HOPE FOR THE LEGALLY BLIND

Eye Doctor Helps Legally Blind To See

High Technology For Low Vision Patients Helps Many To Drive Again

For many patients with macular or pass the driver's vision test. degeneration and other Nine out of 10 people who have macular vision-related conditions, the loss degeneration have the dry form. New of central visual detail also signals the end research suggests vitamins can help. The to one of the last bastion of independence: driving. A Mascoutah optometrist, Dr. Marianne McDaniel, is using miniatur- ized telescopes that are mounted in glasses to help people who have lost vision from British medical journal BMC Ophthalmology recently reported that 50 percent of patients treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins experienced improved vision after six months. macular degeneration and other eye conditions. While age is the most significant risk fac tor for developing the disease, heredity, Some patients consider Dr. Marianne smoking, cardiovascular disease and high McDaniel the last stop for people who blood pressure have also been identified have vision loss, one of only a few doc- as risk factors. tors in the world who specializes in fitting people over 50. Despite this, most adults are not familiar with the condi- degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center bioptic telescopes to help those who have Macular degeneration accounts for lost vision due to macular degeneration, 90 percent of new legal blindness in diabetic retinopathy, and other debilitating the U.S. While there is currently no cure, eye diseases. promising research is being done on many fronts. "My job is to figure out everything Imagine a pair of glasses that can improve vision enough to actually change one's life. Low vision patients have probably not only imagined them, but have been searching and anything possible to keep a person functioning especially driving," said Dr. McDaniel. for them. Bioptic telescopes may be the breakthrough in optical technology that will return the independence to whom once had it. Patients with vision in the 20/200 range can many times be improved to 20/50 or better. "Bioptic telescopes can cost over $2,000," she said, "especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass. The major benefit of the bioptic telescope is that the lens automatically focuses on whatever you're Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in but more precise." tion. As many as 25 percent of those over the age of 50 have some degree To learn more about the bioptic telescopes or to schedule a of macular degeneration. The macula is only one small part of the retina; consultation, give the office of Dr. Marianne McDaniel a call at however, it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp central vision. When it (618) 566-8899 and visit www.mascoutaheyecare.com. looking at. It's like a self-focusing camera, of vision, making it difficult or impossible to recognize faces, read a book, The office is located at 100 East Main Street in Mascoutah.

Local, Family-Owned Business In Edwardsville For Over 45 Years

• Essential Oils & Diffusers • Insence & Smudge/Sage Sticks • 185 Bulk Spices & Teas • Vitamins & Herbs • Fresh Organic Produce • Sports Nutrition • • Deli Bulk & Packaged Health Foods Your Trusted Source for CBD Products • Foods for Specialty Diets • Trained Staff • Meat, Honey & Eggs • We Carry A Variety of Top-Reviewed Products from Local Farms - All Products Are Third Party Tested

See our coupons in this issue! (618) 656-3375 www.greenearthgrocer.com

441 A South Buchanan Edwardsville •(next to Market Basket)

STORE HOURS: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. • 7 DAYS A WEEK

Bar and Eatery

real People, real Food, real drinks and real good!

GREAT Atmosphere with REAL Live Music Thurs - Sat. Check Facebook for Events!

To view menu or place an order go to: thecopperfire.com/menu or call(618) 235-5010

#BellevilleStrong

Indoor Seating • Patio and Extra Outdoor Seating (10 S. Jackson St.) Copper Fire Hours: Wed. & Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.;

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. - Midnight; Pop-Up Sundays

Jazz | Smooth Jazz | Blues | Easy R&B

Showcase your business in front of our loyal audience. Underwriting is a fantastic and cost effective way for businesses to support this community radio station that reaches The Metro East and the greater St. Louis region. Contact Stephanie Lewis at 650-2228 or stlewis@siue.edu