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BerryFarmsEyeCare

Dr. Jana Crim

(615) 905-8190

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  • January Newsletter: How to Tell if You Have Macular Degeneration

January Newsletter: How to Tell if You Have Macular Degeneration

  • Created in Newsletters

Woman looks to optometry for help

How to Tell if You Have Macular Degeneration

Could macular degeneration be the reason you're having trouble seeing? The eye disease causes changes to your central vision and affects almost 20 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because it most often occurs in people 40 and older. AMD affects the macula, the center part of the retina. The retina plays a very important role in vision and is responsible for sending electrical signals from the eye to the brain. Damage to the cells in the macula makes it harder to use your central vision.

Both the "wet" and "dry" forms of AMD can cause vision problems. The more common dry form happens when macular cells thin and clumps of a yellow protein called drusen form on the macula. As the cells in the macula break down and die, permanent central vision loss can occur.

The wet form of AMD is caused by new, abnormal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid. The leaking vessels cloud your vision and can be a factor in the formation of scar tissue that worsens central vision loss.

Injections and laser treatments are available to seal the leaking blood vessels and decrease abnormal blood vessels if you have the wet form of AMD. Although there is currently no treatment for the dry type of AMD, your eye doctor may recommend taking special supplements that could slow the progression of the disease. The supplements contain vitamins C and E, copper, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients essential for good eye health.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

It's not always clear why people get macular degeneration, although several factors seem to increase your risk of developing the disease. According to the American Optometric Association, your risk may be higher if you smoke, don't exercise often, have family members with AMD, or don't eat a healthy diet. Other risk factors include obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and sun exposure.

How Will I Know if I Have Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration doesn't usually cause any noticeable changes to your vision at first. Although you can't tell anything is wrong, your optometrist can spot changes in your macula when your eyes are dilated. If you don't visit the eye doctor every year, you may not be aware that you have macular degeneration until you begin to notice these vision changes:

  • Blurriness. AMD may cause blurry central vision. If your peripheral (side) vision is much clearer than your central vision, AMD might be to blame.
  • Blind Spot. As AMD worsens, a blind or dark spot could develop in the middle of your visual field.
  • Difficulty with Everyday Tasks. AMD makes it difficult to do many things, from reading to driving to watching TV. Since the disease also affects your eye's ability to adjust to different light levels, you may need brighter lights to see the words on a page or notice that it takes longer for your eyes to adapt when you walk between dark and light rooms in your home. Glare may also make it harder to see.
  • No More Straight Edges. Changes in the macula can affect the way sharp, straight lines look to you. Seeing wavy or distorted lines indicates that something isn't quite right with your vision.

The Amsler Grid: A Simple Way to Monitor Your Central Vision

If you're at risk for developing AMD, or you already have the disease, your eye doctor may recommend that you look at the Amsler Grid every day to monitor your symptoms. The grid features intersecting horizontal and vertical lines with a black dot in the center. Viewing the grid makes it easier to spot changes in your vision, like blank or blurry spots or wavy lines.

The grid is best viewed at a distance of 12 to 15 inches from your eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. All of the lines should be straight and crisp when you look at the grid. If any of the lines are blurry, hazy or wavy, or there's a blank spot, contact your optometrist right away. Be sure to also let your eye doctor know if you already have AMD and notice that your symptoms are worse.

Do you need a copy of the Amsler Grid? Print a free grid from the American Macular Degeneration Foundation website.

Worried about changes in your vision? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), 10/31/2022

https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/vehss/estimates/amd-prevalence.html

American Optometric Association: Macular Degeneration

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/macular-degeneration?sso=y

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Have AMD? Save Your Sight with an Amsler Grid, 5/26/2020

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-amsler-grid-daily-vision-test

American Macular Degeneration Foundation: Amsler's Chart To Test Your Sight

https://www.macular.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/amslerchart.pdf

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Diseases
  • Eyeglasses
    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
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1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

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  • ""Who knew in this day and age that you could actually find a Doctor (the entire practice) that actually makes the patient their primary focus. After much frustration with my current provider I stumbled across Dr. Crim and boy did I get lucky. The staff's attention to detail, quality of service, and genuineness shines through. If you are looking for top notch care and great service look no further than Berry Farms EyeCare...trust me!!""
    Craig E.
  • ""Dr. Jana and staff are awesome! They make me feel at home each time I visit. They are an asset to Berry Farms and the surrounding area. We will use them as long as they'll let us!""
    Cody W.
  • ""Stop in and visit Dr. Jana Crim @ her brand new location if you are in the market for eyewear or contacts lenses! I just went there and I am very pleased with my new glasses. Great staff, selection and fast service! Go and 'see' for yourself.""
    David D.
  • ""My college senior walked on over to Dr. Jana during spring break and they fixed him all up with a new prescription and contacts! And Mikki was awesome helping get him in when he was home during break. I don't think he will ever go to the beach again for break when he can get his eyes examined at BF Eyecare instead!!""
    Matt B.
  • ""LOVED my experience here. Honestly, the best eye exam I've ever had. The staff was so kind, the exam was very thorough. Dr. Crim took her time with me and explained all kinds of things about my eye health that I hadn't heard before. I can't recommend Berry Farms EyeCare enough!
    The also give free infant eye exams (up to 1 year old)!""
    Hanna S.
  • ""I want to give a shout out to Berry Farms Eyecare if anybody is in need of a new eye doctor in the Franklin area they are amazing. We had to make an emergency trip there we called on the way there doctor was not in. They called her and she drove in just to see us and she took great care of us and they were all amazing. They have a beautiful office as well.""
    Stacy H.
  • ""Love! Love! Love! Dr. Jana and Mikki not only helped me but they did a fabulous job giving my 6 month old his first eye exam. I've been in glasses for over 20 years and this was the best experience with an eye doctor I've ever had! The office is beautiful and you can tell they really care about their patients!""
    Kayla C.
  • ""I absolutely love my new glasses! And am so happy to be able to walk to my neighborhood eye doctor. Dr. Jana and her team are fabulous and got me seeing clearly!""
    Deb M.
  • ""Love Berry Farms EyeCare!! Just Fabulous!!""
    Jennifer J.
  • ""Dr. Jana & her staff are courteous and very helpful. I had a terrific experience from start to finish; leaving with an order for 3 pairs of glasses as well. I was most impressed with what other had to say about their experience there and Dr. Jana's caring personality. The facility is beautiful inside as well. A+ across the board!""
    Stuart P.
  • ""Berry Farms EyeCare was absolutely wonderful! I was able to get in quickly. They were so friendly and helpful. I will definitely be a returning patient and will recommend them to others""
    Danielle S.
  • ""Great service, great selection, awesome staff, beautiful office space- what more can you ask for?!?!""
    Betsy T.
  • ""My family had a fantastic experience at Berry Farms eye care!! The office is gorgeous and the staff was wonderful!""
    April B.
  • ""This place is amazing! I had an eye issue this morning and Dr. Crim saw me before they even opened for the day. The medicine I needed for my eye was sold out at Publix and she took the time to call many pharmacies for me. Talk about customer service! The space is beautiful and staff is friendly. I'm so excited they have joined the berry farms community and excited to not have to battle the cool springs traffic.""
    Rachel L.
  • ""Dr Crim and her staff are fabulous! Very friendly, no wait time, I received a thorough exam, and my contacts were quickly delivered to my home. The new office is gorgeous and very welcoming. Highly recommend Berry Farms EyeCare.""
    Ashley F.
  • ""I'm a new patient at Dr. Crim's office and I have to say that this was the most pleasant appointment I've ever had. The practice was clean and well put together as well as the service. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Crim ( and staff ). Well done!""
    William F.
  • "Have been suffering from eye strain headaches. Just happened to read about Dr. Crim in an article. To say I am pleased I did is an understatement. From scheduling to the appt & f/up to get my glasses, everything especially the Dr was unbeatable. It's nice when you can tell someone cares & really wants to help. I am very pleased with my new glasses. If you haven't explored the businesses at Berry Farms, give this one a try. You won't regret it. (Review shortened due to space allotment)"
    Nicki R.
  • ""Had the most amazing experience yesterday! Took all 3 kids - in and out in less than an hour. Wonderful customer service! Would highly recommend!""
    J. Cleaver
  • ""Super personalable, they were able to work me to an appointment quick. Would totally recommend to anyone needing eyecare. They listened to me and they answered all my questions.""
    Olivia C.
  • ""Dr Crim took her time with my eye exam and explained everything she did. It was the best eye exam I had ! Dr. Crim staff was awesome too .""
    Pat M.

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  • February Newsletter: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month

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