Taking Aspirin Makes AMD Worse?

Most seniors and other people who suffer from vascular, heart, blood clotting problems or even arthritis are well aware of the benefits of taking a daily aspirin. In fact many people have been prescribed aspirin as part of their overall care by their primary care or other specialty physicians. Seniors are also well aware that age related macular degeneration (AMD) continues to be a leading cause of vision loss. Until recently there was some confusion and disagreement regarding whether it was safe or even risky for those who have AMD to take aspirin as it could increase bleeding risk in the retina and worsen AMD. A very careful review of information was reported in the journal Retina and gave us good insight into the conclusions that overall, the types and size of studies showing the positive benefits of aspirin use for cardiovascular health were quite a bit better that the smaller limited studies showing a possible adverse effect of aspirin use in relation to AMD. The benefits of aspirin usage include preserving the duration and quality of life by decreasing stroke and heart attack risk. These benefits seem to far outweigh the theoretical risks of possibly exacerbating wet AMD, which we can now control reasonably well with anti-VEGF injection therapy with Eylea®, Lucentis® and other available medications.

If you or someone you know takes aspirin and has or has been recently diagnosed with age related macular degeneration (AMD) it appears safe and beneficial to follow your physicians prescribing instructions and not worry about any increased risk of worsening AMD. If you have questions or need to schedule an eye exam please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.

Cataract Patient Story at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center

“My vision was declining quite rapidly and I was getting very concerned that there was something wrong with me.  Turns out that I had cataracts.  I always thought it was a very involved procedure and the recovery was long.  At least it was when my grandparents had their cataracts removed many years ago.  I was happily surprised to find out that I was wrong on all accounts.  The procedure was so quick I couldn’t believe it that I was home in a little over two hours and I went to work the next day after my follow up appointment.  Best of all my vision is so clear now!!”

If you or some you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please call at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.

Sleep Apnea, Eye Diseases & Problems

What does sleep apnea have to do with eye problems and diseases? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition that affects some 3-7% of the overall population in the U.S.. You are even at greater risk for OSA if you are middle aged or older, male, overweight or obese, have a family history of OSA, are menopausal, have any nasal or sinus irregularities or are a smoker or consume alcohol. If you know anyone with OSA you know they have poor nighttime sleep and are very tired, sleepy and fatigued during the day. Did you know that OSA also increases your risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and even diabetes? Results of the SLE.E.P.Y. Study show OSA either increases your risk for several eye disorders and problems including glaucoma, eyelid, corneal and retinal problems such as macular disease or seems to be associated with them at a much higher rate than the normal population.

If you or someone you suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) they should be sure to have regular eye exams. Please schedule an eye exam at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.

Protect Your Eyes from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

7 Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) continues to be the leading cause of vision loss in seniors and those over 50 years of age. While there is no way to completely eliminate the aging process, there are some things you CAN do to prevent vision loss. The key to preventing vision loss from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is early detection, diagnosis and treatment. There are a number of steps you can take that are helpful in preventing AMD vision loss.

Get Regular Comprehensive Medical Eye Exams. AMD often has no early warning signs, so getting regular comprehensive eye exams is critical in diagnosing and treating this eye disease in its early stages, BEFORE vision loss has occurred. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or increased risk factors get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 which is the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Even if you have obvious eye problems, symptoms or decreased vision, by age 65, it is recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years.

Stop Smoking. Many studies now show that smoking increases the risk of developing AMD by two times and the speed at which it progresses!

Eat a Proper Diet. Many studies demonstrate that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrient packed foods, such as salmon and nuts, may reduce the risk of AMD. Research also suggests that patients who ate fresh fish, an important source of omega-3s, were at lower risk of developing AMD.

Take the Right Macular Health Vitamins. Vitamins can delay progression of advanced AMD and help people keep their vision longer if they have intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. But make sure it’s the right combination of vitamins! A recent study found that some of the top-selling products do not contain identical ingredient dosages to eye vitamin formulas proven effective in clinical trials. 

Get Regular Exercise. Exercising three times a week can reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by 70 percent. Studies also show that physical activity may lower the odds of both early and late-stages of AMD.

Monitor Vision with an Amsler Grid. This simple, daily routine takes less than one minute and can help people with AMD save more of their vision. Using this grid is essential to finding any vision changes that are not obvious, so you can report them to your eye doctor.

Know Your Family Eye Health History. If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent greater chance of developing the condition. You may need more frequent eye exams and specialized testing based on your family history.

Take these simple steps to help prevent Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Begin by making sure you have a comprehensive eye exam at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.