Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
BerryFarmsEyeCare

Dr. Jana Crim

(615) 905-8190

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Jana Crim
  • Meet Dr. Melissa Dow
  • New Patient Center
  • About Us: Meet the Staff
  • Insurances Accepted
  • Patient Forms
  • Online Bill Payment
  • Online Contact Lens Ordering
  • Services
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sunglasses
  • Testimonials
  • Appointment Request
  • Contact Us
  • Upcoming Events
  • Community Content
    • 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
      • Medical Perspectives
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletters >
  • February Newsletter: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month

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

  • Created in Newsletters

Old man deals with AMD

How Age-Related Macular Degeneration Could Affect Your Eyesight

Imagine how difficult life would be if you could no longer recognize faces, drive, or even complete a crossword puzzle due to a blank or blurry spot in your central vision. That's the reality that older Americans with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) face every day. The disease affects almost 20 million people in the U.S., according to BrightFocus Foundation, causing varying degrees of central vision loss.

AMD Affects the Central Part of the Retina

The retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eye, converts the light rays that enter your eye into electrical impulses. The impulses travel to the brain through the optic nerve where they're processed and turned into images. Unfortunately, damage to the retina affects the transmission of these important impulses. If retinal cells are damaged, you may develop a blind spot in your vision or notice that things look blurry.

AMD affects the macula, the center part of the retina. The disease is called "age-related" macular degeneration because it most often affects people 50 and older. If you have AMD, blurry or blank spots in the middle of your visual field may begin to interfere with your eyesight.

No one is quite sure what causes AMD, although researchers believe that these factors, in addition to age, could increase your risk of developing the eye disease:

  • Being Obese or Overweight
  • A Family History of AMD
  • Smoking
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Not Exercising Enough
  • Light-Colored Irises
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Women are more likely to develop AMD because they typically have longer lifespans than men, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

AMD Symptoms and Types

Blurriness or a blind spot in your central vision aren't the only symptoms of AMD. If you have the eye disease, you may notice that recognizing your friends, reading, or spotting obstacles when you're driving becomes more difficult. You might also notice that straight edges and lines look wavy or warped.

Before those changes to your vision happen, yellow protein deposits called drusen may begin to form in your retina. Although you can't tell that you have drusen, your optometrist can see them during an eye exam.

Large drusen are the type that concern eye doctors the most, as they mean that you're at risk of developing advanced AMD, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). It could be a long time before you develop vision problems if you have small drusen, or you may never experience changes in vision, the AAO notes.

If you're diagnosed with AMD, your optometrist will tell you that you have either the wet or dry form of the disease. Wet AMD happens when blood or fluids leak from abnormal blood vessels that grow in your macula.

Abnormal blood vessels aren't present if you have dry AMD, the more common form of the disease. Instead, the cells in the macula begin to thin and eventually die. In some cases, dry AMD can turn into wet AMD as the disease progresses.

Treating AMD

There are no treatment options for dry AMD currently, although taking special supplements may be helpful. Called the AREDS2 formula, these supplements contain a combination of antioxidants that could lower the chance of vision loss. Several research projects are currently underway to find treatments for dry AMD.

Sealing leaking blood vessels is the goal of wet AMD treatments. Eye doctors use lasers or inject medications that seal leaking blood vessels and prevent new abnormal vessels from forming.

Are you worried about your AMD risk? Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and visiting the optometrist for annual eye exams will help you protect your vision. AMD Awareness Month, held every February, is the perfect time to schedule your appointment with our office. Give us a call to arrange your visit.

Sources:

BrightFocus Foundation: Age-related Macular Degeneration: Facts & Figures, 12/8/2022

https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/article/age-related-macular-facts-figures

American Macular Degeneration Foundation: Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

https://www.macular.org/about-macular-degeneration/risk-factors

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science: Is the Higher Incidence of ARMD in Hyperopia Versus Myopia Associated with Higher Intensity Light at the Retina?, 4/2011

https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2352536

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Drusen?, 3/8/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-drusen

  • 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
    • Medical Perspectives

Appointment Request

  • Patient Portal

    RevolutionPHR is a secure, online personal health record provided to you by your eye care professional. The advantages for both patient and provider are significant.
    Log In
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients/ learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Our Location

Find Us On The Map

See what your friends and neighbors are saying

Your opinions matter

  • ""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.

Featured Articles

Helpful and Informative Information

  • April Newsletter: Tired of Contacts? Consider Orthokeratology.

    Wish you didn't have to wear your daily or monthly contact lenses? Orthokeratology can sharpen your vision. ...

    Read More
  • April Newsletter: Corneal Abrasion Could Lead to Infection. See Your Eye Doctor!

    Has something scratched your eye? A visit to the eye doctor could help you avoid a serious infection. ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: Are Your Eyes Getting Enough Vitamin D?

    Not getting enough of a key vitamin might increase your risk of several eye diseases. ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: Is Your Prescription Up to Date? What You Need to Know about When and Why You should See Your Optometrist

    Not sure when you need to see the eye doctor? ...

    Read More
  • Saccadic Fixators

    This entails a wall-mounted square board with a starburst design. Along the various striations of the starburst are lighted buttons. As the buttons light up, the patient works quickly to see how many of these lit buttons they can push before they go out. The key is to keep the head still. Peripheral ...

    Read More
  • Patches

    Eye patches are used to strengthen muscle control in weak eyes. By placing a patch over the strong eye, the weaker eye is forced to do the heavy lifting. While it may be uncomfortable for the patient at first, the muscle controlling the weaker eye will become tougher and more resilient. This will allow ...

    Read More
  • Rotation Trainers

    Rotation trainers consist of a disk – with various designs – that is attached to a rod-like base. As the disk rotates, the patient is asked to perform tasks that are designed to test and enhance eye-hand coordination, space awareness, perceptual awareness and visual acuity. ...

    Read More
  • Computer Software

    Computer aided vision therapy consists of a software package designed to enhance eye tracking skills, visual thinking, processing skills and binocular vision skills. Eye teaming, focusing and tracking are not optical in nature, and problems in these areas are the result of poor eye muscles. Specialized ...

    Read More
  • Prisms

    A prism has the same cross-section across the entire length of its shape. When used in eyeglasses, they often correct abnormalities associated with nearsightedness, farsightedness and double vision. Eyeglasses, or corrective lenses, reduce or increase the size of the image based on the eyes’ ability ...

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

    Do you know how age-related macular degeneration could affect your vision? ...

    Read More

Contact Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map