The Best Tool For The Job: Testing for Macular Degeneration with the AdaptDx® Pro
As someone deeply passionate about optometry and optical health, I understand the importance of preserving our eyesight. One vital aspect of this is testing for conditions like Macular Degeneration. Just imagine being able to detect a leading cause of vision loss before it advances significantly! That’s exactly what this advanced technology offers.
This powerful new piece of diagnostic equipment is the latest innovation enabling eye doctors to test the night vision of their patients, testing the eye’s ability to adjust to the dark can catch the early warning signs of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. And eye care specialists armed with this early detection system can more successfully determine a course of preventive treatment.
Statistics show one in eight Americans will develop macular degeneration by the age of 65, and one in three will have it by the age of 75. But if it’s caught early enough (usually in the patient’s 50s), the syndrome can be treated, either diminished significantly with vitamins and a healthier lifestyle, or else prevented entirely.
Where Did the AdaptDx® Pro Come From?
Hershey-based researcher Dr. Greg Jackson started researching the connection between loss of night vision and eventual macular degeneration decades ago, working with researchers at the Hershey Center for Applied Research to develop a better method of testing. They created the first prototype device that used the AdaptDx® technology was introduced in 2014 as the first fully automated dark adaptometer for clinical use. Since then, hundreds of practices and thousands of eye care professionals have been using dark adaptation to help diagnose and monitor AM.
Kirman Eye is proud to say that we were the first office in the world to offer the AdaptDx® Pro for our patient testing, and we are pleased to continue using it today.
The latest version of the AdaptDx® Pro is a small, easy-to-wear device that fits like a VR headset but which essentially functions as a portable darkroom. It weighs about a pound and a half and can administer the test in less than 10 minutes.
Is Age a Factor with AdaptDx® Pro Testing?
While Macular Degeneration is often associated with older adults, it’s essential to recognize that it can impact individuals of varying ages. The AdaptDx® Pro’s technology is designed to detect early signs of Macular Degeneration regardless of age. Whether you’re in your 40s or well into your senior years, this advanced test can help identify potential issues, allowing for timely intervention and management.
Genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices can also contribute to the risk of developing macular degeneration. So even if you’re in a lower-risk age group, understanding your genetic background and making informed lifestyle changes can play a significant role in preserving your eyesight. If the telltale symptoms start to present themselves, early testing with the AdaptDx® Pro can really help.
Are There Any Potential Risks with AdaptDx® Pro Testing?
This non-invasive test poses minimal risks. The AdaptDx® Pro test involves exposing your eyes to varying levels of light, which may lead to temporary minor light sensitivity. However, this discomfort is usually short-lived and subsides quickly.
Detecting Macular Degeneration in its earliest stages allows for timely intervention, which can slow down the progression of the condition and preserve your vision. Early detection also empowers you to work closely with your eye care professional to create a personalized management plan that suits your lifestyle and needs. This technology doesn’t just provide information; it offers the patient an opportunity to take control of their optical health and make informed decisions that positively impact their quality of life.
The AdaptDx® Pro offers a revolutionary approach to early detection and management of Macular Degeneration, and as a dedicated eye care professional, I encourage all of my patients to take every proactive step towards safeguarding their optical health. Contact us at Kirman Eye and inquire about scheduling a test. By doing so, you’re not only protecting your vision but also prioritizing your quality of life. Your eyesight is a treasure—cherish it by staying informed and partnering with your eye care specialists to preserve it. And the AdaptDx®Pro is an incredibly powerful tool in the Kirman Eye eyecare health arsenal.
Your partners at Kirman Eye are passionately dedicated to providing our patients with the best and most effective eye-care options available when anticipating all of your optical needs.
Contact us to work with you today!
