November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness of Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease and encourage people with Diabetes to seek treatment for vision problems related to the disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and all people with Diabetes are at risk for vision loss and blindness. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2ETnh4n
At High Country Macula, our patients are our inspiration. Nothing makes us happier than when patients share pictures of the sights and images that inspire them, and that they value as a result of their preserved and restored eyesight. Feel free to share your pictures and stories on our Facebook page at facebook.com/highcountrymacula to inspire others.
Low Vision is the term used to describe significant visual impairment that can’t be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of low vision, although there are many others. If you or a loved one suffers from Low Vision or AMD, you may benefit from tips and tools that help partially-sighted computer users to do the same tasks as fully-sighted people. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2muoq9M , and be sure to share with others who may also suffer from Low Vision.
Debbie Williams, High Country Macula’s Surgical Coordinator, was born and raised in Albuquerque and attended the University of New Mexico. Debbie is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and has been in the fields of Ophthalmology and Optometry for over 30 years. She’s worked with several general Ophthalmologists, and in a broad range of clinical and management functions. Her breadth of knowledge and experience helps our patients through the challenges in and around the surgical process. Debbie is a hardcore Z-Girl, but when she has “spare” time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, scrapbooking, playing her accordion, and cruising in her sports car.
People often ask about the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist.
Although both are qualified to diagnose a variety of eye diseases and disorders, only Ophthalmologists are trained and qualified to perform eye surgery. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in eye care. After the completion of four years of undergraduate study, an Ophthalmologist must complete four years of medical school and spend a minimum of four years of Residency, and/or hospital-based training. An Optometrist has a degree of doctor of optometry. After completion of four years of undergraduate study, an Optometrist must attend four years of optometry school. It’s critical to have routine eye exams, not only with your Optometrist, but also with your Ophthalmologist to help you detect many treatable eye disorders and diseases, and to help you to preserve your very best vision.
Happy World Sight Day! World Sight Day is an event sponsored by the Internal Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and observed each year on the second Thursday in October. It’s meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment across the globe. 36 million people worldwide are considered blind, but it’s estimated that 75% of sight loss can be preserved or restored with proper care and treatment. World Sight Day recognizes the importance of proper eye health, and serves as a reminder that you and your family should receive comprehensive eye exams annually. Learn more about World Sight Day at http://bit.ly/2OPVQca
Insurance policies can be quite complex and coverages can vary, greatly. With deductibles, copays, medication tiers, and coverage limitations, disappointments can happen. We suggest reviewing your policies periodically, so that you better understand your coverages, and limit the possibility of any surprises. If you are confused about your coverages, simply reach-out and ask us for help. We have staff members who are able to assist you.
Could a fish hold the secret to curing damaged Retinas in humans? Currently, there are few effective treatments for diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in millions of Americans over age 55. Mammals can’t regenerate retinal neurons that are damaged by disease, but in the tiny zebrafish, which is widely used as a “model organism” in biological research, retinal damage triggers a spontaneous regenerative response that restores both retinal structure and function. Since the cells and structure of the Retina are similar among vertebrates, understanding how zebrafish regenerate damaged retinas could lead to new ways to regenerate retinas in people. Learn more, and share this fascinating study from http://bit.ly/2kUlov1 with your friends.
Do you suffer from itching, burning eyes during the Fall? If so, you’re not alone. More than 35 million people in the U.S. are affected by seasonal allergies. Most Fall eye allergies are caused by ragweed and other pollens, or by mold spores. If you’re sensitive to Fall allergies, some precautions you can take are to stay indoors during early morning hours and to avoid yard chores that can stir up mold and pollen. Don’t hesitate to contact your Retinologist at High Country Macula if you’re experiencing Fall eye allergies.
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