Macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD (age-related macular degeneration), is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 and older.

AMD is a degeneration of the macula, central part of the retina responsible for the sharp vision needed to read or drive.

It is estimated that 2 million americans had advanced age-related macular degeneration. That number is expected to rise to almost 3 million by 2020.

Macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). Neovascular refers to growth of new blood vessels in an area where they are not supposed to be.

The dry form is more common than the wet, with about 85-90 percent of AMD patients diagnosed with dry AMD. The wet form of the disease usually leads to more serious vision loss.

Dry AMD is an early stage of the disease and may result from the aging and thinning of the macula, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of the two processes.

Gradual central vision loss may occur with dry macular degeneration but is not nearly as severe as wet AMD symptoms.

No FDA-approved treatment or prevention has been available for dry macular degeneration. until now:

http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2009/02/vitamin_b_folic.html

Wet Macular Degeneration (neovascular). In about 10 percent of cases, dry AMD progresses to the more advanced and damaging form of the eye disease. With wet macular degeneration, new blood vessels grow (neovascularization) beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells, which die off and create blind spots in central vision.

We often detect early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms occur – usually accomplished through a retinal exam.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that findings regarding AMD and risk factors have been contradictory, depending on the study. The only risk factors consistently found in studies to be associated with the eye disease are aging and smoking.

What Causes Retinal Detachments?

An injury to the eye or face can cause a detached retina, as can very high levels of nearsightedness.

Also, people who are very nearsighted people have longer eyeballs with thinner retinas that are more prone to detaching.

Cataract surgery, tumors, eye disease and systemic diseases such as diabetes and sickle cell disease may also cause retinal detachments.

New blood vessels growing under or into the retina — which can happen in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration — may push or pull the retina away from its support network as well. Sometimes fluid movement in the eye pulls the retina away.

If you suddenly notice spots, floaters and flashes of light, you may be experiencing the warning signs of retinal detachment.

Bottom line, if you experience any of the signs, call me right away. Immediate treatment increases your odds of regaining lost vision.

Best regards,

Dr. Lewis

Well, because so many of you requested it, here is my famous chili recipe.

And yes, it is the same recipe my daughter Sophie rubbed into her eye, which inspired an email note to you.

That note can be found in our email archive:

http://community.icontact.com/p/orindaoptometric

And please feel free use the comment section below to add ingredients or let me and others know how it turned out.

Dr. Lewis’ Famous Chili Recipe

Method

1. In a large, 8-quart, thick-bottom pot, cook the onion over medium high heat, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for a minute or two more. Add a bit more olive oil if needed.

2. Add stock and diced sweet potatoes, bring to boil and cook for approx 15 min (or until potatoes are moderately soft).

3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, oregano, salt, pepper, and cooked turkey meat. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for approximately an hour.

3. Salt to taste. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of sugar to take the edge of the acidity of the tomatoes, if desired.

The chili may be made in advance and refrigerated for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and or sour cream. Serve alone, over rice, or with corn bread.

Or our favorite: ladle chili over chopped, organic greens of choice (i.e. rainbow swiss chard or some other dark leafy green for those of us with a family history of macular degeneration).

Makes about 12 cups. Serves 8.

PS. And again, please don’t get any in your eye, but if you do, call me!

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