Maybe you know a great deal about AMD. Maybe you only know a little. But there may be something helpful on this list that you don’t know. And I’m sure we can agree: you can never know enough about Age-related Macular Degeneration.

1. Age-related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. The U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI) approximates that people in their 50’s have a 2% chance of developing AMD. That risk swells to almost 30% in those 75 years of age and older.

2. Research shows that smoking increases the risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration. Most people don’t know that the risk is dose dependent, meaning that the more you smoke, the higher your risk for developing AMD (and the faster the condition progresses once you have it).

3. Caucasians are at higher risk for developing AMD than African Americans and other races. Additionally, women tend to develop AMD at an earlier age than men.

4. AMD is a genetic disease, which means people with a family history of AMD are at higher risk. It’s important that you know your family’s medical history (eye health included).

5. There is a test that can genetically predict your likelihood of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration. That test is called Macula Risk.

6. 10% of patients with AMD develop Wet AMD. However, wet AMD is so severe that it is responsible for 90% of vision loss cases caused by the condition.

7. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 1.8 million people have AMD already and an additional 7.3 million people are at substantial risk for vision loss from AMD.

8. Studies show that people who maintain a diet rich in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc reduce their risk of developing AMD by 35% when compared to people with a “normal” diet.

9. At this time there is no treatment for early AMD.  Many people have no symptoms or loss of vision for many years.

Whether you think you may be at risk or not, we suggest that you visit your local Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam at least once every year. This helps identify any potential health issues early and ensure quality vision. We look forward to seeing you!

Rick Hartman, OD
Johnson Optometric Associates
Serving Fuquay-Varina, NC and Garner, NC

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Latin for spot, the macula is the region of greatest visual acuity near the center of the retina. The deterioration of this region is what constitutes AMD. Generally, patients do not go completely blind from AMD. Rather, they lose their central vision and the vision needed for reading or seeing fine details also becomes impaired. The disorder most commonly affects people over the age of 50. The risk of developing increases by approximately 35% after reaching 75 years of age.

There are two types of Age-related Macular Degeneration:

• The most common form of AMD is dry AMD. Although dry AMD can lead to the more dangerous wet form of AMD, most patients with the dry form of AMD do not lose their central vision.

• Though developed by only 10% of AMD patients, the wet form of AMD makes up the greatest number of sufferers who endure serious vision loss from the condition.

The dry form of AMD is caused by the presence of yellow sediments, called drusen, in the macula. Drusen settles is allowed to settle there due to aging and thinning tissues in the macula. A small amount of drusen may not cause any change in vision at all. With time, however, the drusen may accumulate and increase in size causing some central vision loss for patients. 

The wet form of Age-related Macular Degeneration occurs when there’s a growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina, eventually scarring, leading to permanent loss of central vision. Wet AMD is generally more aggressive causing faster and more visible vision loss.

In the early stages of AMD there may not be any symptoms at all. The condition may go completely unrecognized until it worsens or until both eyes are affected. The first indicator of Age-related Macular Degeneration  is typically a dark or blurred spot in the center of a patient’s vision. Sufferers of AMD may also begin to see straight lines as wavy or distorted.

As with any condition, the earlier a person is aware of their condition the better off they are. So if at any time you experience these symptoms, contact your local Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor immediately. AMD can be and is most commonly diagnosed by a comprehensive eye exam. So make sure to schedule your annual eye exam for you and yours today.

Johnson Optometric Associates
Serving Garner and Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

As technology advances, so does the quality of care we can provide to our patients. Better care, means eye diseases and health threats are more likely to be mitigated with early detection. One new technology in particular, the high resolution SD-OCT, is helping to enhance and improve the understanding of retinal disease and glaucoma.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique similar to ultrasound with the exception of using a super-luminescent light source, instead of sound.
The doctors in of Johnson Optometric Associates are fortunate to utilize a second generation OCT scanner which employs spectral domain (SD) principles for image capture. We can evaluate retinal and optic nerve pathology in office based on cross sectional images. This is similar to how pathologists assess a specimen slide of human tissue or radiologists interpret an MRI. This technology allows us to make a diagnosis on the spot and if necessary make immediate recommendations for treatment.

Come in today for a retinal image scan by making an appointment online at either our Garner office or Fuquay-Varina office. We look forward to seeing you and providing you with the best optical care possible.

Rick L. Hartman OD, FAAO
Johnson Optometric Associates

Great News!  We here at Johnson Optometric have survived our first year on the new Electronic Medical Records system. The idea of switching from paper charts to electronic records especially for a sixty year old practice with over 35,000 charts seemed overwhelming, not to mention the expense and time involved to implement it.   Of course our government’s reasoning of improved monitoring of patient data and improved clinical workflow was taken by many, even at our offices, with mixed feelings.

The sentiment of many older doctors and practices was to opt out of this new technology, many saying “This will take time away from patient care”. But the reality for our practices, which want to remain technologically current for the next sixty years, electronic medical records was our only choice. Now, a year later, we are experiencing the benefits of our EMR system and the ease of accessing and updating patient information.

We look forward the next phase of EMRs and healthcare system for providing secure ‘doctor to doctor’ communication and more personal ‘doctor to patient’ interaction. We hope in the long run that our patients will benefit from increased patient attention to their eye and health needs.

Dr. Rick L. Hartman
Johnson Optometric Associates

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world in individuals over 65. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates due to an amplification of the normal aging process, characterized by changes in the macular region, called drusen. The macular region, which is responsible for color vision and “20/20″ vision, is highly specialized and measures approximately 5.5mm in diameter.

There are two primary forms of AMD: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Dry AMD is much more common (90%) and usually does not cause significant vision loss, but can lead to wet AMD.  Wet AMD (10%) leads to blindness, especially untreated.  Some things that may help prevent this disease (or slow its progression) include: taking multivitamins, eating more leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, broccoli, etc.), protecting the eyes with sunglasses, and not smoking.

Risk factors for AMD include:

• Age
• Race (most prevalent in Caucasians)
• Family history
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Ultraviolet exposure
• Hypertension

Symptoms of AMD include:

• A darkened area in a patient’s central vision
• Distorted vision
• Colors may begin to appear less vivid

It is essential for people that suffer from age-related macular degeneration to carefully monitor their eyesight and make regular visits to their eye doctor. An annual eye exam is imperative for early detection of AMD as treatment may delay or reduce the severity of the disease. Get ahead of the curve and please make an appointment to see your eye doctor at Johnson Optometric Associate. Ask us about AMD when you get here. We’re looking forward to your next visit with us.

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Americans? Not many people do. That’s why we’re taking advantage of the fact that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. We want to do our part to generate awareness with our patients and our communities at large.

Statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology report that approximately 29 million Americans 20 years of age and older have diabetes. What’s worse about this statistic is that almost one-third of those people have no idea that they suffer from diabetes and are at risk for vision loss. Many times, early symptoms go unnoticed and do not affect a sufferer’s vision until the disease is severe and much harder to treat.

A group of eye problems that affects those with diabetes includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Affecting 5.3 million Americans age 18 and older, diabetic retinopathy is the most common vision complication associated with diabetes. Follow our Johnson Optometric Facebook page for more information on diabetic eye disease.

Early diagnosis of diabetes can greatly reduce your risk of developing eye disease associated with diabetes. So if you don’t already, ask questions about diabetes on your next visit with your physician. If you are already aware that you have diabetes, it is imperative that you receive a dilated comprehensive eye exam every year. Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month is the perfect month to invest in your vision. Take a minute and make an appointment with your local Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Did you know that in the United States, every 13 minutes someone visits an ER for treatment due to a sports-related eye injury? It’s true. Prevent Blindness America (PBA) reports that basketball is actually the number one sport for eye related injuries. Approximately 6,000 Americans suffer from a basketball related eye injury each year, many of which fall into the 15 -24 age group. Something else that might surprise you, water and pool sports such as diving, swimming and water skiing collectively make up the second leading cause of sports related eye injuries and guns (air, gas, spring & BB) take third place. The following are a couple more sports related eye injuries facts that you may not be aware of:

• Most eye injuries among kids aged 11 to 14 occur while playing sports.
• Baseball /softball is a leading cause of eye injuries in children 14 and under.
• Protective eyewear may prevent 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries.

Here’s a list of the sports with the highest reported sports injuries: 

• Basketball
• Water & Pool activities
• Guns / Shooting
• Baseball/Softball
• Weight lifting / health club exercise
• Ice Hockey
• Racquet Sports
• Fencing
• Lacrosse
• Paintball
• Boxing

Healthcare providers, including your local eye doctors, play a critical role in their patient’s use of protective eyewear. It’s highly recommended that all kids and teens wear protective eyewear while playing sports, especially if prescription eyewear is required. Ordinary prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection for your child. Eyewear worn during athletic activity should be sport-specific and must sit comfortably on the face.

If you or your child experience any type of eye injury due to sports or otherwise, contact your Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor. And if you haven’t already, go ahead and make an appointment for your annual comprehensive eye exam.

Each year numerous consumers are injured from wearing decorative contact lenses that were not properly fitted and prescribed by an eye care professional.  These lenses are unfortunately illegally accessible to consumers through a variety of sources, including flea markets, beauty salons and the internet.  They can also be found at retail outlets as a fashion accessory.

Buying lenses without a proper fitting evaluation and follow-up care can lead to potentially devastating eye problems.  All contact lenses, whether they have a vision correcting prescription or not, are classified as a medical device by the FDA and require a written prescription in order to be purchased.

Lenses purchased through alternative sources may be expired or damaged product.  With products from such alternative sources, consumers will not receive proper handing and lens care instructions.  This can lead to possible serious eye problems including: redness, eye abrasions, blurred vision, pain, and bacterial or fungal eye infections that could possibly lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

Have fun and be safe at Halloween.  And if you desire decorative contact lenses to make that costume be the hit of the party, give our office a call, or schedule an appointment online, and we will assist you with getting you fit and giving you the proper care you need.

Dr. Hammond
Optometrist, Johnson Optometric Associates

If you wear eyeglasses on a daily basis you want to make sure that your eyewear are the perfect match for your face and eyes. Having the wrong fit or prescription can make life a bit uncomfortable. You can find comfort in the fact that there are clear indicators if you’re having a problem with your eyeglasses. Here are some common things to be aware of:

Wrong Prescription:

• Headaches
• Fuzzy or blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Vertigo

These might be indicators that you need a new prescription for your eyeglass lenses. On the other hand, your glasses may have the correct prescription, but the lenses may need adjustments. The best thing to do is get your eyeglasses checked once a year to make sure you have the correct prescription and lenses are aligned properly.

Wrong Fit:

• Your eyeglasses always sit too low or high on your face
• You have pressure marks where the frames sit on your face
• The temples and/or earpieces fit too tightly on your head

If any of these issues seem familiar, you should get your eyeglasses checked and fitted. In many cases, you can visit your local eye doctor’s office, where a frame technician can adjust your eyeglasses for a better fit. In other cases, you may need to consider purchasing a new pair of frames better fitted for your face. Having a comfortable pair of glasses will make all the difference in your daily activities. Schedule an appointment today with your Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor for an eye exam or eyeglass consultation. We look forward to seeing you!

What is a Macular Hole?

A macular hole consists of a small, round defect in the central macula. Macular holes usually occur in middle-aged people and are more common in women. The top layer of the retina is called the inner limiting membrane, and it is connected to the vitreous humor (which is a gel that fills the eye). In macular holes, the vitreous will exert traction on the inner limiting membrane, and create a hole in the retinal tissue. The treatment depends on the vision and the extent of the macular hole (i.e., how much tissue has come loose), and can include close observation and/or surgery.

Case Study

Earlier in the year, I had a 55-year-old female come to my office seemingly suffering from decreased vision in her right eye.  For approximately two weeks she noticed her vision becoming very “wavy” and “distorted”. She also noted that colors had become “dull” in that eye. I measured her vision and found that she had 20/60 in her right eye while maintaining clear, 20/20 vision in her left eye. After dilating her eyes, I could tell that she had developed a full-thickness macular hole in her right eye. I immediately performed an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) test on that eye and confirmed the diagnosis. I referred her to a retinal specialist for surgery. The surgeon evaluated her the same day, and four days later he did a pars plana victrectomy (PPV) and inner limiting membrane (ILM) peel. He also put a gas bubble in the retina to help the tissue close and heal.

Following surgery, the patient was instructed to remain in a head-down position for 1 week. The patient followed doctor’s orders and the post-operative result was excellent. The macula in her right eye was normal again. Common after retinal surgery, however, she developed a cataract about 2-3 months later. So I referred her for cataract surgery.  Again, the surgery went very well: the cataract was removed and replaced with a silicone implant. At her last post-operative visit, she displayed 20/20 vision in both eyes and was very happy! The combination of technology and excellent surgeons made possible the diagnosis and reparation of these serious eye conditions!

Make an appointment with your local Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor for your regular comprehensive eye exam. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Andrew May, OD

Johnson Optometric Associates

Fuquay-Varina, NC | Garner, NC