An annual visit to the eye doctor could help you keep your eyesight as you age, but knowing the symptoms to look out for is key.
Dr. McGregor Lott, a retinal specialist at Florida Eye Specialists, sat down with local TV station First Coast News to discuss age-related macular degeneration. He explained the different types, signs to look out for, and treatment options.
Watch the full TV news clip or click the link below to hear from Dr. Lott, and learn if you may be at risk for this common age-related eye condition.
Read the full story on First Coast News.
Video Transcript
The little things — like seeing the blue sky or playing a great round of golf — would not be the same without your vision. Well, the most common reason for blindness in people over 50 can go untreated unless you know the early signs and symptoms. Leah Shields introduces us now to a woman who wants you to take a closer look at your own eyesight.
Annual trips to the eye doctor as you age could save your vision. You can also check this out: this is the Amsler grid, so if it looks wavy, distorted, or even blurry to you, you could be showing signs of macular degeneration. ‘It’s such a beautiful day today, and it’s so much fun that I can come outside — I can see all the greenery.’ For Susan Quinn, it’s the simple things — the pleasantries of the day. ‘I started playing golf a little over a year ago.’ She has a vision to continue golfing and hanging out in the Florida sun — a vision that was on its way to going dark. ‘It was very, very hard, because I thought, what’s my future? Am I going to lose my vision?’
She has macular degeneration. ‘I think it was June or July of four years ago, I was looking at the grid and I thought, something’s going on here.’ ‘People tend to notice things like blurry vision, or they’ll notice distortion in vision — for instance, straight lines look crooked. Occasionally they’ll notice a dark spot near the center, or gray spots. All of those are possible.’ Ophthalmologist Dr. McGregor Lott says pay attention to these symptoms, because it’s the leading cause of blindness in the United States in people over 65. Every month, Quinn comes here for treatment; it’s what’s keeping her sight intact. ‘As long as I can see and I can still do things, it’s wonderful.’ Quinn’s treatment includes injections in her eyes every single month. There’s another type of macular degeneration that’s treated with supplements and a change in diet, adding some leafy greens. Leah Shields, First Coast News, on your side.
