Hope For Those With Age-Related Macular Degeneration

In a new study an implantable miniature telescope (IMT) approved by the FDA significantly improved vision for 76 patients averaging 75 years of age with end-stage age-related macular degeneration. "Most patients could once again see people's faces rather than just blurry outlines, and could get around the market or their backyard on their own."

According to Gary C. Brown of Center for Value-Based Medicine, the tiny telescope, "implanted in the back of the eye in the lens capsule, magnifies images so that the retina can relay better visual information to the optic nerve."

Catching Glaucoma In Its Early Stages

It's too early to be certain.

A new study at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has determined (inconclusively because more testing is needed) that a test known as a pattern electroretinogram measures the function of nerve cells in the retina and may detect glaucoma early enough to prevent or slow vision loss.

This non-invasive test can detect dysfunction and abnormal changes in retinal cells before they destroy the optic nerve.

Eating a Diet Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Might Fight Against AMD

Don't go out and purchase omega-3 supplements yet.

More studies need to confirm that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to protect seniors against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a serious eye disease that can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness.

In just a one year analysis covering nearly 2,400 seniors 65-84, "those who had advanced AMD were significantly less likely to consume high omega-3 fish and seafood," according to study lead author Sheila K. West of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Elderly Have Difficulty Administering Eyedrops

Buildup of internal eye pressure (Glaucoma) is one of the main causes of vision damage. Standard treatment relies on the patient administering pressure-lowering drops to each eye.

In a recent study patients frequently applied drops to their eyes incorrectly by either adding too few or too many drops or by touching the eye with the applicator. Many of those participants who thought they were applying the drops correctly were in fact not, according to numerous videos of their home routines.

Eye care providers need to teach their patients the best procedure to administer the drops, "which is usually with a mirror, tilting the head back and placing the drop in the eye while holding down the lower eyelid."

For more on eye disorders, including "How to take eye drop medicine," visit 50somethinginfo.com

The Eyes Have It: When You Are Plagued With Dry Eye Syndrome

Car-man and I love to walk at Shoreline Park in Santa Barbara. More than once we had to turn around and head home prematurely because my eyes were stinging and my vision was blurred. Even my tears couldn't alleviate the pain.

Then I learned I have dry-eye syndrome.

I wasn't aware that this incurable ailment primarily plagues post-menopausal women. In addition to stinging and blurred or fluctuating vision, the syndrome may also cause sensitivity to light.

Dye eye syndrome arises out of a disfunction of any of the three layers of film on the eye. These layers are mucus, water and oil.

Here's what you can do to combat dry eye syndrome:

1. Run a humidifier to combat dry winter air.

2. Take out your contact lenses and replace with eyeglasses.

3. Get plenty of sleep.

4. Avoid smoke.

5. Wear goggles when swimming.

6. Direct fans and vents away from your face.

7. Wear sunglasses, preferably the wrap-around kind.

8. Wear a hat.

9. Eat healthy.

10. Drink lots of water.

11. Use herbal tea bags as compresses.

12. Take breaks from the computer or television.

13. Gently massage the edge of your eyelids daily with a warm wet swab or washcloth.

If you are still uncomfortable, an eye lubricant might help. Find the best one for you from over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. The premier ones are preservative free and come in single-use vials.

If you opt for an eye ointment, apply only at bedtime.

And should you continue to have trouble, see your ophthalmologist.

For more information, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Clouds Belong In the Sky, Not On Your Eyes

The risk for cataracts (clouds the lens of the eye so vision is impaired) sharply rises after 60 years of age even though it is not unusual to get them at 40 or 50.

By age 80 50% of all Americans will have cataracts or will have had them removed.

You can delay the onset by:

1. Eating certain fruits and vegetables (dark leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas, dark green or yellow fruit) and egg yolks.

2. Not smoking

3. Protecting your eyes from sunlight with sunglasses and a hat.

4. Having regular eye exams.

What used to be a hospital stay is now an outpatient procedure to have cataracts removed. In fact it is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States and is painless.

Find out more about cataracts and eye disorders on 50somethinginfo.com