International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) Supports Johns Hopkins Study Showing Americans with Macular Degeneration Tend to Stay Closer to Home
Corona, CA (PRWEB) September 30, 2013 -- While a diagnosis of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can be devastating, it does not mean that all patients will be relegated to a life spent unable to travel far from home. Members of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists suggest patients get a second opinion, because there are things that can be done to give these people options.
According to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Study released earlier this month (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/19/us-macular-degeneration-idUSBRE98I0JY20130919), AMD patients do go outside their home, but they do not go as far from home as compared to individuals with normal vision.
Richard Shuldiner, O.D., FAAO, low vision optometrist and IALVS founder, says while he concurs with the study, he does not concur with the outcome. “Prior to care, most of my patients were staying close to home,” said Dr. Shuldiner. “They were unable to drive and felt uneasy in unfamiliar surroundings. But that has changed for many of our patients who were examined by IALVS doctors and got a new lease on life.”
IALVS optometrists use telescopic, microscopic and prismatic glasses to help those with vision deficiencies to perform daily activities such as reading, writing, playing cards, watching TV and even driving.
About two million people in the U.S. have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which damages sharp and central vision, important for reading and driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Getting old and going blind is not the only recourse for those diagnosed with macular degeneration,” says Dr. Richard Shuldiner. “Most eye doctors tell their patients nothing can be done and that simply is not true.”
If you or someone you love suffers with AMD, this is no reason to stay close to home. Contact an IALVS Optometrist today at, 888-778-2030 or, visit http://www.LowVisionEyeDoctors.com and start enjoying Life After Vision loss.
Tracy Leroux, The Link Agency, http://www.thelinkagency.com, 1-401-289-2600, [email protected]
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