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While depression is not uncommon among elderly patients
with macular degeneration, help is available
People with serious eye disease often learn to maximize
their human potential and live independent, productive
lives.
Yet this heartening reality is sometimes overlooked in
the popular media's dramatic depictions of people facing
vision loss. One recent example was NBC's popular program,
"ER," which broadcast a series of fictional episodes about a
man with macular degeneration. The man commits suicide after
accidentally cutting himself while preparing dinner.
This tragic outcome drew strong criticism from vision
experts like Barbara Silverstone, president and CEO of
Lighthouse International, a non-profit resource on vision
impairment and vision rehabilitation.
"To sensationalize vision loss by having the character
choose suicide because of his vision impairment, when very
effective options for living a full life are available, is
most unfortunate," she said.
James C. Folk, M.D., a University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics ophthalmologist who sees many patients with macular
degeneration, was less strident in his criticism, indicating
he saw both good and bad in the "ER" story-line.
"The bad was that the patient felt hopeless yet there are
new treatments and low vision aids available to help
patients with AMD," Folk said.
"The good was that these programs called attention to
depression which is a common and treatable disease in the
elderly especially in those with health problems."
Many AMD patients experience depression when they lose
the vision in their second eye. Doctors need to ask specific
questions concerning depression to both the patient and
loved ones.
"If a patient appears depressed, he or she should see a
psychiatrist or a therapist," Folk said. "I am impressed a
year later how many people severely affected by AMD have
come up with creative solutions to their handicaps. Most
patients can live very good lives."
Folk and other physicians and support staff affiliated
with the UI Center for Macular Degeneration focus their
research and patient care expertise on degenerative eye
diseases. Treatment for these conditions may include
medical, surgical, and/or low vision rehabilitation.
FACTS ABOUT AMD
- Leading cause of vision loss in patients over 50
- Many new treatments help to preserve vision
- Low vision aids helpful\
- An ophthalmologist should be contacted immediately if
central vision is suddenly lost or distorted
For more information
The UI Center for Macular Degeneration, directed by Edwin
M. Stone, M.D., Ph.D., employs multidisciplinary faculty and
staff in its clinics and laboratories. To contact the Center
for more information about treatment options, call UI Health
Access and ask for the Center, or call the Center directly
at 319-384-9270.
Patients who have lost some central vision may contact
Low Vision Rehabilitation Services, directed by Mark
Wilkinson, O.D. The services offer many treatment options to
enhance visual functioning for people who have lost vision.
Call UI Health Access and ask for Low Vision Rehabilitation
Services, or call the service directly at 319-356-8301.
Physicians who want AMD consultation or referral should
call UI Consult.
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