by: K. Patricia Bouweraerts, MA

Reception areas at ophthalmologists’ offices today are overflowing from morning until evening, and so thinking about being a member of an extended health care team for every patient can be mind-boggling in terms of sheer numbers — yet in light of new studies on genetics and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), team-based thinking is becoming especially pertinent in managing lifestyle factors such as higher alcohol use and smoking.

“I think that addressing lifestyle choices with patients is very important,” says Mehul Patel, MSc in Global Health, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Central Florida and clinical provider at UCF Health. He suggests of the family medicine doctor and internist, “they’re like the quarterbacks, if you will, in terms of the patient’s overall health, so I absolutely believe ophthalmologists contribute to that, and when appropriate, can chime in and both inform and educate, but also encourage patients to make those healthy lifestyle choices.”……..

Read more: https://www.ophthalmologyadvisor.com/topics/retina-vitreous/helping-patients-quit-smoking-and-drinking-can-save-sight/?fbclid=IwAR2e4Ydo01MBHUzo1gP6IkGkj7X8en3uA09dhJnem6GzPBOgEul8ndwMNgQ

Source: Ophthalmology Advisor

The post Smoking, Alcohol Cessation and Ocular Health: How Quitting Can Save Your Patients’ Vision appeared first on Macular Degeneration Association.