Low vision specialists in Florida are ophthalmologists who are trained and specialize in the treatment of eye diseases that result in low vision such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Treatment varies depending on the type and nature of the disease; cataracts are usually corrected with surgery, but when it comes to macular degeneration, devices that aid low vision may be the best option; a Florida low vision eye doctor can determine which of these may be of the most help to you.
AMD
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a progressive condition of the eye in which the macula, which is the connection of nerve cells in the center of your eye’s retina that is important for central vision, begins to deteriorate. Usually, this is of the “dry” variety; the macula simply begins to dry up and shrivel. The other kind, less common but more serious, is called “wet” macular degeneration; treatment is usually ineffective as this is caused by an abnormal growth of blood vessels.
Prevention and Treatment
The best macular degeneration treatment is prevention. Risk factors include:
– tobacco use
– diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
– lack of exercise
– obesity
Avoiding these, and having regular eye examinations from your Florida low vision eye doctor could help in avoiding the worst symptoms of macular degernation.
Devices
If you are already affected by AMD, avoiding the risk factors and add salt-water fish and leafy green vegetables to your diet may help keep the symptoms from progressing further. However, there are many macular degeneration devices that can also help you to maximize the eyesight you have remaining.
Bioptic glasses are one such device. Somewhat like regular bifocals on steroids, these actually have miniature telescopes mounted on them or within then that the wearer can look through in order to concentrate on activities that require acute close central vision.
For those suffering from AMD that work with computers, the Florida low vision eye doctor may recommend a special monitor that magnifies on-screen font sizes, making them easier to read, or special software and hardware that allows the use to speak into a microphone and have the computer turn the speech into actual text. The important thing is not to despair if you have developed AMD; a Florida low vision eye doctor is trained in these issues and will have options for you.