A study from researchers at Penn Medicine has found that missing a single eye doctor appointment over a 2-year period was linked to decreased visual acuity for older patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The findings, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, suggest that patients should pay more attention to sticking to their scheduled visits with their eye care professionals.
AMD occurs when debris builds up in the central portion of the retina, causing it to lose function and eventually paving the way to blurred eyesight. AMD is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people older than 50 years of age, with an estimated 1.8 million Americans suffering from the disease. The CDC predicts another 7.3 million are at risk of developing AMD. According to the study authors, while there is no cure for AMD, your vision may be maintained and often improves by using one of several FDA-approved medications.
Be sure that you take care of your eyes by scheduling an appointment at Sexton Vision Group. We have offices in Puyallup, Tacoma, Spokane and Spokane Valley and are open seven days a week for your convenience.