MDD Test for Macular Degeneration

Iowa EyeCare is now using another new technology to help us better detect eye disease affecting central vision, including age-related macular degeneration.  It’s called the MDD-2 Macular Adaptometer.  MDD stands for Macular Degeneration Detection.

The MDD-2 differs measures the function of the macula, making it different from other equipment that take images of the tissue to determine presence of macular degeneration.

The MDD-2 Macular Adaptometer is a hand-held medical instrument that measures photostress recovery.  This macular degeneration test takes less than 5 minutes to test both eyes, it is not invasive, and the results of the test are immediate.

The optometrists at Iowa EyeCare also endorse the use of MacuHealth dietary supplements that include lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Pigment located in the macula comes from plant compounds called carotenoids.  Carotenoids help by filtering light and neutralizing harmful free radicals.  These supplements are now available for purchase at either our Cedar Rapids, Robins, and Marion, Iowa, locations.

Protect your eyes from vision loss due to macular degeneration by scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor at Iowa EyeCare in Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Robins, Iowa.

By Dr. Ryan Nelson

Did you know that every eye is unique and could be used to identify individuals.  This uniqueness of the eye is similar to a fingerprint.  The retinal blood vessels enter the back of the eye through an opening in the optic nerve (the cord that takes visual information from the eye toward visual center in the brain).  The retinal blood vessels extend throughout the back, inside-surface of the eye in a branching tree-like pattern.  Every eye has a unique blood vessel pattern, which should stay the same throughout ones lifetime.

Your retinal blood vessels should be viewed every year by an eye doctor.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare use these blood vessels as clues for diagnosing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other whole-body diseases.  In these instances, and many others, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration, the inside of the eye can change slightly in its appearance.

Iowa Boer Meat Goat

The use of retinal scans for identification is not widely practiced.  For livestock, however, these scans are commonplace.  In fact, 4-H meat goats, sheep and beef cattle are scanned when individuals intend to show them for the Linn County Fair and Iowa State Fair.  This practice ensures that the same animal being raised and shown, and that no switching of animals has occured.

Dr. David Christensen

As spring draws near, golfers start to think about that first round of golf. I certainly am ready to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When it comes to golfing and vision, there are a few items that need to be considered. First of all, golfing can last anywhere from an hour and a half for a quick nine holes to over four hours for an eighteen hole round. This allows for significant exposure to the elements. Just as you need sunscreen to protect your skin, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Your sunglasses should block UV light as UV light can increase the risk for macular degeneration and cataracts.

For years, I struggled to find sunglasses that worked for golfing as I always felt that the frames were in the way of my vision. Sunglasses for golf should have a wrap to them. Wrap means that the lenses are slightly more curved than a typical glasses lens and the lens extends farther around the side of the head. This reduces the possibility that you will see the edge of the lens or the frame in the side of your vision. I also prefer a frame with a rimless design—meaning there is no wire or plastic on the bottom of the lens—for the same reason.

Golf Iowa

Finally, the tint on the lenses is very important. A typical sunglass tint is too dark for golfing. During a round of golf, the light conditions can vary dramatically. It may be bright sunlight at one moment and then clouds roll in or you have to move under the shade of a tree. You don’t want to have to remove your sunglasses in all of these situations. So, a light grey or brown tint typically works well. Some of the sunglass companies have a “golf” tint which is a color that is designed to enhance the ability to see the ball. These “golf” tints have worked well for me, but I haven’t noticed a dramatic improvement compared to other colors of tints.

So, if you haven’t worn sunglasses for golf in the past, give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable your vision is during your round of golf and the health of your eyes will definitely benefit. We have plenty of sunglasses that will work for you including styles from Serengeti and Bolle.