I recently heard a presentation about stem cell research for retinal degenerative diseases. A very interesting topic to me as these sight robbing diseases affect so many Americans, young and old, including my grandfather. Dr. Jason Meyer of IUPUI presented his latest research findings to a crowd of 50 people at the Foundation Fighting Blindness Indianapolis chapter meeting in January.
This research gives hope to those affected by diseases like Stargardt’s disease, Retinitis pigmentosa, and Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research is moving forward to hopefully one day find a way to treat and possibly reverse the sight-robbing affects these diseases have on our vision.
February is AMD/low vision awareness month and in this month I hope to share helpful information and stories about low vision diseases like AMD. I am personally affected by AMD as my grandfather has the disease and has slowly been losing his vision from it for over a decade. The process of losing vision is both scary and daunting as independence is and can be compromised. With the loss of sight other things can be lost too like the ability to drive, read, and enjoy other visual activities.
AMD and other low vision diseases do not have to change your life for the worse though as my grandfather has been an example of how to get through the changes and turn them into a positive. Although he isn’t able to complete up-close work like he used too as a collage artist, he is still able to read with the help of a magnification reading machine and enjoy his favorite sports team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A piece of advice he would share with others? Get eye examinations yearly from an Indiana eye doctor to check up on your vision and your potential to get a sight robbing disease like AMD. Eye doctors like Dr. Tavel and his board certified associates can detect diseases that may not show symptoms outwardly to patients through a comprehensive eye exam. They (eye exams) truly are valuable to you, your sight and your life. Walk in to any Dr. Tavel office for one today.