Macular Degeneration (AMD) Still Poses Vision Loss Problem for Houston Seniors

    HOUSTON, TX, February 06, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "While we have made considerable progress in preventing vision loss from age related macular degeneration (AMD) in seniors, we have to do better," commented Dr. Da-Thuy Van, an Ophthalmologist at The Eye Clinic of Texas. "Many Houston seniors have been able to benefit from the groundbreaking research in AMD treatment including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitor injections such as Lucentis and Eyelea , but still- AMD remains a leading cause of blindness in Americans age 65 and older," Dr. Van noted.

"Besides the effect of the vision loss itself, what seniors need to be aware of is that visual impairment in seniors is typically correlated with additional chronic health problems, falls and life changing orthopedic injuries such as hip fractures, mental decline and even depression and social isolation," stressed Houston Ophthalmologist Bernard Milstein, M.D. "To that end, we strongly advise patients older than 50 to have a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that AMD is detected as early as possible-and if anyone in your family has macular degeneration it is critical to be seen even earlier and more often. Making an early diagnosis and getting treated as early as possible are the keys to preserving vision," said Dr. Milstein.

Although AMD is incurable, with early detection and diagnosis there are a number of treatment options that have proven to prevent further vision loss from the disease and in many cases may actually help recover some lost vision.

Patients can also help to decrease their risk of developing age related macular degeneration (AMD) by not smoking, moderating alcohol consumption to less than 15g per day, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston, League City and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573, 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas 77550 that provide all aspects of general, medical, surgical, laser and optical eye care services.

To learn more about The Eye Clinic of Texas you may visit http://www.ecot.com or http://www.facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

For additional information, contact:
Amy Trittel, The Eye Clinic of Texas, 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas 77550, [email protected], 1-800-423-3937

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
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The Eye Clinic of Texas was established in 1972 to offer greater Houston & Galveston eye care patients convenient and comprehensive medical, laser, surgical and optical eye care services. Patients in need of eye health and vision care, or eyeglasses and eyewear will find The Eye Clinic of Texas an advanced eye center with friendly professional staff.

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