Renowned Eye Surgeon Dr. Stewart Shofner Shares How Vision Research Has Decreased The Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) June 30, 2015 -- June is Vision Research Month. Healthy vision influences people of all ages in every aspect of life and Dr. Stewart Shofner of Shofner Vision Center shares how vision research has contributed to improving the lives of many of his patients. Dr. Shofner along with many organizations and scholarly journals continue to support research completed by clinicians to advance in human and animal vision knowledge and eye functionality.
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), eye health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A major clinical study of older adults concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression by 25% and showed a 19 percent reduction in visual acuity loss in some of the subjects. Additionally, today there is significant evidence that vitamin D plays a role in preventing AMD.
“Many people are not aware that they have AMD until they notice a decline in their vision or they are diagnosed during an eye examination,” says Dr. Shofner. AMD is the most common cause of blindness in those aged 60 years and older. Dr. Shofner recommends that a doctor should be a patient’s first resource for information about maintaining proper health. “Always check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, including vision supplements,” Dr. Shofner adds.
New Ongoing Research
The AOA also reports a five-year study builds on a multitude of existing science supporting lutein and zeaxanthin’s role in maintaining healthy eyes. It is the largest human clinical trial to evaluate lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, and includes 4,000 patients at high risk for AMD. The study is focusing on the link between nutrition and macular pigment optical density, cataract development and overall visual function.
About AMD
Macular degeneration, often age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), is a medical condition that usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. It occurs in "dry" and "wet" forms. It is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in older adults (>50 years). Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.
About Vision Research Month
Vision Research was advanced by the founding of the National Eye Institute under the National Institutes of Health in 1968. National Eye Institute, NIH, is dedicated to vision research that saves sight & reduces visual impairment & blindness. The NEI’s mission is to “conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and requirements of the blind." Visit the NEI website to learn more about current clinical trials, becoming a trial participant and more about eye health.
About Dr. Stewart Shofner
Dr. Stewart Shofner at Shofner Vision Center, Nashville, TN specializes in Cataract and LASIK Vision Correction Surgery and Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment. Dr. Shofner recommends anyone experiencing vision impairment should contact their local ophthalmologist or contact Shofner Vision Center for a complimentary exam to diagnose any eye disease or other vision issues. “We offer quality supplements at Shofner Vision Center specifically promoting healthy vision,” says Dr. Shofner.
About Shofner Vision Center
Our vision center offers comprehensive eye exams, complimentary LASIK evaluations, cataract and LASIK vision correction surgery, dry eye treatment, and eye disease diagnosis and treatment. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Shofner Vision Center’s professional staff offers the best customer care to ensure every patient is given the best experience at Shofner Vision Center. We accept most insurance plans including Medicaid and Tri-Care and also offer the most affordable Custom 3D LASIK in middle Tennessee.
Dr. Stewart Shofner, Shofner Vision Center, http://www.shofnervisioncenter.com, +1 (615) 340-4733, [email protected]
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