Tag: central vision loss

Toyota Spotlights Visually Impaired Athlete

The story depicted in “Brothers,” a 60-second Toyota ad created to air during the 2022 Super Bowl and the Beijing Olympics, is based on the real lives of Brian and Robin McKeever. It opens with Robin teaching his younger brother to ski with glee. Growing up in Calgary, Canada, they develop a love for cross-country skiing and as their skills and training advance, they are preparing to compete with the best skiers in the world.

The tenor suddenly changes, and the video image becomes blurry in the center. There is a close-up of his eye, then his face, and we hear a doctor say, “Brian, we have found that you have a condition known as Stargardt macular degeneration. At this time, there is no treatment.” Upon diagnosis he is 19 years old, but his athletic career is far from finished.

The brothers continue training together, Robin providing his brother with vocal guidance. The work they do will take Robin to the Olympics, and both to the Paralympic Winter Games, with Robin as Brian’s guide. As Brian’s central vision loss progressed, the McKeever brothers competed together at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Para Games, winning 10 medals. Brian has won 17 Paralympic medals, 13 are gold, making him the most decorated Para cross-country skier, ever. He is currently training for the Beijing Paralympics in March.

In a press release Toyota said the ad “shares an inspiring message of determination and spotlights the power of sport.” It is also a testament to the power of support. “I hope my story inspires viewers to start their impossible – whatever that might be,” said Brian McKeever. “I’ve learned firsthand that anything is possible with perseverance, and the support of a brother, like Robin.” Vision loss is not completely new to Brian’s family, his father is also affected by Stargardt Disease, as is his aunt. Having this point of reference and a positive role model, in time, helps him accept the diagnosis and understand the long game. “Looking back, those things that maybe did change are just tiny barriers compared to the big picture,” Brian says. “I’m losing my eyesight, and that’s a big challenge. But the reality is, once you start to look at how to move forward, the things that seemed like a big deal at the start ended up being inconsequential.”

Thanks to Brian, Robin and Toyota for reminding us of what is possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_UgHZdjgvQ
Watch the Toyota Ad featuring the McKeever Brothers story

February 11, 2022
OE Patients AMD Guide

There is a lot to know about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is particularly true for newly diagnosed patients, but also important for patients at every stage of AMD.

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Wrinkled Face Of Elderly Woman

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

You’re not alone if you were recently diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s one of the most common causes of visual impairment in older adults, affecting millions in the United States alone. Chances are the nice woman sitting next to you in a clinic’s waiting room has AMD also and is undergoing treatment.

Read the Article

Fresh vegetables and fruits spread out on a gray table.

The Anti-AMD Diet

One of our most popular posts, authored by a nutritionist and wellness expert, looks at the impact diet has on slowing the progression of AMD. It’s popularity reflects the interest in, and importance of, making healthy food and lifestyle choices for better outcomes overall.

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Three generations of a family sitting on a park bench.

Hope for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that impacts millions in the United States alone. In our previous article, What is AMD?, we explored the different levels and types, as well as major risk factors. Thankfully, treatment is an effective option now. Even just fifteen or so years ago, having the advanced form of AMD almost guaranteed that your vision would become severely impaired.

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Artists Work Through Macular Degenerat

Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

These visual artists with AMD, in their 70’s and 80’s, continued to flourish, some crating their best work after vision loss. They inspire us to carry on doing what we love to do.

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Three seniors using different technology in a living room.

OE Agrees With AAO

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), most patients with age-related vision loss believe there is nothing they can do to improve quality of life. AAO and OE want patients to know — that is not correct.

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Image shows group of AMD patients applauding.

NEI Study Shows AMD Vitamins Work

A 10-year follow-on study by the National Eye Institute confirms the AREDS2 supplement formula is effective in slowing progress of AMD in patients with moderate to advanced disease.

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The Retina Counselor – AMD

Learn about treatments in development for AMD and find a printable PDF to discuss with your retina specialist.

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August 30, 2021
NEI Study Shows AMD Vitamins Work

If you are a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or you know someone who is affected, you may have wondered if daily supplements really help. Can a vitamin formula slow the progression of vision loss caused by AMD? The National Eye Institute (NEI) says Yes. Upon completion of a 10-year follow-on study, the NEI reaffirms its recommendation of the nutrient formula, known as AREDS2, confirming it continues to deliver positive results in slowing the progression of vision loss in patients with intermediate to advanced AMD. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of central vision loss in people over age 50. As the disease progresses it can seriously impair a person’s ability to read, recognize faces or drive.

The NEI has been looking at the effects of supplemental nutrients on AMD for 20 years now. The specific mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants originated in the 2001 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) which focused on a combination of antioxidants and zinc. In the second study, AREDS2, which was completed in 2012, the NEI tested changes to the formulation, including the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, and reducing zinc. The formulation included in the 2012 study is the AREDS2 formula this long-term study was based on.

The formulation is the same combination found in PreserVision AREDS2 eye vitamins by Bausch & Lomb. which was provided to participants during the last 5-years of this study. The daily dose contains the recommended levels of all six clinically proven nutrients: vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400 IU/180mg), lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg), zinc (80mg zinc oxide), and copper (2mg cupric oxide). The AMD nutrient formula can also be found in other brands including: I-Caps AREDS 2 (Alcon), Eyepex Macula (Eyepex Formulas) or MacularProtect Complete AREDS2.

The AREDS2 vitamins are formulated exclusively for AMD patients with intermediate to advanced disease. Consult your doctor before taking these supplements. Keep in mind, vitamin supplements are not a replacement for good nutrition, your diet should be rich in all these nutrients to derive best results. Read about the incomparable benefits of a healthy fresh Mediterranean diet in The Anti-AMD Diet. And remember it’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, protect your eyes from the sun and do not smoke!

May 28, 2021
Advancing AMD Awareness

Once upon a time, not so long ago, people believed that age-related macular degeneration caused total blindness. Today we know better. AMD affects people over age 50, resulting in a blurring of the sharp central vision used for reading, driving, identifying faces, and other detail oriented tasks. The peripheral vision is not affected and can be helpful in compensating. The dry form of AMD accounts for about 90% of cases, marked by slowly progressing changes. The remaining 10% have the wet form which causes more aggressive vision loss due to leaking blood vessels behind the eye. Treatment is available and effective in managing wet AMD. Patients are able to continue a productive and independent life with the active implementation of small changes and the embrace of technology.

Here is a collection of OE’s recent and most popular content on the subject, in recognition of AMD Awareness Month – February 2021.

Closeup of elderly woman’s eye

What Is AMD?

An explanation of age-related macular degeneration, thorough and well presented for review as an informative introduction or to refresh your knowledge. Read Now

Image of the logo for The Retina Counselor.

Emerging Treatments For AMD

A primer on clinical trials in the process for the next generation treatment and management of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration with an emphasis on more efficient and convenient patient care. Read Now

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

Episode 14: The Retina Counselor

Listen in as Dr. Mrinali Gupta discusses the future of AMD treatments and how patients can best utilize the Retina Counselor report. Listen Now

Fresh vegetables and fruits spread out on a gray table.

The Anti-AMD Diet

This is one of OE Patients most popular articles. Improving nutrition habits through small dietary changes has been found to prevent and slow the development of AMD. Read Now

Older woman using digital tablet outdoors

Living Better With AMD

Patients should be to be well informed that although there may be no medical treatments available yet, for their AMD, it most certainly does not mean “nothing can be done.” Read this article for five ways to take action. Read Now

Dahlov Ipcar “Sunlight in Forest Glade” (unfinished, 2015)

Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

If you think AMD is a career-ending diagnosis for a visual artist, this article will change your thinking. These artists continued to thrive, despite vision loss, and you can too! Read Now

Three generations of a family sitting on a park bench.

Hope For Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Progress with age-related macular degeneration shows a promising hope for the future. Read Here for what you need to know and what you can expect. Read Now

February 5, 2021
Living Better With AMD
There was a time when a patient diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration was told, “You are going blind, and there is nothing we can do.” Today we are much better informed, and we know that AMD causes impairment of the central vision (not total blindness). We also know, there is plenty we can do to make the adjustments that enable us to continue productive lives.

Currently, there are treatments for about 10% of all AMD cases, as outlined in our recent article Hope For AMD. For all patients, there are many ways to compensate for the changes in vision, while protecting and maximizing remaining sight. Today’s AMD patient is active and engaged in solutions that include technology, accessibility, and wellness.

A willingness to make small changes is the key to successfully overcoming the adversity caused by any degree of vision loss. Like all things achieved in life, this too requires effort.

Here are 5 ways you can live better with AMD.
- Daily Nutrition: Studies show, good nutrition has the power to prevent or slow the development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Do not delay, start today, form your own anti-AMD game plan. Read OE’s Anti-AMD Diet.
- Perspective: Focus on the vision you have, do not dwell on the loss. Take a moment each day to look around and take in your surroundings, appreciate all that you can see. This will literally Improve Your Outlook.
- Magnification: Make magnifiers your number one accessory. Create your own collection of magnifiers for your daily tasks and keep them easy to access: one in your coat pocket, one in the kitchen, one on your desk, etc. Explore the low and high tech options available in our article, Magnifiers Are A Must.
- Technology: The power of accessible technology cannot be underestimated or overlooked. There is practically no limit to the compensatory value of mobile devices and computers that possess the ability to give you the visual or audible features that provide full access for everyone, regardless of acuity. Browse OE Patients: Accessibility & Technology section. Or go straight to a favorite on iPhone Accessibility.
- Preserve Your Sight: No smoking and always wearing sunglasses outdoors, are good habits that will help protect your eyes, from these damaging causes, for the long term. Read more on Sight Saving Habits.
The ability to remain flexible and to keep making adjustments will empower you to continue doing the things you want to do.

Tell us about your solutions for living with AMD.
February 27, 2019