracts can be detected in the very early stages and, if it progresses and interferes with vision, the cloudy lens can be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens."

Glaucoma comes Gradually
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause optic nerve damage, which causes vision loss. Zale explained that as the second leading cause of blindness, it comes on slowly and vision loss may not be noticed until the disease is advanced. Zale added that with early intervention the disease can be controlled and slowed.


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Age is an Issue
According to the National Eye Institute, the leading cause of vision loss in individuals age 60 and older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zale shared that a genetic test has recently come to the market that will detect an individual's risk for developing advanced AMD. "The test determines who's at risk for developing advanced AMD." He also said National Eye Institute research found that patients taking high doses of antioxidants and zinc could reduce their risk of developing advanced AMD. "However," Zale said, "no one should begin this treatment regime without talking with their doctor first."

Take your Eyesight Seriously, not for Granted
Reinforcing that regular eye exams are the best way to prevent eye diseases that can cause blindness, Zale recommends a comprehensive eye exam for all adults starting at age 40, and every three to five years after that if other risk factors are not present. "The good news is that there are ways to prevent blindness that didn't exist in the past."

Dr. Zale is an independent member of the Medical Staff at Porter. To find a physician, visit porterhealth.com or call our physician referral hotline at 800.541.1861.