Here’s one we like, but there are many. "This type of technology is very exciting considering that it aims to replace the precise layer of cells that are progressively damaged in a form of macular degeneration that affects millions of people and is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness in the U.S.," he said. As light-sensing cells die off, people's vision becomes blurry and distorted, and they begin to lose their central vision. Any loss of sight is hard to recover. . Where to get it: Directly from the AMDF website here, or Amazon here. Where to get it – find a local nail salon or spa. SOURCES: Amir Kashani, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, clinical ophthalmology, University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles; Avnish Deobhakta, M.D.,  retina surgeon, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York City; April 4, 2018, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. In the experimental therapy, a specially engineered sheet of stem cells is transplanted into the back wall of the eye to replace a layer of cells destroyed by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Sign up below and we'll send you an email when we update the site or have other news for you. WEDNESDAY, April 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- A new stem cell transplant might help preserve or even restore vision being lost to the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, a new pilot clinical trial has shown. One thing is for sure, though: we should always get them checked just to be safe. Why we love it – It’s the little things that can make a big difference! The retina -- the light-sensitive tissue along the back of the eye wall -- is slowly destroyed as a result of AMD. According to Harvard Health, aside from getting good sleep and eating well (Mediterranean diet), activities that stave off cognitive decline include exercise, brain stimulating activities such as games, playing music, reading and writing, and social connections and interactions. Macular degeneration is a top cause of vision loss, and at the moment, it is considered incurable. The researchers then implanted the new sheet of cells into the eyes of five patients with long-term dry AMD, in a stage I clinical trial that ultimately will include a total of 20 people. "That was a very encouraging sign.". Twilight – Losing Sight, Gaining Insight by Henry Grunwald is one of the few memoirs on the market that is specific to losing sight from age-related macular degeneration. This combination should afford you the best lighting for your vision. The fifth patient actually experienced some improvement in vision, and was able to read 17 additional letters off a standard eye chart, said lead researcher Dr. Amir Kashani. 413.268.7660 - Contact us While you’re at it, ask if they offer any discounts if you pre-pay for 6 months or a year’s worth of pedicures. Where to get it: You can find on Amazon here. But these are not guarantees. However, the main symptom is a blurring of the central vision. "At present, we do not have any effective treatments for the dry form of macular degeneration that results in this sort of retinal atrophy, so this therapy has the potential to change the way we look at this disease and possibly give patients hope that at the very least we can stem the tide of disease progression," Deobhakta added. If you order through Amazon, you can still give back to AMDF by shopping on Amazon Smile and choosing AMDF as your charitable organization. Not to mention the potential social benefits. In the experimental therapy, a specially engineered sheet of stem cells is transplanted into the back wall of the eye to replace a layer of cells destroyed by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are many options. There are many conditions which affect our eyes, some of which are more serious than others. Along with low vision due to macular degeneration come tried and true tools for daily living. Northampton, MA 01061-0515 Macular degeneration is an age-related condition that is common among people in their 50s and older. Tai Chi can even be done sitting down! Why we love it – this gift will delight on so many levels, and even better if you join them! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Without the nourishment provided by the RPE layer, the retina cannot function normally and begins to die off, permanently damaging vision. "The function of the RPE cells is to support the overlying retina and its photo sensor cells," Kashani said. Why we love it –  designed to be highly portable and versatile. If you’re able to offer rides yourself, a coupon book is a great way to keep things manageable for you and your loved one. In losing his sight, he has reached for light.”. Age-associated macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness for people aged 55 years old or older, and because tour overall life expectancy is increasing, the condition has now become a major problem. Additionally, lack of access to transportation can affect treatment options. We found some that allowed “photo dialing” but due to central vision loss, photos might be hard to recognize, so we opted for the simple large button/large number design of this Home Intuition phone. Just search for “Tai Chi for beginners” or “Tai Chi for seniors”. Treatments include: This type of macular degeneration is actually not curable, but those who have it will not go completely blind. You can decide up front how many rides per month you can offer, what times are good for you, and parameters for “redeeming” the coupon (for example, how much advance notice do you need?). You are in RIGHT PLACE. Here are some of […] We won't sell or give your information to anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Her is the list of 10 best of the cell phones for blind and visually impaired: 1. A high-tech spin on an old-school tool. ** Special note on ordering – if ordering from AMDF, you may want to call 1-888-622-8527 to check on Christmas delivery. "They could guide their vision to look at a certain location," Kashani said. Astonishing Natural Remedies for Hypertension, The Most Amazing Benefits of Tart Cherries, 7 Natural Ways to Rid Yourself of Parasites, The Most Astounding Health Benefits of Salmon. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. There are treatments for macular degeneration are beneficial for the betterment of the condition as well as the prevention of the recurrence of it. On the higher end, you can gift Uber or Lyft rides. Whether a membership to a local class, a personal trainer, or in-home DVDs, this gift will encourage your loved one to keep moving. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You can help them out by doing the research and getting things set up for them.