Many of us may not pay as much attention as we should to our eye health. But fresh insights from leading eye experts have shed light on some important things we all need to know.
At the 2023 American Society of Retina Specialists meeting in Seattle, Washington, Opthalmology Times had the opportunity to speak with ophthalmologists Durga Borkar, MD, MMCi, Aaron Lee, MD, and Carl Danzig, MD, who shared their perspectives on what patients need to know to safeguard their vision.
circa 1937: A man's face between his forehead and nose.
Early Intervention Can Save Your Vision
Dr. Durga Borkar stresses the importance of early intervention in conditions like diabetic macular edema and peripheral diabetic retinopathy.
She emphasizes that early screening and timely treatment can make all the difference in preventing irreversible vision loss from these diseases.
In simpler terms, do not delay that eye checkup, especially if you have a history of diabetes.
The Lifelong Burden of Retinal Therapeutics
Dr. Aaron Lee highlights a lesser-known aspect of eye health: the lifelong burden of retinal therapeutics.
Patients often underestimate the long-term commitment required when dealing with conditions like neovascular AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
It is not just a one-time injection; it is a life-changing journey. This insight emphasizes the need for more comprehensive patient education about the socioeconomic impact of retinal treatments.
Regular Checkups Are Vital
According to Dr. Carl Danzig, many people assume that as long as their vision seems fine, they have no eye health issues. However, this is a dangerous misconception.
Even with seemingly good vision, individuals can have hidden problems with their retina or conditions like glaucoma.
That's why Dr. Danzig strongly recommends regular dilated examinations with an eye health professional to ensure overall ocular health.
Prevention Is Key
Beyond the expert advice, it is essential to understand the broader context of eye health.
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 2,000,000 Americans aged 50 and older are affected by AMD. The good news is that treatment with zinc and antioxidants can significantly reduce the risk and progression of advanced AMD in this age group.
Moreover, it is estimated that half of visual impairment and blindness can be prevented through early diagnosis and timely treatment.
This underscores the importance of raising awareness among family members and friends who might be at higher risk for eye diseases.
Know Your Risks
Knowing your risk factors is crucial. Age is a primary risk factor for AMD and other eye conditions, but there are others to consider, including smoking, obesity, family history, and more. Awareness of these risk factors empowers individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
Lastly, adopting a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in reducing the risk of threatening eye conditions. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and avoiding smoking are all within our control and can contribute to better eye health.
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