VISION HELP HANDOUT: If you are noting a decrease in vision, please read below.
⬷ Macular Changes: are due to aging & sun exposure and are potentially part of the spectrum to ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration)
1. What to do: protect eyes from sun (with sunglasses & hat).
2. Check AMSLER GRID: put on refrigerator or bathroom mirror: check each eye weekly.
2. Consider taking AREDS 2 Vitamin (below) if eyeMD says you have intermediate ARMD (significant drusen in macula):
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500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
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400 international units of vitamin E
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25 mg zinc as zinc oxide
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2 mg copper as cupric oxide
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10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin
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1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (350 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA)
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No beta-carotene (if not smoker, can take a vitamin with no more than 15mg)
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25 mg zinc
3. For more information: http://www.nei.nih.gov/areds2/PatientFAQ.asp
⬷GLAUCOMA:
1. Be sure to always use prescribed eye drops without fail.
2. Know your T max (Maximum eye pressure per eye) and T goal (target pressure =approx 30% of maximum).
3. Know how your visual field looks.
⬷ GET HELP:
1. Low Vision specialists can help with daily routines: sometimes you need to check with your insurance for a referral.
2. Local help: http://www.lowvisioninfo.org/
3. National help:
http://www.visionaware.org/info/emotional-support/handling-the-news/getting-started-kit-for-people-new-to-vision-loss/123