| Those who are past the age of 60 face the | | | | There are also a number of macular degeneration |
| greatest risks of blindness due to macular | | | | devices that your Phoenix low vision specialist can |
| degeneration, or atrophy of the macula. This is a | | | | recommend that can help you in making the most |
| literal “wasting away” of that part of the | | | | of your remaining eyesight. One of the most |
| eye that is involved in central vision used for | | | | common of these devices recommended by |
| reading, sports, driving and many other everyday | | | | Phoenix low vision doctors is bioptic glasses. |
| activities. Phoenix residents who have low vision | | | | These are similar to bifocals, except that instead |
| problems will want to schedule an appointment | | | | of split or progressive lenses, they have miniature |
| with a Phoenix low vision doctor who specializes in | | | | telescopes mounted on them that can assist the |
| . | | | | wearer in activities such as reading and (in some |
| You can usually get a referral to a Phoenix low | | | | states) driving. |
| vision specialistthrough your optometrist or | | | | Because it is a degenerative disease that |
| primary care provider. At your initial appointment, | | | | progresses and worsens over time, it is vitally |
| the Phoenix low vision specialist will assess your | | | | important to contact a Phoenix low vision |
| condition through a comprehensive eye exam. | | | | specialist if you start to notice your central field |
| Next, in order to determine the best treatments | | | | of vision becoming blurry (peripheral vision is not |
| for macular degeneration to use for your case, | | | | affected). Therefore, the sooner a Phoenix low |
| your Phoenix low vision doctor will take an | | | | vision eye doctor can begin treatments, the more |
| inventory of your medical history, noting any | | | | of your vision s/he will be able to help you to |
| conditions that may have predisposed you to | | | | preserve. |
| macular degeneration (such as high cholesterol), | | | | There is today no cure for macular degeneration, |
| family medical history of blindness (the condition | | | | although in some cases – where the problem |
| has a genetic basis) and dietary choices (leafy | | | | is caused by an abnormal growth of capillaries |
| green vegetables and foods high in omega-3 and | | | | around the macula – a Phoenix low vision eye |
| Vitamin E as well as zinc is thought to help in | | | | doctor who is a skilled ophthalmologic surgeon |
| slowing the symptoms of macular degeneration. | | | | may be able to correct the problem using lasers. |
| In fact, if your condition is diagnosed early | | | | Otherwise, your best option is to meet with a |
| enough, your Phoenix low vision eye doctor may | | | | Phoenix low vision specialist at the earliest sign of |
| in fact order a course of treatment that calls for | | | | a low vision problem. |
| a change of diet and the taking of supplements. | | | | |