Macular Degeneration, Cataracts & Glaucoma Growing Senior Eye Problems

    POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, February 07, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "In reviewing the Centers for Disease Control Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) one has to take careful note of the data suggesting that by 2050, some 18 million people over the age of 50 are expected to have early age-related macular degeneration. This is an enormous number and certainly reflects the growing number of seniors, but also the long term impact of lifestyle choices that can adversely affect eye health and vision such as smoking and diet," commented Satish Modi M.D. of Seeta Eye Centers. "We are fortunate to have treatment options such as Lucentis and Eyelea injections, but we really need seniors to be aware of their risk factors. They should participate in their own eye care by having regular dilated eye exams every 1-2 years, or more often if necessary, to monitor retinal health," shared Ophthalmologist Andreas Wolter M.D.

"The data regarding cataracts is even more striking," noted Dr. Modi. "More than 15 million Americans aged 65 years or older have a cataract in one or both eyes. Currently, over 24 million aged 40 or older have cataracts and by 2020 this number is expected to rise to more than 30 million. The good news here is that cataract surgery and lens implants give us the ability to really make a difference for people with cataracts. Implanting multifocal and astigmatism correcting lenses, in conjunction with laser cataract surgery, has allowed us to perform cataract removal and provide optimal vision correction with greater precision. Laser cataract surgery is of particular importance for seniors who may have other eye conditions which may need that added margin of safety, precision, and reproducibility along with a more gentle surgery," Dr. Modi explained.

"The CDC data show that 6% of adults aged 65-69 years had glaucoma. That percentage increased considerably with age and was as high as 17% for those aged 85 years or older. When you look at the influx of baby boomers the numbers show that almost 3 million people over the age of 40 have open angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma. This represents a 22% increase over the past decade. This is not trivial. Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease which requires a lifetime of ongoing care" noted Dr. Wolter. "Here again ophthalmology has made impressive and meaningful technology based treatment advances to reduce dependence on eye drops for treatment. For example, specialized lasers as well as microscopic implantable tubes, shunts, and stents have been developed to help control eye pressure."

"The real concern we want to share is that vision loss can compromise a senior's quality of life as it reduces their capacity to read, drive a car, watch television, and even keep personal financial matters in order. Vision loss often isolates older people and can make keeping in touch with friends and family difficult. National studies indicate that vision loss among seniors is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, premature death, falls and associated orthopedic injury such as hip fracture, depression along with social isolation," summarized Dr. Modi.

"What really matters is that we make sure that our Hudson Valley seniors know about age related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, and have access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment options," expressed Dr. Wolter.

Seeta Eye Centers is conveniently located for patients from throughout the Hudson Valley.
To learn more visit Seeta Eye Centers or facebook.com/seetaeyecenters or follow our eye care blog at http://ny-eye-cataract-lasik-surgery.blogspot.com.

For additional information contact,
Stacey Koch, Seeta Eye Centers, 23 Davis Avenue Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12603, 845-485-5712.

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com
http://www.seewithlasik.com

Seeta Eye Centers is a comprehensive eye care center. The eye physicians and surgeons and their staff are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of every individual they treat by helping each to see his or her best, and by preserving and protecting their patients' vision and eye health throughout life.

Our staff is committed to responding compassionately to our patients' individual needs and to advancing the highest standards of comprehensive eye care.

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