September is Healthy Aging Month, a perfect time to focus on all the ways we can take care of ourselves as we get older. As we age, our body goes through changes, and our eyes are no exception. The risk of developing eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration increases, making regular eye exams more important than ever. In the early stages of eye diseases, many people think their eyesight is just fine without realizing they have a condition. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect eye diseases early on when treatment is most effective.
If you live in the Waitsfield area, you don’t have to travel far for expert care for conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. At Mad River Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye disease management right here in your community. Learn about some common eye diseases we treat and how we can help you keep your vision healthy and clear.
Eye disease management in Waitsfield
At Mad River Eye Care, our experienced optometrist, Dr. Mitchell, uses advanced diagnostic tools to monitor your eye health and catch any potential issues early. We can provide the care you need for eye conditions such as:
- Glaucoma is a sneaky eye condition that can damage your optic nerve, often due to high pressure in the eye. It’s known as the “silent thief of sight” because it usually doesn’t show symptoms until you’ve already lost some vision. Regular eye check-ups are essential to catch glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.
- Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It affects the macula, a small but important part of the retina that allows you to see objects directly in front of you. There are two types: dry and wet AMD. Dry AMD progresses slowly and is less severe, while wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss but is treatable if detected early.
- Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your retina. It’s a common complication of diabetes and can lead to vision problems if not monitored and treated properly.
Tips for maintaining eye health
Aside from regular check-ups, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your eyes healthy as you age:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support eye health, like leafy greens, fish, and nuts.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can lower the risk of eye diseases and boost your overall health.
- Protect your eyes: Make sure to wear sunglasses that block UV rays and use safety glasses when needed to prevent injuries.
- Manage chronic conditions: Keep conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure in check, as they can affect your eye health.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking increases the risk of several eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts.
Why choose Mad River Eye Care
Many people think they need to see an ophthalmologist for eye disease management, but at Mad River Eye Care, our eye doctor has the expertise to manage these conditions at our office in Waitsfield. Located in your community, we save you the hassle of traveling an hour or more to see an OMD. Our optometrist is highly skilled in diagnosing and managing eye diseases. Our team stays up to date with the latest advancements in eye care to offer you the best treatment options.
For more information about our services or to book an appointment, contact us today or use our online appointment scheduler.
