Carteret Eyecare Offers Innovative Test to Detect Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in its Earliest Stages
— AdaptDx Testing Can Help Prevent Blindness Caused by AMD –
Carteret, NJ – November 20, 2017 – Dr. Edward W. Harmer from Carteret Eyecare Associates, is among the first to offer the AdaptDx® test to help detect and monitor age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in adults over age 50. 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, optometrists at Carteret Eyecare can diagnose AMD before any vision loss occurs – and put a plan place to help preserve vision.
“Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic disease that causes a part of your retina called the macula to slowly deteriorate as you get older. The macula is responsible for central vision, which allows you to do things like recognize faces, read, watch TV, and drive,” said Dr. Harmer. “With the AdaptDx, we are able to quickly and easily detect AMD in its earliest stages before the patient notices any impairment; and then monitor and treat the disease to provide the best care available.”
Dr. Harmer recommends the AdaptDx to patients over age 50, particularly those who have trouble seeing or driving at night. 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. Harmer. “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, which is performed in a darkened room, is non-invasive and 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 and sees a flash of light, then watches for a series of dimmer lights and indicates when they are seen by clicking a button. The amount of time it takes to complete the test provides the doctor with vital information regarding the patient’s retinal function.
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 allows eye care professionals to detect AMD several years earlier and monitor disease progression. This enables 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.