By KATIE FOUTZ kfoutz@scn1.com
For three years, Cheryl Shook has been trying to persuade her elderly father-in-law to hang up his keys.
Lines on the road were harder to see at night. Getting in and out of the car was more difficult.
Finally, as her father-in-law neared his 97th birthday, he agreed to stop driving.
"He was very defensive at first," said Shook, 65, an administrative assistant for Visiting Angels, a home care service in Glen Ellyn. "If their faculties -- their mind -- is working so well, and his are, they don't want to give up that independence. That's what it really boils down to. 'I want to be able to take care of myself and go get my groceries and my prescriptions.'"
Visiting Angels created a brochure for older individuals or their caregivers about the warning signs for when they should consider giving up driving -- for their own safety and others'. The signs include diminished hearing, vision and reaction time. The brochure also suggests ways to address the driving issue with a loved one.
Shook faced a few challenges while getting her father-in-law off the road. First, he lives in Florida, so she and her husband can't drive him themselves. Also, he has outlived many of his friends, so there are few people in his social life who can pitch in behind the wheel. He does have a younger girlfriend: a 92-year-old woman who lives across the street and does the driving for both of them.
Shook said her father-in-law's eye doctor was helpful in getting through to him.
"His eye doctor told him, 'I'd prefer you don't drive any longer,'" she said. "The doctor would say, 'How did you get here?' 'Oh, I drove. I took the back roads.'"
Her father-in-law took a long road to giving up his keys. He first agreed to give up driving at night. He also started to shorten his trips. After a while, he stopped driving anywhere more than a half-mile from his house. At the end of December, he finally said he would not drive at all anymore.
One Naperville couple in their 80s also has limited their driving -- they drive themselves to visit family in Wisconsin and Ohio, but they now fly to vacation in Florida. They declined to be identified because they didn't want authorities to think they are dangerous drivers.
"There is a fear your ability to drive is slipping a little bit," he said. "When cars are going around you 20 mph faster, you begin to wonder, do I really belong here? You question your own reaction time. If I had to stop in a hurry, would I be able to?"
His wife's two-year driver's license is up for renewal this year. In Illinois, between ages 21 and 80, driver's licenses are issued every four years. If you're a good driver with a clean record, you can renew your license without a retest. Beginning at age 75, you must take a test when you renew consisting of a vision screening, written exam and driving test. Between ages 81 and 86, licenses are good for two years. After that, licenses must be renewed every year.
Driving isn't as fun as it used to be, she said. For one thing, distracted drivers make her nervous. The new I-Pass lanes on the tollways also are confusing -- she once missed three tolls on I-355 before realizing what she had done.
Those concerns are familiar to ophthalmologist Byron Tabbut, president of Wheaton Eye Clinic of Naperville, Wheaton, Plainfield and Hinsdale. He said patients and children of patients have come in with driving on their minds. However, it often takes a failed vision test to signal a problem.
"We see it most commonly in patients who have macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts," Tabbut said. "With macular degeneration, you lose the center of vision, like a bull's eye in the target. That obviously affects their driving ability."
He checks three things before recommending a patient stops driving: visual acuity, peripheral field of vision and their ability to respond to traffic conditions. He first points out what can be changed and fixed, such as surgery for cataracts, treatment for macular degeneration or telescopic lenses for low vision.
His offices deal with diminished driving capacity a lot, but that experience doesn't make the discussion easy.
"The ability to drive or losing the ability to drive is a major milestone in any person's life," Tabbut said. "You want to be straightforward but gentle. It's best to bring a family member into the conversation if they'll allow that. Often a family member or loved one who knows that person well can communicate in a truthful yet sensitive way what might be best next step."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Office offers free eye screen for macular degeneration
By ALLISON RUPP
Star-Tribune staff writer
Dr. Clark Jensen, an optometrist at Jensen Eye Care, will offer free screenings for the leading cause of blindness in the country later this month.
He said he wants to educate the public about macular degeneration, which affects colored and detail vision, because the common disease is "a mystery" to most people.
About 1.8 million people in the United States suffer from advanced macular degeneration, and 7.3 million people suffer from intermediate macular degeneration. Jensen said it is "a big problem, a huge problem" in his Casper practice.
Two months ago, his office purchased a new piece of equipment that allows eye doctors to see deeper into the retina than previous screening tools. A doctor can see not only the damage but also the layer of the retina where damage is occurring.
"It's just awesome cool," Jensen said. "It lets us see the retina in great detail, detail we have not seen before."
The new screening allows the doctor to determine right away if the patient has a problem.
Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is a part of the retina in the back of a person's eye. People with the disease struggle to read mail, watch television or enjoy a book.
"It is very frustrating," Jensen said. "They still have vision, but it is terribly compromised."
Jensen said some forms of the disease are treated successfully while others are resistant to treatment.
Types of treatment vary depending of the type of degeneration but range from taking antioxidant vitamins to eye surgery, he said.
"It's better you know about it and then deal with it rather than hope nothing is wrong," Jensen said. "Ignorance of the problem is not how people should approach their vision and their eyes."
Risk factors for the disease include age, family history, smoking, diabetes and lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Many people do not know they may have already started developing symptoms or they are at risk, Jensen said.
That's why it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly and not just when a person needs new glasses or contacts, Jensen said.
Healthy people over 40 should see an eye doctor every year, and people under 40 should see an eye doctor every two years.
"I think, 'Ah dang. If I could have seen this person two years ago, five years ago or 10 years ago, I could have helped them,'" Jensen said.
Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.
Screen your eyes
What: A free screening for macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Generally, people do not need to have their eyes dilated for the screening.
Who: People over the age of 50.
When: From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28.
Where: Jensen Eye Care, 3101 S W Wyoming Blvd.
For more information: Contact Dr. Clark Jensen's office at (307) 265-7008 for information on the screening or the disease and to schedule your screening appointment.
Star-Tribune staff writer
Dr. Clark Jensen, an optometrist at Jensen Eye Care, will offer free screenings for the leading cause of blindness in the country later this month.
He said he wants to educate the public about macular degeneration, which affects colored and detail vision, because the common disease is "a mystery" to most people.
About 1.8 million people in the United States suffer from advanced macular degeneration, and 7.3 million people suffer from intermediate macular degeneration. Jensen said it is "a big problem, a huge problem" in his Casper practice.
Two months ago, his office purchased a new piece of equipment that allows eye doctors to see deeper into the retina than previous screening tools. A doctor can see not only the damage but also the layer of the retina where damage is occurring.
"It's just awesome cool," Jensen said. "It lets us see the retina in great detail, detail we have not seen before."
The new screening allows the doctor to determine right away if the patient has a problem.
Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is a part of the retina in the back of a person's eye. People with the disease struggle to read mail, watch television or enjoy a book.
"It is very frustrating," Jensen said. "They still have vision, but it is terribly compromised."
Jensen said some forms of the disease are treated successfully while others are resistant to treatment.
Types of treatment vary depending of the type of degeneration but range from taking antioxidant vitamins to eye surgery, he said.
"It's better you know about it and then deal with it rather than hope nothing is wrong," Jensen said. "Ignorance of the problem is not how people should approach their vision and their eyes."
Risk factors for the disease include age, family history, smoking, diabetes and lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Many people do not know they may have already started developing symptoms or they are at risk, Jensen said.
That's why it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly and not just when a person needs new glasses or contacts, Jensen said.
Healthy people over 40 should see an eye doctor every year, and people under 40 should see an eye doctor every two years.
"I think, 'Ah dang. If I could have seen this person two years ago, five years ago or 10 years ago, I could have helped them,'" Jensen said.
Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.
Screen your eyes
What: A free screening for macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Generally, people do not need to have their eyes dilated for the screening.
Who: People over the age of 50.
When: From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28.
Where: Jensen Eye Care, 3101 S W Wyoming Blvd.
For more information: Contact Dr. Clark Jensen's office at (307) 265-7008 for information on the screening or the disease and to schedule your screening appointment.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New year honour for Iping man
Published Date: 08 January 2009
Thirteen years of voluntary service to St Dunstan's has led to the award of the OBE in the New Year honours list to Captain Michael Gordon Lennox.
Capt Gordon Lennox, who retired from the Royal Navy in 1994 and lives at Iping, near Midhurst, served for three years as a trustee of the national charity before becoming its chairman in 1998. He stepped down last November when he reached the age of 70.
"When I became chairman of St Dunstan's trustees," Capt Gordon Lennox said, "we were looking after some 900 war (or on duty) blinded
veterans, mostly from World War II, but with a few in the intervening years. These numbers were dwindling – we had a good level of reserves and something had to be done.
"The 'something' agreed by the trustees is that we would in future look after all ex-service people, regardless of the cause of blindness.
"This triggered a large amount of work, but has been highly successful
and popular with the ex-service community, many of whom suffer from age-related blindness, such as macular degeneration, blindness resulting from other conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetes, and increasing as people live longer."
He said St Dunstan's now looked after more than 2,500 blind people and had an annual intake of between 600 and 700.
"We also include widows and spouses of those we support, taking the overall total to nearly 4,500 and rising, in addition to the flagship home at Ovingdean (over 40 residents and 110 beds) for rehab training, respite and holidays.
"The numbers increase has led us to opening a weekday centre at Sheffield and a new home at Llandudno which will copy Ovingdean but without permanent residents, and is sadly now on hold for development for a year so we can assess the financial downturn effects."
Capt Gordon Lennox said he was 'passionate' about St Dunstan's work.
The oldest survivor of the first world war, 112-year-old Henry Allingham, is a resident at the charity's home at Brighton.
"We do not have so many war-blinded these days. So far there have been five or six from Iraq and Afghanistan," said Capt Gordon Lennox.
His successor as chairman is Major General Andrew Keeling, former Representative Colonel Commandant in the Royal Marines, who now lives near Rogate.
"I have no intention of breathing down his neck but I shall endeavour to keep in touch with St Dunstan's," the former chairman said.
"It seems strange to get an award for something I enjoyed."
Thirteen years of voluntary service to St Dunstan's has led to the award of the OBE in the New Year honours list to Captain Michael Gordon Lennox.
Capt Gordon Lennox, who retired from the Royal Navy in 1994 and lives at Iping, near Midhurst, served for three years as a trustee of the national charity before becoming its chairman in 1998. He stepped down last November when he reached the age of 70.
"When I became chairman of St Dunstan's trustees," Capt Gordon Lennox said, "we were looking after some 900 war (or on duty) blinded
veterans, mostly from World War II, but with a few in the intervening years. These numbers were dwindling – we had a good level of reserves and something had to be done.
"The 'something' agreed by the trustees is that we would in future look after all ex-service people, regardless of the cause of blindness.
"This triggered a large amount of work, but has been highly successful
and popular with the ex-service community, many of whom suffer from age-related blindness, such as macular degeneration, blindness resulting from other conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetes, and increasing as people live longer."
He said St Dunstan's now looked after more than 2,500 blind people and had an annual intake of between 600 and 700.
"We also include widows and spouses of those we support, taking the overall total to nearly 4,500 and rising, in addition to the flagship home at Ovingdean (over 40 residents and 110 beds) for rehab training, respite and holidays.
"The numbers increase has led us to opening a weekday centre at Sheffield and a new home at Llandudno which will copy Ovingdean but without permanent residents, and is sadly now on hold for development for a year so we can assess the financial downturn effects."
Capt Gordon Lennox said he was 'passionate' about St Dunstan's work.
The oldest survivor of the first world war, 112-year-old Henry Allingham, is a resident at the charity's home at Brighton.
"We do not have so many war-blinded these days. So far there have been five or six from Iraq and Afghanistan," said Capt Gordon Lennox.
His successor as chairman is Major General Andrew Keeling, former Representative Colonel Commandant in the Royal Marines, who now lives near Rogate.
"I have no intention of breathing down his neck but I shall endeavour to keep in touch with St Dunstan's," the former chairman said.
"It seems strange to get an award for something I enjoyed."
Friday, January 9, 2009
Helping people with vision loss lead fuller lives
Times & Star
Last updated 19:32, Thursday, 08 January 2009
A COCKERMOUTH man is helping people who are losing their sight to lead fuller lives.
in focus: Edward Bebbington at home in Cockermouth with some of the equipment he has received from the West Cumbria Society for the Blind
Edward Bebbington, 55, of Riverside Terrace, is supporting individuals with macular degeneration. He was diagnosed with the disease five years ago.
Mr Bebbington is a volunteer trainer with the Macular Disease Society and advises fellow sufferers on how to make best use of their remaining sight. He is the only volunteer based in Cumbria.
The condition affects central vision but leaves peripheral vision intact. It can force sufferers to give up their jobs or stop driving.
Mr Bebbington said: “It’s about retraining your brain.
“You have to get away from looking directly, and look away to one side instead.”
The benefits of the training mean that many sufferers are able to remain in their jobs for longer.
Mr Bebbington added: “The first lady I helped was a receptionist in an accountants.
“She would lose the middle of a long number, but she found that the techniques helped in her job and she was able to carry on working.
“It’s nice when I can help people to carry on working for longer and it’s a great sense of achievement.”
At least 500,000 people in the UK are affected by the disease. Anyone who thinks they might have macular degeneration should contact social services to arrange an assessment.
Last updated 19:32, Thursday, 08 January 2009
A COCKERMOUTH man is helping people who are losing their sight to lead fuller lives.
in focus: Edward Bebbington at home in Cockermouth with some of the equipment he has received from the West Cumbria Society for the Blind
Edward Bebbington, 55, of Riverside Terrace, is supporting individuals with macular degeneration. He was diagnosed with the disease five years ago.
Mr Bebbington is a volunteer trainer with the Macular Disease Society and advises fellow sufferers on how to make best use of their remaining sight. He is the only volunteer based in Cumbria.
The condition affects central vision but leaves peripheral vision intact. It can force sufferers to give up their jobs or stop driving.
Mr Bebbington said: “It’s about retraining your brain.
“You have to get away from looking directly, and look away to one side instead.”
The benefits of the training mean that many sufferers are able to remain in their jobs for longer.
Mr Bebbington added: “The first lady I helped was a receptionist in an accountants.
“She would lose the middle of a long number, but she found that the techniques helped in her job and she was able to carry on working.
“It’s nice when I can help people to carry on working for longer and it’s a great sense of achievement.”
At least 500,000 people in the UK are affected by the disease. Anyone who thinks they might have macular degeneration should contact social services to arrange an assessment.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Office offers free eye screen for macular degeneration
By ALLISON RUPP
Star-Tribune staff writer
Dr. Clark Jensen, an optometrist at Jensen Eye Care, will offer free screenings for the leading cause of blindness in the country later this month.
He said he wants to educate the public about macular degeneration, which affects colored and detail vision, because the common disease is "a mystery" to most people.
About 1.8 million people in the United States suffer from advanced macular degeneration, and 7.3 million people suffer from intermediate macular degeneration. Jensen said it is "a big problem, a huge problem" in his Casper practice.
Two months ago, his office purchased a new piece of equipment that allows eye doctors to see deeper into the retina than previous screening tools. A doctor can see not only the damage but also the layer of the retina where damage is occurring.
"It's just awesome cool," Jensen said. "It lets us see the retina in great detail, detail we have not seen before."
The new screening allows the doctor to determine right away if the patient has a problem.
Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is a part of the retina in the back of a person's eye. People with the disease struggle to read mail, watch television or enjoy a book.
"It is very frustrating," Jensen said. "They still have vision, but it is terribly compromised."
Jensen said some forms of the disease are treated successfully while others are resistant to treatment.
Types of treatment vary depending of the type of degeneration but range from taking antioxidant vitamins to eye surgery, he said.
"It's better you know about it and then deal with it rather than hope nothing is wrong," Jensen said. "Ignorance of the problem is not how people should approach their vision and their eyes."
Risk factors for the disease include age, family history, smoking, diabetes and lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Many people do not know they may have already started developing symptoms or they are at risk, Jensen said.
That's why it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly and not just when a person needs new glasses or contacts, Jensen said.
Healthy people over 40 should see an eye doctor every year, and people under 40 should see an eye doctor every two years.
"I think, 'Ah dang. If I could have seen this person two years ago, five years ago or 10 years ago, I could have helped them,'" Jensen said.
Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.
Screen your eyes
What: A free screening for macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Generally, people do not need to have their eyes dilated for the screening.
Who: People over the age of 50.
When: From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28.
Where: Jensen Eye Care, 3101 S W Wyoming Blvd.
For more information: Contact Dr. Clark Jensen's office at (307) 265-7008 for information on the screening or the disease and to schedule your screening appointment.
Star-Tribune staff writer
Dr. Clark Jensen, an optometrist at Jensen Eye Care, will offer free screenings for the leading cause of blindness in the country later this month.
He said he wants to educate the public about macular degeneration, which affects colored and detail vision, because the common disease is "a mystery" to most people.
About 1.8 million people in the United States suffer from advanced macular degeneration, and 7.3 million people suffer from intermediate macular degeneration. Jensen said it is "a big problem, a huge problem" in his Casper practice.
Two months ago, his office purchased a new piece of equipment that allows eye doctors to see deeper into the retina than previous screening tools. A doctor can see not only the damage but also the layer of the retina where damage is occurring.
"It's just awesome cool," Jensen said. "It lets us see the retina in great detail, detail we have not seen before."
The new screening allows the doctor to determine right away if the patient has a problem.
Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is a part of the retina in the back of a person's eye. People with the disease struggle to read mail, watch television or enjoy a book.
"It is very frustrating," Jensen said. "They still have vision, but it is terribly compromised."
Jensen said some forms of the disease are treated successfully while others are resistant to treatment.
Types of treatment vary depending of the type of degeneration but range from taking antioxidant vitamins to eye surgery, he said.
"It's better you know about it and then deal with it rather than hope nothing is wrong," Jensen said. "Ignorance of the problem is not how people should approach their vision and their eyes."
Risk factors for the disease include age, family history, smoking, diabetes and lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Many people do not know they may have already started developing symptoms or they are at risk, Jensen said.
That's why it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly and not just when a person needs new glasses or contacts, Jensen said.
Healthy people over 40 should see an eye doctor every year, and people under 40 should see an eye doctor every two years.
"I think, 'Ah dang. If I could have seen this person two years ago, five years ago or 10 years ago, I could have helped them,'" Jensen said.
Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.
Screen your eyes
What: A free screening for macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Generally, people do not need to have their eyes dilated for the screening.
Who: People over the age of 50.
When: From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28.
Where: Jensen Eye Care, 3101 S W Wyoming Blvd.
For more information: Contact Dr. Clark Jensen's office at (307) 265-7008 for information on the screening or the disease and to schedule your screening appointment.
Why You Should Exercise
Friday, January 2nd, 2009 @ 6:01am
If you're debating about joining a gym, or doing exercises alone, here's 10 reasons why you should at least be moving. Working out isn't just about weight and physical appearance, it's about an overall healthier you, and according to Prevention here's 2 out of 10 reasons why:
See Clearly
What's good for your heart is good for your eyes. An active lifestyle can cut your risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%, according to a British Journal of Ophthalmology study of 4,000 adults. This incurable disease makes reading, driving, and seeing fine details difficult, and it's the most common cause of blindness after age 60. Do this Keep active by walking at least 12 blocks (about a mile) a day, and wear UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses during outdoor activities all year long.
Feel Sexy at Any Size
A good workout practically ensures a better body image. A Pennsylvania State University study found that women ages 42 to 58 felt more attractive after 4 months of walking or yoga even if they didn't lose weight. Exercise can also put you in the mood for love by increasing blood flow to the genitals. University of Washington research found that just one 20-minute cycling workout enhanced sexual arousal up to 169% in women. And the benefits stand the test of time: A Harvard study of swimmers found that those over age 60 were as satisfied sexually as those decades younger. Do this Try 20 minutes of aerobics before a romantic evening. To feel good naked anytime, walk or do yoga daily.
If you're debating about joining a gym, or doing exercises alone, here's 10 reasons why you should at least be moving. Working out isn't just about weight and physical appearance, it's about an overall healthier you, and according to Prevention here's 2 out of 10 reasons why:
See Clearly
What's good for your heart is good for your eyes. An active lifestyle can cut your risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%, according to a British Journal of Ophthalmology study of 4,000 adults. This incurable disease makes reading, driving, and seeing fine details difficult, and it's the most common cause of blindness after age 60. Do this Keep active by walking at least 12 blocks (about a mile) a day, and wear UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses during outdoor activities all year long.
Feel Sexy at Any Size
A good workout practically ensures a better body image. A Pennsylvania State University study found that women ages 42 to 58 felt more attractive after 4 months of walking or yoga even if they didn't lose weight. Exercise can also put you in the mood for love by increasing blood flow to the genitals. University of Washington research found that just one 20-minute cycling workout enhanced sexual arousal up to 169% in women. And the benefits stand the test of time: A Harvard study of swimmers found that those over age 60 were as satisfied sexually as those decades younger. Do this Try 20 minutes of aerobics before a romantic evening. To feel good naked anytime, walk or do yoga daily.
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