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Keeping Patients’ Eyes Healthy as They Age

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Resources for AMD, glaucoma, and other issues affecting older patients

The U.S. population is growing older. For the first time in history, adults aged 65+ are projected to outnumber children by 2034. The median age for most states increased last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With birth rates trending downwards and the aging of Baby Boomers and Generation X, the median age will likely continue to rise in the coming years.

Older adults are at higher risk for eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. As eye doctors know, early detection prevents vision loss. Below, we have highlighted some of our newly updated resources available on the Rendia platform to help providers educate  patients on eye conditions that affect older populations.

 

Show patients how AMD affects the eye

Millions of people suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of severe, permanent vision loss in Americans over 50, according to Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute. More than 8 million people are in the early stages of AMD, but many may not know it until their central vision is significantly affected. 

Rendia videos are a great way to explain anatomy, show disease progression and define unfamiliar terminology before discussing AMD therapies. 

This video helps explain to patients how AMD affects the eye, how the disease progresses, and the difference between the common dry form of AMD and the more serious wet AMD, as illustrated in this video. It also introduces patients to terminology they may be unfamiliar with, like “drusen.”

You can also use Exam Mode with AMD patients to illustrate the eye’s anatomy. Rendia expert Paul Karpecki, O.D., F.A.A.O., has said, “Using Rendia to visually explain AMD improves patient comprehension and saves me several minutes per visit. I believe it’s because the patient is quickly able to understand where the condition is occurring and how it will eventually affect them.”

This sets the stage for a discussion about existing and emerging AMD therapies.

 

Spread the word about glaucoma risk

Anyone over the age of 60 is at a higher risk for developing glaucoma. Certain demographic populations, including African American, Asian and Hispanic patients, are at an even greater risk for glaucoma and at a younger age, as is anyone with a family history of the disease. 

Rendia’s art team created this compelling video to inform patients about glaucoma risk factors and encourage them to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. 

 

Glaucoma: Risk Factors

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Let patients know that while glaucoma can’t be cured, an eye doctor can slow or stop progression with proper treatment.

Once a patient has scheduled an appointment, you can share this video by email, in your waiting room or in the exam room to help explain the eye’s anatomy and how glaucoma affects vision. It also lets them know that an eye care provider may be able to slow or stop the progression of glaucoma with the proper treatment. 

 

Glaucoma: Overview

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Lastly, share this video to discuss treatment options and reinforce the message that the sooner the patient begins treatment, the better you can protect their vision. Rendia videos make it easy for patients to share information about their health with family or caregivers.

 

Glaucoma: Treatment Overview

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Educate diabetic patients 

Underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease can also contribute to glaucoma and are linked to other eye conditions. For example, diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can damage the retina in the back of the eye, affecting vision. Given that 26.4 million people aged 65+ – almost half the U.S. adult population – have pre-diabetes, it’s important to raise awareness about this condition that can be diagnosed by an eye care provider. 

Almost half the U.S. adult population over age 65 has pre-diabetes, which can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.

Consider sharing this short video on your social media platforms:

 

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

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Patients should also know that while diabetic retinopathy cannot be cured, there are ways to control and treat it. This video discusses how some patients may benefit from laser eye surgery, for example. Spread the message that improved methods of diagnosis and treatment can preserve sight. 

 

Diabetic Retinopathy: Treatment Overview

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As the U.S. population continues to age, more of your patients will need education and resources related to their eye health. You can discuss the link between vision loss and depression, and urge patients to come in for regular checkups. Let them know that the National Eye Institute recommends people aged 60+ get a dilated eye exam every one to two years. 

Today’s seniors are more connected and tech-savvy than ever. Encourage them to be partners in their care by sharing the latest tools and technologies to help them maintain the health of their eyes and vision. 

Read one more: Behind the Scenes with Rendia’s In-House Art Team

 

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