According to a study conducted by university researchers, 25 percent of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, cases are misdiagnosed by eye care professionals. AMD is the primary cause of irreversible vision loss for people in America who are at least 50 years old. This finding indicates that there could be significant issues older adults in New York will have to face.
The researchers reevaluated 644 patients, whose average age was 69 years and on whom an optometrist or ophthalmologist had performed a dilated eye exam. The results show that 25 percent of those patients whose eyes had been considered normal showed indications of AMD.
According to the lead author of the study, it is imperative that patients receive a proper diagnosis as the baby boomer population reaches the age range in which AMD is more likely. One positive note that was drawn from the study was that there were no cases in which advanced AMD was misdiagnosed.
The primary symptom of AMD is the loss of central vision. This makes it difficult for sufferers to engage in daily activities, such as watching television, reading and driving. As the older segment of the population ages, it is expected that the number of occurrences of the condition will rise. Although researchers have yet to find a cure for AMD, they have developed methods for slowing down the progression of the disease. Sufferers may benefit from nutritional supplementation, and if they have advanced AMD, injectable anti-VEGF medications.
A medical professional negligence attorney may evaluate the circumstances surrounding a client’s delayed diagnosis and may file lawsuits against the responsible parties. Financial damages may be pursued if the patient suffered harm as a result of the health care practitioner’s failure to exhibit the requisite standard of care.
