Donald Kanoff discusses macular degeneration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Parsippany, New Jersey, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) September 9, 2010 -- The retina is the very thin tissue that lines the back of the eye and contains the light-sensing cells that send visual signals to the brain. Sharp, clear, 'straight ahead' vision is processed by the macula, which is the central part of the retina. When the macula becomes damaged through ocular disease, many daily activities such as driving and reading become increasingly difficult.

There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry and wet. It is possible for a person to suffer from both forms and AMD can affect one or both eyes. The disease can also progress slowly or rapidly. Dry AMD may advance and cause loss of vision without turning into the wet form of the disease. However, it is also possible for early-stage dry AMD to suddenly change into the wet form of the disease.

If dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) reaches the advanced stages, there is no current treatment to prevent vision loss. However, a specific high-dose formula of antioxidants and zinc may delay or prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage. The wet form of the disease can be treated with Lucentis, Macugen, photodynamic therapy, and laser photocoagulation. If vision loss is permanent, low-vision aids exist that can help improve the quality of life.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of visual impairment in the United States. Approximately 1.8 million Americans age 40 and older have advanced AMD, and another 7.3 million people with intermediate AMD are at substantial risk for vision loss. The government estimates that by 2020 there will be 2.9 million people with advanced AMD.

Ongoing research continues with studies exploring environmental, genetic, and dietary factors that may contribute to AMD. New treatment strategies are also being explored, including retinal cell transplants, drugs that will prevent or slow down the progress of the disease, radiation therapy, gene therapies, a computer chip implanted in the retina that may help simulate vision and agents that will prevent the growth of new blood vessels under the macula.

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http://www.donaldkanoff.org

About Donald Kanoff

Dr. Kanoff is board certified in treatment and management of ocular disease.Dr. Kanoff specializes in laser evaluation for lasik surgery, as well as ocular prosthetic fitting and management.Dr. Kanoff maintains a large contact lens inventory, as well as a large selection of eyeglass frames in many new and exciting styles and designers.

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