Eyes on Sight

Feb 9, 2021

What’s the deal with stem cells and how can they potentially help Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

What’s the deal with stem cells and how can they potentially help Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? By Dr. Joshua Mali So, what’s the deal with stem cells? It seems like a buzzword phrase that is used commonly in the news media but what are they and why should you care about them? Well, let’s begin: What are stem cells? Stem cells are cells that can be used to either replace completely or rejuvenate existing cells in the retina to help improve function. Typically, stem cells can be directed towards any organ in the body so that’s why now they are…

What’s the deal with stem cells and how can they potentially help Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Jan 18, 2021

Eating Your Way To Better Vision

We see a lot in news and articles about what kinds of things we can eat to help with or prevent macular degeneration. The main things that come to mind are lutein and zeaxanthin that are found in green-leafy vegetables. A recent publication hypothesizes that fish is an important food item, especially for people with a family history of macular degeneration. According to one of authors, Stuart Richer, O.D., This Scripps -VA collaborative study suggests that oily fish consumption, and particular the DHA fraction is important. Offspring of an AMD parent presenting with a vulnerable foveal macular pigment dip, and…

Eating Your Way To Better Vision

Nov 6, 2020

Is there a cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

By Dr. Joshua Mali The short answer is not yet. However, I am very optimistic that we will have a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the future. The goal of the cure two-fold: (1) try and prevent AMD from occurring in the first place and (2) cure wet AMD. Currently, the key strategy for dry AMD is to utilize AREDS2 vitamins for moderate/advanced dry AMD, lifestyle modifications (including stopping smoking, eating a good diet, and getting moderate exercise), and using the ForeseeHome device or Amsler grid for home monitoring. Our current treatment approach for wet AMD is…

Is there a cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Sep 15, 2020

Why are anti-glare sunglasses and night glasses so important in people with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

By Dr. Joshua Mali Why is sunlight/glare so uncomfortable/damaging overall? – UV light exposure in high levels can cause damage to the eye from front (cornea/lens) to back (retina). Why are anti-glare sunglasses important? – Sunglasses with UV light protection or polarization help to block out the damaging effects of sunlight on our eyes. Why are night glasses important? – Anti-reflective coating on glasses are very important, especially with night glasses. This coating helps to reduce glare which can be a critical factor with driving at night with oncoming headlights shining all around the driver. What are some things…

Why are anti-glare sunglasses and night glasses so important in people with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Jul 2, 2020

Dr. Mali’s Top 5 Myths Answered About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

By Dr. Joshua Mali 1. Eating carrots are good for your eyes and will improve your vision (even though mom said so) True: Carrots contain beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in our bodies to provide nutrition to the eye from front (cornea) to the back (retina). However, carrots are not the only food to contain Vitamin A (others include milk, eggs, and liver). In addition, green leafy vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are very important for retinal cell health and have tremendous benefit in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 2. AMD leads to total blindness False:…

Dr. Mali’s Top 5 Myths Answered About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)