By the time most of us reach the age of 60, we start to experience reduced eyesight acuity. Sometimes this is minor; in some cases however, blurred central vision can be a symptom of age-related macular degeneration – an irreversible and incurable condition that if not treated can result in total blindness.
Contacting an Atlanta low vision specialist when the symptoms of macular degeneration first appear is the best way to ensure that you will be able to continue leading a normal life. Despite the fact that the condition is irreversible and incurable, there are several treatments for macular degeneration that an Atlanta low vision eye doctor can use in order to help you in optimizing what eyesight is remaining.
While the symptoms of macular degeneration, which include low vision and blurriness, are generally associated with old age, the fact is that the disease is genetic in nature and can strike people as young as thirty. Such symptoms may not be readily apparent in the beginning; it may be your optometrist that first notices the condition. In this case, the optometrist may refer you to an Atlanta low vision doctor for further examination.
At your first appointment with an Atlanta low vision specialist, s/he will do an extensive eye examination in order to determine the stage of the disease and how much damage has been done. Next, you may be asked about your dietary choices and routine activities. This information will help your Atlanta low vision doctor in determining which treatments for macular degeneration will be most effective in your particular case.
If the disease is caught in the early stages, it may be possible to treat it with diet and vitamin and mineral supplements. Your Atlanta low vision eye doctor may recommend that you increase your intake of leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach, which have properties that can strengthen capillary walls. S/he may also recommend the intake of Vitamin A,C and E supplements as well as zinc and lutein.
Macular degeneration devices are another form of treatment available to your Atlanta low vision eye doctor. These devices range from the simple to the high tech; again, this will depend a great deal on how far the disease has progressed in your particular case. S/he may recommend the use of bioptic glasses, which have miniature telescopes mounted on them that enable the wearer to better see text and objects directly in front of them.
In any event, the sooner you are diagnosed by an Atlanta low vision specialist, the more options will be available to you. Your Atlanta low vision doctor is specially trained in all aspects of treating macular degeneration and will assist you in making the most of the eyesight that you have remaining. This disease need not mean inevitable blindness when you are able to work with an Atlanta low vision specialist.
