Article

Macular degeneration: detecting and preventing a leading cause of vision loss

Our eyes are cameras to the world, and for many of us the picture may be falling out of focus. Macular degeneration—simply described as blurred vision—affects more than 19 million Americans aged 40 and older.1 If you think you may be among them, be glad to know that macular degeneration, or AMD, can be easily detected. There are even ways to reduce or slow its onset.Comparing our eyes to a camera, macular degeneration is the breakdown of the film that records what we see. AMD affects the macula, the small central area of the retina that maintains our sharpest vision.2 The health of the macula determines our ability to read, recognize faces, drive, watch television, use a digital device and perform any other detailed visual task.The causes of AMD can be complex, involving heredity, the environment and lifestyle habits. Identifying its effects, however, can be relatively straightforward.Detecting AMD and its effectsEarly signs of vision loss from AMD include shadowy areas in your central vision or unusually fuzzy or distorted vision. Some patients may notice wavy or distorted words when reading.2Other symptoms of AMD include:3Problems or changes in the way you see colors.Being less able to see in low light.Blank spots or dark spots in your field of vision.The long-term effects of AMD include continued vision loss, which can affect your mobility, your independence, and your ability to do everyday tasks, such as3:Read well.Recognize faces.Drive.Cook.Do home repairs.Severe AMD may lead to you being legally blind.Reducing the risks of AMDA number of factors contribute to the risk of developing AMD. You may be at higher risk if you are over 50, Caucasian or have a family history of the condition.3 You can reduce your risk or slow its progression by:3Quit smoking.Maintain a healthy weight.Stay physically active.Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.Macular degeneration rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, so annual eye examinations are very important. Schedule yours today at an in-network provider such as Pearle Vision.“Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)”; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; cdc.gov; October 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/vehss/estimates/amd-prevalence.html“Macular degeneration: types, causes, symptoms and treatments,” All About Vision; June 2022. https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm“Macular Degeneration,” The Cleveland Clinic, February 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15246-macular-degeneration

Article

Age-proof your vision

As you age, so do your eyes. The major causes of vision impairment and blindness in older adults are age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.1Common age-related eye diseasesGlaucoma—a group of diseases that damages a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve, affecting one or both eyes.Cataracts—a clouding of your eye’s lens.Macular Degeneration—a slow breakdown of the light-sensitive tissue in your eye, causing loss of your central vision.The good news is, there are ways to proactively age-proof your vision. The key is early detection by scheduling an annual eye exam at an in-network provider like Target Optical. Not only can an eye exam uncover a vision issue before it becomes serious, but other health conditions can also be detected prior to symptoms surfacing, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and vitamin deficiencies.2There are also other simple, yet effective ways to maintain healthy eyes and promote healthy aging.Wear sunglasses. Shield your eyes from the sun and its potentially harmful elements by wearing sunglasses with lenses that provide UV protection. Find a pair that fits your style at Target Optical. For added convenience, consider Transitions® lenses, which darken when exposed to sunlight and fade back to clear indoors.Stop smoking. Not only will you help improve your overall health but smoking also increases the risk of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness.3Eat healthy. Try incorporating these vitamins and nutrients into your diet to improve vision and overall health:4Zinc—found in foods such as turkey, eggs, peanuts and whole grains, you may be able to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration by adding Zinc to your diet.Vitamin C—an antioxidant which may help prevent the development of cataracts. It’s found in foods like red peppers, oranges, strawberries, broccoli and kiwi.Vitamin A—there’s a reason we’ve heard “eat your carrots” our entire lives. That’s because carrots contain Vitamin A and not getting enough of it can lead to dry eye, corneal scarring, night blindness and vision loss.Get moving. Regular activity can positively impact physical health as well as mental and emotional wellbeing. For older adults, added benefits of exercise includes:Preventing chronic disease: Exercise provides a protective effect against a host of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension 5Keeping your mind sharp: Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age.6Improving strength and balance: This helps prevent falls and keeps you independent.Know your family history. Some eye diseases are genetic, and awareness leads to early treatment.“Common Eye Disorders and Diseases,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2023,https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html“21 Ways Aging Changes Your Eyes,” American Academy of Ophthalmology, August 9, 2022, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/20-ways-aging-changes-your-eyes“Vision Loss, Blindness, and Smoking,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 5, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/vision-loss-blindness.html#:~:text=Smoking%20causes%20changes%20in%20the,people%20who%20do%20not%20smoke.&text=You%20are%20two%20to%20three,people%20who%20do%20not%20smoke.“5 best foods for eye health,” Nebraska Medicine, February 1, 2022, https://www.nebraskamed.com/eye-care/5-best-foods-for-eye-health“The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60,” National Council on Aging, August 31, 2021 https://ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60“Benefits of Physical Activity,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 16, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm

Article

Vision issues to monitor in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond

With each passing year, we gain more memories and more wisdom. (We hope!) But as we grow older, our bodies change too, including our eyes and vision. This process is natural, but it’s important to stay aware of age-related vision changes to keep our sight and health on-track.If you’ve found yourself squinting at print or holding a book at arm’s length lately, you’re not alone.40 to 60Starting in the early to mid-40s, most of us may experience presbyopia, a condition in which the lens in the eye becomes less flexible, making it more difficult to focus at close distances.1 Fortunately, you have many options for dealing with presbyopia. Progressive lenses, for example, can be a simple answer. Ask a provider at Target Optical® about Progressive lenses which correct vision like bifocals and trifocals.1 But instead of a line that divides each refractive area, refraction changes gradually in the lens from top to bottom.As you continue to age, presbyopia typically becomes more advanced. Also, if you’re over 40, you’re more likely to develop eye health and vision problems if you have any of the following risk factors:1• Diabetes• A family history of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye can lead to vision loss) or age-related macular degeneration (loss of central vision)• A visually demanding job or eye-hazardous workIf you’re over 60As you reach your 60s and beyond, it’s important to watch for warning signs of age-related eye problems that could cause vision loss. Many eye diseases have no early symptoms, but early detection through regular eye examinations and treatment can help slow or stop their progression. Here are some of the problems you and your eye doctor should watch for2:• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—an eye disease that causes loss of central vision• Diabetic retinopathy—a condition that occurs in long-term diabetes and may cause vision loss• Retinal detachment—tearing or separation of the retina from the underlying tissue• Cataracts—clouding of the lens of the eye and a cause of vision loss• Glaucoma—damage to the optic nerve and a cause of blindness• Dry eye—lack of eye lubricationLook forward to the years aheadGrowing older brings changes, but it also brings the opportunity to enjoy all the people and experiences we’ve gathered over our lives. To help ensure optimal eye health, take care of your eyes today and in the years ahead with an annual eye exam at Target Optical®. Because no matter what your age, when you see and feel your best, you’ll have the time of your life.________________________________________1. “Adult Vision: 41 to 60 Years of Age”, American Optometric Association, 2022, https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age?sso=y.2. Felman, Adam; “What vision problems are more common in older adults?”; Medical News Today; www.medicalnewstoday.com; June 2024

Article

Are you at risk for glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that develop when increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the nerve fibers in the optic nerve and retina. This damage can lead to irreversible vision loss.The good news is if glaucoma is detected and treated early, its progression can be slowed or stopped. But the bad news is that people with glaucoma don’t always show symptoms. That’s why it’s important to know if you’re at risk.More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma.1 The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.1Anyone can get glaucoma, but if you fall into one or more of the risk categories listed below, it’s particularly important to receive a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilating your pupils every year:Advanced age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop glaucoma.2 Ethnicity: Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more prevalent in African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics than in other ethnic groups.1Family history: The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is known to be hereditary.3High intraocular pressure: Those with abnormally high pressure within the eye are at higher risk for glaucoma.Eye injuries: Blunt trauma to the eye can cause traumatic glaucoma, and those who have suffered an eye injury are potentially at risk for developing secondary open-angle glaucoma.3 Diabetes: Having diabetes can increase your risk of glaucoma.3Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, it’s important to have an annual eye exam. And if you do, make sure you notify your doctor of your higher risk for glaucoma in person or by filling out pre-exam paperwork.1. “January is Glaucoma Awareness Month”; Glaucoma.org; February 20242. “Glaucoma”; National Eye Institute; www.nei.nih.gov; November 20233. “Glaucoma”; Mayo Clinic; www.mayoclinic.org; November 2024