Home Helpers and Macular Degeneration
According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, "macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans - more than cataracts and glaucoma combined." It is currently incurable. Macular degeneration affects more than a third of seniors over the age of 75. Carl Kupfer, the former Director of the National Eye Institute, notes that unless a breakthrough is made in identification and treatment, macular degeneration will become an epidemic. He said, "As the 'baby boom'' generation ages, and in the absence of further prevention and treatment advances, the prevalence of AMD is estimated to reach epidemic proportions...by the year 2030."
Macular Degeneration …show more content…
Other risk factors include family history, being Caucasian, and smoking. Smokers have at least double the risk of developing macular degeneration as non-smokers.
While there is no cure, there are some things you can do to protect your eyes. First, stop smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke. Second, protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. Wearing glasses that have both UVA and UVB protection can help to save your eyes. It should be noted that wearing dark glasses without UV protection can be even more harmful than not wearing sunglasses at all.
Studies have also shown that different foods can help to protect your eyes. For example, a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins C and E has been shown to be beneficial. Additionally, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens can protect your vision.
Home helpers can assist your loved one if they are suffering from macular degeneration but still desire to age in place. Home helpers are able to assist with light housework, cooking, shopping, transportation, and personal care, including bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and so
According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, "macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans - more than cataracts and glaucoma combined." It is currently incurable. Macular degeneration affects more than a third of seniors over the age of 75. Carl Kupfer, the former Director of the National Eye Institute, notes that unless a breakthrough is made in identification and treatment, macular degeneration will become an epidemic. He said, "As the 'baby boom'' generation ages, and in the absence of further prevention and treatment advances, the prevalence of AMD is estimated to reach epidemic proportions...by the year 2030."
Macular Degeneration …show more content…
Other risk factors include family history, being Caucasian, and smoking. Smokers have at least double the risk of developing macular degeneration as non-smokers.
While there is no cure, there are some things you can do to protect your eyes. First, stop smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke. Second, protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. Wearing glasses that have both UVA and UVB protection can help to save your eyes. It should be noted that wearing dark glasses without UV protection can be even more harmful than not wearing sunglasses at all.
Studies have also shown that different foods can help to protect your eyes. For example, a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins C and E has been shown to be beneficial. Additionally, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens can protect your vision.
Home helpers can assist your loved one if they are suffering from macular degeneration but still desire to age in place. Home helpers are able to assist with light housework, cooking, shopping, transportation, and personal care, including bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and so