Vision Health Month

PAG E 2 VISION HEALTH M O N T H When it comes to macular degeneration, Doctors of Optometry are more likely to catch sight of the problem before you notice any symptoms. D r. Kelsey Bruce of Oakley Optical explains that macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects central vision, specifically the macula of the eye. "It's the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 55 in North America, so it's quite common. In my practice, I see at least a couple cases of macular degeneration every day," said Bruce, Past-President of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists. "The macula is the most central portion of the retina, and I always tell my patients it's the most precious portion of your vision. Macular degeneration is really sight-threatening because the macula affects the central sight, unlike glaucoma, which affects the peripheral." Macular degeneration can range from a small blur or distortion of central vision all the way to complete loss of sight. The disease comes in two varieties: a wet form and a dry form. The dry form is milder and more common. The wet form is less common, making up about 10 per cent of cases, but it is much more severe. First and foremost, the main risk factor is age. "Every year that we get older, the higher probability we have of developing it. That's why the elderly population is most affected by this eye disease," Bruce said. "It is definitely a genetic eye disease, so if you have it in your family, that also puts you at higher risk." Race is another concern with macular degeneration. "It affects Caucasian people the most, specifically people with lighter coloured eyes," Bruce said. Sun damage and macular degeneration are also linked, so wearing sunglasses can reduce risks. "The easiest thing to prevent macular degeneration is using UV protection, so sun coverage is one of the most important things. I always tell my patients that sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes," she said. "Sunglasses protect the central retina — when light goes through your pupil, it hits the macula directly every single day of your life. That's why that area is at high risk for damage. So just by using sunglasses, it reduces the risk of macular degeneration significantly." Smoking is another risk factor, along with health concerns such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. "If you can, you should quit smoking. You also want to exercise and have a good diet," Bruce said. "All of those things are going to help the cardiovascular system, which is going to help the blood vessels in the body, including those in your eyes." In addition, Bruce stresses the need for routine regular eye check-ups. "At the beginning of macular degeneration, most patients aren't going to know that it's happening," she said. "Their optometrist will see it during a routine exam, so we can talk to them and advise them." People with dry macular degeneration, or at high risk of getting it, should focus on UV protection and eye vitamins. "There are certain eye vitamins on the market that we recommend to help slow down the progression of macular degeneration," Bruce said. "They won't cure it, but hopefully will slow the progression of macular degeneration, resulting in less damage to eyesight." For wet macular degeneration, a common treatment is anti-VEGF therapy, which involves an injection into the eye to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels that leak and bleed into the eye. "This treatment is for the maintenance of your sight so that macular degeneration does not progress or it progresses more slowly," Bruce said. "It's been working quite well, but it is definitely a serious treatment." Since many eye diseases are symptomless, especially at the initial stages, it's important to see your Doctor of Optometry on a regular basis. Seventy-five per cent of eye disease is treatable if discovered, and early treatment can make a difference. "If we find problems early, it's easier for us to diagnose and take care of eye disease so that hopefully we can prevent loss of sight down the road," Bruce said. "Everyone should take care of their eyes as best they can because we need them for a lifetime." CENTRAL SIGHT THREAT BY JENNIFER MCFEE Dr. Kelsey Bruce is Past-President of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists. Photo by Darcy Finley SINCE MANY EYE DISEASES ARE SYMPTOMLESS, ESPECIALLY AT THE INITIAL STAGES, IT'S IMPORTANT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY ON A REGULAR BASIS. SEVENTY- FIVE PER CENT OF EYE DISEASE IS TREATABLE IF DISCOVERED, AND EARLY TREATMENT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

• Cover