Family Focus Eyecare Offers Innovative Test to Detect Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in its Earliest Stages
— AdaptDx Testing Can Help Prevent Blindness Caused by AMD –
[Columbia, MO – August 28, 2018] – Family Focus Eyecare, an optometric practice located in Columbia, MO, is among the first to offer the AdaptDx® test to help detect and monitor age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The AdaptDx is a simple, non-invasive test that measures the time it takes a patient’s vision to adjust from bright light to darkness, a process known as dark adaptation. With the AdaptDx, clinicians at Family Focus Eyecare can diagnose AMD before any vision loss occurs – and put a plan in place to help preserve vision.
“Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of adult blindness, and more than twice as common as glaucoma. It is a chronic disease that causes a part of your retina called the macula to slowly deteriorate as you get older and makes it difficult to recognize faces, read, watch TV, and drive,” said Dr. Joseph D. Rich. “Many of our patients over age 50 are having trouble seeing or driving at night – and this can be the first symptom of AMD. With the AdaptDx, we are able to quickly and easily measure dark adaptation to detect AMD in its earliest stages, which is critical to delaying significant vision loss.”
Dr. Rich recommends AdaptDx testing to patients over age 50, particularly those who have trouble seeing or driving at night. Other than age, risk factors for AMD include a family history of the disease, Caucasian race, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.
“We are very excited to be one of the first practices to offer this state-of-the-art technology to help identify AMD in its earliest stages and help our patients take action to preserve their vision,” said Dr. Lee Ann Barrett. “While there is not a cure for AMD yet, there are several lifestyle changes and supplements that have a proven track record of delaying the progression of the disease.”
The AdaptDx test is a simple test that is easy to take. Nothing touches the patient’s eye and the test does not require pupil dilation. During the test, the patient looks into the AdaptDx in a darkened room and presses a button every time they see a flashing light. The amount of time it takes to complete the test provides the doctor with vital information regarding the patient’s retinal function.
About Family Focus Eyecare
Family Focus Eyecare’s doctors Dr. Joseph D. Rich & Dr. Lee Ann Barrett specialize in treating the entire family – from 6 months old to all ages of senior vision. While finding the correct glasses or contact lenses for your vision, style, and budget, we also hope to build a relationship with you, our patients. At Family Focus Eyecare, we don’t focus on a number or a quota – we focus on what is best for you and your family. Our comprehensive eye exams aim to both prevent and diagnose eye disease and conditions, while simultaneously enhancing vision, comfort, and convenience. Our goal is for all of our patients to have a lifetime of pristine vision that look great and patients are proud to wear. www.columbiafamilyfocuseyecare.com
About AdaptDx®
The AdaptDx is the first and only diagnostic aid for the subclinical detection and management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of adult blindness. The AdaptDx enables eye care professionals to detect AMD several years before physical changes to the retina are visible and allows them to monitor disease progression. This facilitates proactive treatment at each stage of this chronic disease to eliminate preventable blindness. Backed by more than 20 years of proven clinical research, the AdaptDx is an easy-to-use functional test that accurately measures dark adaptation, a key biomarker of AMD. The AdaptDx is made in the USA by MacuLogix, Inc. Visit www.MacuLogix.com for additional information.
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Contact:
Dr. Joseph D Rich, (573) 446-1600, drrich@columbiafamilyfocuseyecare.com
