How Age-Related Macular Degeneration is Treated

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When the macula is damaged, central vision may appear dark, blurred or distorted. AMD is one of the leading causes of severe vision loss in the world among individuals over the age of 50.

AMD is a Worldwide Problem

One of the greatest challenges of AMD is that it is a multifactorial, progressive disease with no cure. There are two distinct types of AMD, wet AMD and dry AMD, and they behave differently. Currently, there are no tests that can identify risk or severity of AMD.

Available Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Because there is no cure for AMD, the goal is to delay progression of the disease. In some cases of dry AMD, this can be accomplished with over-the-counter multi-vitamins that help protect the eyes from oxidative stress. Patients with wet AMD can benefit from eye injections that block the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. However, neither of these treatments restores vision.

Future of AMD Treatments

Clinical trials for AMD are large, lengthy and expensive, but researchers are committed to learning more about how and why AMD develops. A study was recently published online in Ophthalmology that suggests small particles in the blood could indicate the presence of AMD. This is particularly exciting because AMD can go undiagnosed for many years. The researchers were hopeful that blood profiles could help detect AMD earlier, thus preventing vision loss.

The Best Way to Preserve Your Vision

Yearly eye exams are the most effective way to detect AMD and preserve your eyesight. At your eye exam, your ophthalmologist will evaluate your vision for:

  • Eye diseases such as AMD, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy
  • Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism
  • Focusing problems including presbyopia
  • Other vision problems such as strabismus, amblyopia or binocular vision

Eye exams can also offer a window into your overall health and detect chronic conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol. If it has been over a year since you have had a full eye exam with dilation, contact your ophthalmologist to set up an appointment.

How to Know if You Have a Gluten Allergy

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Gluten is what provides the elastic texture of bread, and it helps certain foods maintain their shape. Think of it as the “glue” that holds food together.  

Gluten can be harmful to those with Celiac disease because the protein causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine, the location in which the body absorbs vitamins and essential nutrients from food. Malabsorption can result in malnutrition, weight loss, anemia and stunted growth.

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

There are over 200 identified symptoms of celiac disease, which means that every case is unique. An estimated 1 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to gluten, but 83 percent of those individuals are undiagnosed.

So how do you know if you may be allergic to gluten? Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Feeling tired or foggy
  • Migraine headaches
  • Dizziness and feeling off-balance
  • Inflammation, pain or swelling in your joints
  • Anxiety, depression and mood swings
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia

How Gluten Allergy is Diagnosed

Many digestive conditions can present similar symptoms, so it is important to make an appointment with your doctor or gastroenterologist for proper testing. Celiac disease cannot be diagnosed by answering an online questionnaire or by eating a gluten free diet.  It must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional through a blood test.

There are several types of blood tests that screen for celiac disease antibodies, but the tTG-IgA test is the most common. For the test to be effective, you must be consuming gluten. If celiac disease antibodies are present in your blood, your doctor may order a biopsy of your small intestine to confirm whether you are allergic to gluten.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

Some people experience symptoms of a gluten allergy but do not have celiac disease. This is often known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Although the two conditions share similar symptoms, non-celiac gluten sensitivity does not cause intestinal damage. Research estimates that 18 million Americans have gluten sensitivity, six times the number of Americans who have celiac disease.

Make an Appointment with Your Doctor

Remember that celiac disease is a serious medical condition. If you have symptoms, do not ignore them. Make an appointment with your doctor. Working with your primary care physician, a board-certified gastroenterologist and a registered dietician can help you obtain an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

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Devices and Aids to Support Low Vision and AMD

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February is not only Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, it is also Low Vision Awareness Month, so let’s explore some aids that can help you see clearly if you are affected by low vision.

E-readers and Audio Books

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision, which makes even large print books difficult to read. Electronic readers allow you to customize your font, type size and contrast so you can continue to read those best sellers. If you would rather listen to a book, try a subscription to an audio book website or check out your favorite audio books at the library. 

Voice Commands

Using voice commands on smartphones or smart home systems, you can check the weather, get the news, control your lights or make a phone call. There are also computers, watches, timers, blood pressure cuffs and blood sugar machines that communicate data through sound instead of numbers and images.

Large Buttons and Contrasting Colors

Having low vision can make it difficult to use telephones, thermostats and remote controls. Look for devices with large-sized numbers and buttons and high-contrast colors to help you use these everyday necessities more efficiently.

Magnifiers and Lights

With magnification and brighter lighting, you may still be able to read, sew, complete a crossword puzzle or read a hand-written note. Consider using a magnifier on a stand, hand-held magnifier or reading glasses. You may also find it helpful to replace your light bulbs with higher wattage bulbs and add more lamps in darker areas of your home (source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).

Do not let age-related macular degeneration and low vision limit your independence. Talk to your ophthalmologist for more visual aids and tips to manage low vision. The best way to maintain your eye health and prevent vision loss is to schedule your yearly eye exams. 

American Heart Health Month Promotes Colon Health Too

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February is American Heart Month, and whether you are battling heart disease or not, it is the perfect time to evaluate your diet and make some healthy changes that are good for both your heart and your colon.

A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and colon cancer, but exercise gets your blood pumping and your digestive tract moving. Find an activity you enjoy and commit to exercising regularly. Aim for slow but consistent workouts. Avoid the weekend warrior mentality that often results in injury or burnout.

To Support Heart and Colon Health Through Exercise:

  • Take a 20-minute walk
  • Find a yoga class
  • Go for a swim
  • Take a hike
  • Play tennis or racquetball with a friend
  • Lift weights
  • Find a dance class

Obesity is another risk factor for heart disease and colon cancer. In the U.S., 70 percent of adults are overweight or obese due to overconsumption, especially of foods that are high in saturated fats (American Heart Association). What you eat and how much you eat affects your risk of both heart disease and colon cancer.

  • To Prevent Heart Disease and Colon Cancer Through Diet:
  • Use an app like My Fitness Pal to track calories, fat and macronutrients
  • Fill at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables
  • Limit red meat consumption to once a week as it may increase heart disease and colorectal cancer
  • Load up the rest of your plate with whole grains, nuts and lean proteins
  • Avoid processed foods like chips, cookies, ice cream, cake and doughnuts
  • Read labels and watch sodium intake
  • Monitor your portion sizes using a food scale or measuring cups
  • Bulk up on fiber-rich foods (SCCN)

Why Eating Fruits and Vegetables is Good for Your Heart and Colon

We all know that fruits and veggies are good sources of vitamins and minerals, are high in fiber, and are low in calories, but did you know that they also contain nutrients that may actually prevent heart disease? Research shows that people who eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day have about a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease and stroke than people who ate less than three servings a day (Time). Here are some ways to increase your veggie intake:

  • Make fruits and vegetables the main course of your meals
  • Try vegetable stir-fry, vegetarian fajitas, burrito bowls, roasted or grilled veggies, soups and salads
  • Avoid canned fruits and vegetables and opt for fresh or frozen ones instead
  • Prepare and refrigerate fruits and vegetables for convenient and healthy snacks
  • Check out our Colon-Healthy Recipes board on Pinterest for heart-healthy fruit and veggie recipes

This month, work to prevent heart disease and colon cancer by boosting your activity level and improving your diet. Your heart (and your colon) will thank you!

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