(02) 8-898-2020
(02) 8-898-2020
Imagine trying to read the time but not seeing the clock’s long and short hands, browsing a book without seeing the text, or looking at your family member’s face and not recognizing them nor perceiving their expression. Straight lines look wavy or crooked, colors are faded, and objects look smaller than usual. This is what people with age-related macular degeneration usually experience.
Age-related macular degeneration, more commonly known as AMD, is among the leading causes of blindness among senior citizens.
According to Asian Eye Institute Retina and Vitreous Disease Specialist Dr. Patricia Quilendrino, “While it’s not painful, AMD affects a person’s macula or the central vision. The macula helps you see fine details and recognize colors. We still don’t know the exact cause of this condition, but it’s more likely to develop in women, and people who have family members who’ve had it, those who suffer from hypertension, are overweight, and are smokers.”
Rarely causing total blindness, AMD can be classified into dry or wet categories. Dry AMD develops with age and takes time to cause vision loss. Wet AMD, on the other hand, is less common but is more serious and causes vision loss faster. She says, “It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. And because these blood vessels are weak, they may leak blood or other fluids, leading to vision loss or distortion.”
There is no cure yet for AMD, but there are ways to prevent vision loss. People with dry AMD may be given supplements or vitamins and be asked to eat a lot of food rich in nutrients that are good for the eye, including yellow fruits, dark, leafy greens, and fish. For those with wet AMD, they may undergo anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) treatment. Anti-VEGF are injected in the eye to effectively stop the growth of new blood vessels, bleeding and swelling. It is important to remember that when left untreated, vision may get worse.
With the current COVID-19 pandemic, it has been hard for patients, particularly senior – age parents or grandparents to seek eye checkup and treatment. A recent study shows that delay and lapses in treatment affected the vision of patients. Dr. Quilendrino explains, “Results showed that patients who had lapses in treatment had increased thickness in the macula. Although it normalized when they started receiving treatment again, they did not recover the visual acuity they lost.”
Visual acuity refers to the clarity or sharpness of your vision.
“We understand that some patients are still afraid to go out, and it can be challenging especially for those that live in the provinces or those with co-morbidities. However, consistent evaluation and treatment are critical to ensure that AMD patients won’t lose their vision. We are also implementing strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure that our patients, their companions and even our team will continue to be safe and healthy.”
Aside from the typical health screening, social distancing practices and wearing of PPEs, almost 90% of Asian Eye employees have been vaccinated. Many of the clinics have also received their safety seal certification from their respective LGUs. The safety seal certification is proof that an establishment complies with the required health standards set by the government.
“We also have teleconsultation, wherein patients can talk to their eye doctor if they experience changes in vision or eye problems like blurring of vision, eye redness, infection and a lot more,” she adds, “They just need a stable Internet connection and a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.” This can serve as an alternative for patients that want to minimize travel, and can help your doctor monitor your condition remotely. In cases where the doctor recommends a clinic checkup after a teleconsultation, the teleconsultation fee is refunded to the patient.
There are things that you can also do to reduce your risk of developing or aggravating your AMD. You need to undergo a lifestyle change — manage your hypertension, quit smoking, have a healthy balanced diet, and get your eyes checked at least once a year to monitor your eye health.
Want to get your eyes checked? Asian Eye has clinics in Rockwell, Trinoma, Mall of Asia and Commercenter Alabang. To set an appointment, you may call us at 8898-2020, email us at [email protected] or message us on our social media accounts. You may also try our Teleconsultation Service by calling or texting 0917-800-9103. And if you need prescription or non-prescription medications, you may now order online and have it delivered on the same day! Just www.asianeyeshop.com.
We deliver to all our patients the highest quality eye care on a par with the best in the world. We make high-quality eye care available and accessible to the Filipinos. We advance the science and practice of ophthalmology and optometry in Asia and the Pacific Rim.
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