Overcoming Macular Degeneration : A Guide to Seeing Beyond the Clouds (Paperback)

by Jonathan D. Solomon (Contributor) "Ophthalmologists are not very comfortable dealing with macular degeneration..." (more)
Key Phrases: macular degeneration patients, central blind spot, abnormal blood vessels, Lighthouse International, United States, Mary Cassatt (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Each year, more than 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with macular degeneration, an age-related, progressive eye disease that immediately raises a fear of total blindness. The good news is: YOU ARE NOT GOING BLIND. However, you are dealing with a disease that causes serious visual impairment--an inconvenience the author, Dr. Yale Solomon, has become personally familiar with since he was diagnosed in 1990. Now this respected ophthalmologist offers a compassionate and understanding look at both the medical and human side of macular degeneration and ways to meet the challenge of its impact on everyday life.

What exactly is macular degeneration?
The importance of monitoring the disease
Steps that can be taken to slow the progression
Risk factors associated with the disease
How to find and work with a low-vision specialist
Getting the most out of visual rehabilitation
Driving tips, helpful devices, and other aids
Adapting your home for easier living
Tips on maximizing your sight
The best diet and nutritional supplements for eye health
The latest medical and technological advances
And much more!

Also includes: A comprehensive appendix of associations, organizations and foundations, large-print publishers, audiotape and videotape resources, and a helpful list of suppliers of products and services.

Each year, more than 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with macular degeneration, an age-related, progressive eye disease that immediately raises a fear of total blindness. The good news is: YOU ARE NOT GOING BLIND. However, you are dealing with a disease that causes serious visual impairment--an inconvenience the author, Dr. Yale Solomon, has become personally familiar with since he was diagnosed in 1990. Now this respected ophthalmologist offers a compassionate and understanding look at both the medical and human side of macular degeneration and ways to meet the challenge of its impact on everyday life.

What exactly is macular degeneration?
The importance of monitoring the disease
Steps that can be taken to slow the progression
Risk factors associated with the disease
How to find and work with a low-vision specialist
Getting the most out of visual rehabilitation
Driving tips, helpful devices, and other aids
Adapting your home for easier living
Tips on maximizing your sight
The best diet and nutritional supplements for eye health
The latest medical and technological advances
And much more!

Also includes: A comprehensive appendix of associations, organizations and foundations, large-print publishers, audiotape and videotape resources, and a helpful list of suppliers of products and services.

About the Author
Dr. Yale Solomon, M.D. has been a practicing ophthalmologist in Bay Shore, New York, since 1956, and he has specialized in treating macular degeneration and other low-vision patients. He is an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine on Long Island and is founder and president of Volunteer Eye Surgeons International, a philanthropic organization that since 1983 has sent U.S. ophthalmologists to Third World countries on medical mercy missions. Dr. Solomon is director emeritus of ophthalmology at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, and senior ophthalmologist at Good Samaritan Hospital, West Islip, New York. In 1990, at age 64, Dr. Solomon was diagnosed with macular degeneration in his left eye, and in the summer of 1997 macular degeneration began affecting vision in his right eye. Dr. Solomon lives in Brightwaters, New York, with his wife, Isobel. They have four grown sons and ten grandchildren.

Jonathan D. Solomon is an independent marketing consultant and business writer. Prior to launching his consulting business, Mr. Solomon served for five years as vice president of marketing for Optical Data, a company that produces technology-based educational programs for schools. Mr. Solomon is adjunct professor of communications at the Rutgers Graduate School of Management in Newark, New Jersey, where he teaches a course in writing and oral presentation skills to MBA students. A graduate of Wesleyan University, Mr. Solomon also earned a Master of Science degree in journalism from Boston University and an MBA in marketing from Fordham University. Mr. Solomon, who is Yale Solomon's oldest son, lives in Westfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Maureen, and their two young children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380805898
• ISBN-13: 978-0380805891
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #764,689 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ophthalmologist - Vitreoretinal Specialist, February 10, 2000

By	GR Hampton "planebob" (Syracuse, NY - USA) - See all my reviews

Dr. Solomon has written a wonderfully insightful account to aid patients and families cope with macular degeneration. He writes from the unique perspective of being an ophthalmologist who suddenly realized that he was now a patient with macular degeneration. The text is much more than an account of his experience. It is an in-depth review to help patients and families understand macular degeneration, the natural course of the disease, current theories for treatment and prevention, including careful consideration of the role of vitamins and nutrition. Overcoming Macular Degeneration addresses spoken and unspoken patient fears and concerns. There is thorough review of options and attitudes for dealing with visual impairments to enable patients to increase their visual ability and achieve a renewed lifestyle. Overcoming Macular Degeneration is a welcome addition to the support system for those dealing with macular degeneration. I will frequently recommend this book to my patients and their families. G. Robert Hampton, MD - Retina Specialist on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Public Information Committee, Syracuse, NY

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book yet!, July 14, 2000

By	Marvin L. Carlson (Spring Hill, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This book on macular degeneration is by far the best one published to date.There are numerous other publications available by other doctors that don't come close to the quality and depth of information contained in this book. I even gave a copy to my eye doctor who was not aware of it's availability.I must add that this doctor really speaks from personal experience with Macular Degeneration and it shows in the quality and quantity of great information.I thank God for this mans bookand highly recommend it to anyone who has MD or a friend or relative with the problem.Sincere thanks,Lee CarlsonSpring Hill, Fl

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best resource on Macular Degeneration, February 11, 2000

By A Customer

I have a parent with macular degeneration and this book gave my father and our family new hope and inspiration. Particularly compelling was the fact that the author himself suffers from this affliction. The information provided was extremely useful and written in an informal, personal and non-technical manner. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or knows someone with macular degeneration.