Maine Retina Specialists on Increase in Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PORTLAND, ME, February 01, 2013 (Press-News.org) "The aging demographics of our Maine population seems to directly mirror our day to day clinical experience that demonstrates a significant increase in the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration or AMD," commented Maine Retina Specialist & Vitreoretinal Surgeon Scott Steidl, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland. "The most recent data indicates that more than 2 million people over the age of 50 are affected by advanced AMD, which represents a 25% increase since 2000-that's a considerable increase and consistent with what is seen in patients throughout Maine," said Dr. Steidl.

"Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50. We want patients to be aware that although AMD is not curable, with early detection, diagnosis and timely treatment, we are able to prevent catastrophic loss and often even reverse some vision loss from age-related macular degeneration," noted Maine Retina Specialist & Vitreoretinal Surgeon Jackie Nguyen, M.D.

"We want to stress the importance and necessity of patients older than 50 having comprehensive dilated eye exams every one to two years. If a family member has age-related macular degeneration, you are at even greater risk, and thus it is critical to be seen even earlier and more often," explained Dr. Nguyen. "As a retina specialist, my goal is to make an early diagnosis and recommend treatment if necessary as this is the key to preserving vision," reiterated Dr. Nguyen. "If you have the presence of abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina-a characteristic of "wet" AMD-we want to be able to get you treated with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitor injections such as Lucentis , Eylea or Avastin as soon as possible. These injections can work well to stop and reverse the development of the unwanted blood vessels that cause wet AMD, are effective in preventing further visual loss, and can even improve vision," Dr. Nguyen explained.

Patients can also help to decrease their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by not smoking, moderating alcohol consumption to less than 15g per day, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age-related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
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For additional information, contact:
Gretel Taska, Eyecare Medical Group, 53 Sewall Street, Portland, Maine 04102, gtaska@eyecaremed.com, 1-888-374-2020