 The Aging Eye
Do you or someone close to you suffer from macular degeneration? Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of those questions, than you may want to attend a public meeting that deals with ‘The Aging Eye.’
Dr. Surendar Purohit, a surgeon and retinal specialist will discuss those conditions and the latest technologies used in treating them on Monday, October 23. The presentation, part of the Senior Health Partners ‘Aging Well’ series, will begin with a light lunch at 11:30 a.m.; Dr. Purohit will speak from noon – 1 p.m. The program is free to the public. Please call (269) 441-0948 to reserve your seat for meal and program.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a relatively common eye disease that causes deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina. Sharp, clear, ‘straight ahead’ vision is processed by the macula so if it becomes damaged it can cause blind spots and blurred or distorted vision which can ultimately make many daily activities such as driving and reading increasingly difficult. AMD usually affects individuals older than 50 years of age, and scientific evidence shows that genes may play a role in the development of nearly three out of four cases of this devastating eye disease.
AMD is a major cause of visual impairment in the United States. Approximately 1.8 million Americans age 40 and older have advanced AMD, and another 7.3 million people with intermediate AMD are at substantial risk for vision loss. The government estimates that by 2020 there will be 2.9 million people with advanced AMD.
Dr. Purohit will talk about the recent approval of Lucentis, a drug for those who have macular degeneration, ways you can adjust your lifestyle to help reduce the effects of the disease, as well as why it is important to see your doctor regularly for check ups and how to detect changes in your vision.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://www.burnhambrook.com, or call (269) 441-0948.
About Dr. Purohit
Surendar S. Purohit, MD received his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He completed his residency at Case Western Reserve University and a fellowship from the University of British Columbia. He is board certified in ophthalmology. Dr. Purohit specializes in laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
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