Age related diseases are common and can rob you of your sight

  With baby boomers reaching the age of 65 the incidence of sight threatening age related diseases will soar.  The three most common diseases in the U.S.A. are macular degeneration, diabetes, and glaucoma.  These are all treatable diseases.  The problem is that in their early stages there are few symptoms if any and often the damaged caused by these diseases is irreversible.

Diagnosis of all three of these diseases can now be made earlier than ever with new diagnostic modalities.  One of the most important of these is the OCT exam, or ocular computerized tomogram that is extremely useful in viewing the retina and optic nerve in great detail.  Early diagnosis is critical as it allows for earlier treatment.  Treatment for macular degeneration can vary depending on whether it is the "wet" or  "dry" type, the latter usually being treated with either diet or vitamin supplements.  Laser therapy and sometimes intraocular injections are required for the "wet" type. 

Treatment for diabetes is similar.  After first managing kidney function, blood pressure, and blood sugar, either laser therapy or intraocular injections could be considered.

Glaucoma is most often associated with elevated intraocular pressures which leads to damage of the optic nerve.  To prevent this there are many drops that can be administered to the eye that can lower it's pressure.  Many of these drops only require once a day administration.

Because early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in the world when it comes to preserving vision and because these diseases can also affect  younger people, it is prudent for patients to avail themselves for annual exams.  At North Shore Eye Care our board certified ophthalmologists are available most hours of the day including early morning and late evening hours six days a week.