This #HealthyAgingMonth, learn the risk factors for retinal disease. Age, family history, and health conditions like diabetes can increase your risk of developing sight-threatening retinal conditions. Talk to your eye physician about your personal risk factors and the steps you can take to protect your vision. Knowing your risk and detecting retinal disease early can help preserve your sight for years to come. Learn more at SeeforaLifetime.org. #SeeforaLifetime

Regular dilated eye exams are especially important for older Americans and those at higher risk for retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Many retinal diseases have few noticeable symptoms in early stages. With regular dilatedeye exams,your eye physician can help preserve your sight by detecting symptoms of a retinal condition early, before extensive damage occurs. Can't remember the last time you had a dilated eye exam? Schedule one today. More at SeeforaLifetime.org #RetinaSpecialist #HealthyAgingMonth

Medicare Open Enrollment starts in a few short weeks. If you’re thinking about switching plans, make sure you review our Medicare Open Enrollment Patient Checklist first. Retina patients should take a close look at: • Whether your plan will continue to cover your retina specialist and needed medications • If the plan requires preauthorization for tests or procedures • Whether it uses “step therapy” (or “fail first” policies) that could delay or restrict the treatment your retina specialist recommends Take Note: Original Medicare does not allow step therapy. Get the facts you need to make an informed choice: asrs.org/MedicareOpenEnrollm… #HealthyAgingMonth #RetinaSpecialists

September is Healthy Aging Month! Maintaining healthy vision is an important part of aging well, and taking steps to protect your sight can make a lasting difference. While some vision changes are common with age, vision loss is not inevitable. Early detection and timely treatment of retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment can help preserve your sight. Follow us for expert tips from retina specialists to help you protect your vision and see for a lifetime. Learn more at SeeforaLifetime.org. #HealthyAgingMonth #SeeforaLifetime

When Jose first noticed changes in his vision, he put off seeing his eye doctor. But as his vision gradually worsened, he knew he couldn’t wait any longer. Jose was referred to a retina specialist and was diagnosed with a macular hole, along with retinal tears and a retinal detachment. After undergoing multiple procedures, he regained good eyesight and returned to the activities he loves, including working, driving, traveling, and photography. Jose’s experience is an important reminder: Don’t ignore changes in your vision. Seeking care from a retina specialist can make a difference. Read Jose’s story today: asrs.org/patients/patient-st…. #SeeforaLifetime #RetinaSpecialist

Specialtydocs are pushing back on @CMSgov CY2027 Medicare physician fee proposal. Cuts to specialty care threaten practice stability and patient access. We need payment reform, not more cuts! bit.ly/4hjcuAx

You may have heard of a macular hole, but have you ever seen one? A macular hole is a small break in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed central vision needed for activities like reading and driving. Symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision or a dark spot in the center of your vision. Learn more about this condition, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, when you download the ASRS Retina Health Series fact sheet on macular holes, available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Large Print asrs.org/patients/retinal-di…. Image: Traumatic Macular Hole. ASRS Retina Image Bank®, Image 2858. #SeeforaLifetime

What does it take to become a retina specialist? Years of medical education and specialized training prepare retina specialists to diagnose and treat complex diseases of the retina, macula and vitreous and perform delicate, sight-saving surgery. Learn more about who retina specialists are, the conditions they treat and how they help patients preserve their vision. Download the What Is a Retina Specialist? patient guide, available in English and Spanish: asrs.org/patients/patient-ed… #SeeforaLifetime #RetinaSpecialist

Have an upcoming appointment with a retina specialist? A little preparation can help you make the most of your visit. Our Preparing for Your Retina Appointment guide offers helpful tips on what to bring, what to expect, and questions you may want to ask your retina specialist. The guide is available in English and Spanish. Download and share it with family and friends today. Learn more: asrs.org/patients/patient-ed… #SeeforaLifetime

ASRS is fighting CMS’ harmful Modifier -25 cut proposal on all fronts. While President Geoff Emerson is taking the message directly to DC, you can join in from home: asrs.quorum.us/campaign/cong…

What happens inside the eye when a retinal detachment occurs? A retinal detachment happens when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, separates from the back wall of the eye. Watch to see what happens when the retina detaches and why prompt treatment is so important. Learn more about the symptoms, risk factors and treatment of retinal detachment in our Retina Health Series fact sheet: asrs.org/patients/retinal-di… #SeeforaLifetime

DYK? Retina specialists are among the most extensively trained and highly skilled eye care providers, having completed up to 10 years of advanced medical training to specialize in ophthalmology and sub-specialize in diseases and surgery of the retina. To learn even more, watch and share our informational video: “Retina Specialists: Helping You See for a Lifetime.” The video features three patients facing common retinal conditions whose lives have been changed and vision preserved because of the unique care provided by their retina specialist. It also covers everything you ever wanted to know about retinas and retina specialists, including: • How the retina makes sight possible • What conditions retina specialists treat • The breadth and depth of a retina specialist’s education, training, and surgical experience • The importance of seeking out a retina specialist to preserve vision and prevent blindness Watch now and share with others who might someday need the expert care retina specialists provide. Learn more at SeeforaLifetime.org. #RetinaSpecialist #SeeforaLifetime

Could menopausal hormone therapy influence AMD progression? On the JVRD Author’s Forum Podcast, Talisa E. de Carlo Forest, MD, joins host Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss her article, “Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Conversion From Intermediate to Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” The study followed women with intermediate AMD and found that a history of menopausal hormone therapy use was not associated with an increased risk of progression to either advanced non-neovascular AMD or neovascular AMD. Dr. Forest discusses the findings, the potential role of hormonal factors in AMD, and why further research into sex-specific factors may help us better understand AMD progression. Watch: piped.video/DbXpThg2-C0?si=BniM… More: ASRS.org/JVRDForum

Have questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? ASRS member retina specialists have answers. ASRS spokespeople recently shared their expertise with WebMD, answering common questions about AMD, including symptoms and diagnosis, risk factors, disease progression, and treatment. Explore the WebMD AMD Q&A and hear directly from retina specialists about what patients and families should know: webmd.com/eye-health/macular… #AMD #RetinaSpecialist #SeeforaLifetime

Yesterday’s solar eclipse was an incredible celestial event viewed by millions. ASRS Communications Committee Chair James Major, MD, PhD, spoke with Newsweek about safe eclipse viewing and the retinal damage that can occur without proper precautions. Experiencing vision changes today after viewing the eclipse? See a retina specialist right away. newsweek.com/health-warning-… More at asrs.org/SolarRetinopathy #SeeforaLifetime

Nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide could see at least part of today’s solar eclipse, weather permitting. The path of totality will cross Greenland and Iceland before sweeping across Spain and a small part of Portugal, while a partial eclipse will be visible across much of Western Europe, Canada and part of the northern U.S. Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can damage the retina, potentially causing permanent blurred vision or blind spots, a condition known as solar retinopathy. If you’re in a location experiencing a partial eclipse, the safest and most common way to view it is with pinhole projection. For direct viewing, special filters are required. The easiest option is commercially available eclipse glasses manufactured specifically for solar observation. Regular sunglasses are not enough. If you experience vision changes during or after the eclipse, seek immediate care from a retina specialist. Learn more: ASRS.org/SolarRetinopathy #SolarEclipse #RetinaSpecialist #SeeforaLifetime

People in Iceland, Greenland, northern Russia, Spain, and a part of Portugal will see a total eclipse on Wednesday, August 12. A total solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, fully blocking the Sun's face. A partial eclipse will be visible in northern parts of the United States. Viewing an eclipse can be an awe-inspiring event. Still, retina specialists warn the public that proper precautions, including wearing specialized eye protection, should be taken to safeguard sight from harmful solar radiation. To learn more about how to safely view a solar eclipse and protect your vision, visit asrs.org/SolarRetinopathy. Should you experience vision changes during or following the viewing of an eclipse, seek immediate consultation with a retina specialist.

Rich, an engineer and father who is extremely nearsighted, experienced retinal detachment symptoms on the last day of a vacation. Fortunately, he had been proactive in having regular dilated eye exams, had established a relationship with a retina specialist, and knew immediate action was needed when symptoms appeared. Learn more about Rich's story at asrs.org/patients/patient-st…

Has someone you love been diagnosed with age-related #MacularDegeneration, or AMD? The American Society of Retina Specialists and the National Eye Institute produced the Talk with Your Doctor About AMD guide, which can help people ask essential questions about the condition. Take a look and share it with your loved one: asrs.org/content/documents/a…. More info at SeeforaLifetime.org.

That's a wrap on #ASRS2026! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Montreal for an incredible week of cutting-edge science, meaningful discussions, hands-on learning, and reconnecting with colleagues from around the world. Your passion for advancing retina care made this Annual Meeting one to remember. Safe travels home, and we'll see you next year in San Francisco for #ASRS2027! Join us! asrs.org/annual-meeting