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About MAEPS

The Minnesota Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is an association of eye physicians and surgeons.

The mission of the Academy is to promote high-quality eye care for all Minnesotans.

Events and CME

Check out the MAEPS' wide variety of continuing medical educational, training, social and advocacy programs.

Advocacy

Learn more about how the MAEPS is representing the interests of Ophthalmologist and eye care patients at the State Capitol.

Eye Care Patients

Are you an eye care patient? Find helpful resources and Ophthalmologists near you.

Welcome to the Minnesota Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month

Photo of the back of the eye showing leaking blood vessels from wet AMD

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people over 50. AMD affects nearly 20 million Americans, making early detection and lifestyle changes essential to preserving vision.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of AMD and understand the importance of regular eye exams, healthy eating, and other preventive measures by reading more about Age Related Macular Degeneration.

Follow these seven essential steps to take control of your eye health and reduce your risk of AMD:

  1. Get regular comprehensive medical eye exams
    AMD often has no early warning signs, so getting regular comprehensive eye exams is critical to diagnosing and treating the disease early. If you have no signs or risk factors for eye disease, the Academy recommends a baseline screening at age 40, then every one to two years after 65.
  2. Quit smoking
    Numerous studies show smoking increases the risk of developing AMD. Smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration compared with non-smokers.
  3. Eat a well-balanced diet
    Many studies demonstrate that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-packed foods, such as salmon and nuts, may reduce the risk of AMD. Research also suggests that patients who ate fresh fish, an important source of omega-3s, were at lower risk of developing AMD.
  4. Take the right kind of vitamins
    Vitamins can delay progression of advanced AMD and help people keep their vision longer if they have intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. But make sure it’s the right combination of vitamins. A recent study found that some of the top-selling products do not contain identical ingredient dosages to eye vitamin formulas proven effective in clinical trials.
  5. Exercise regularly
    Exercising three times a week can reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by 70%. Studies also show that physical activity may lower the odds of both early and late-stages of AMD.
  6. Monitor your sight with an Amsler Grid
    This simple, daily routine takes less than one minute and can help people with AMD save more of their vision. Using this grid is essential to finding any vision changes that are not obvious, so you can report them to your ophthalmologist.
  7. Know your family’s eye health history
    If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent greater chance of developing the condition. Before your next eye exam, speak with your family about their eye health history. You may need more frequent eye exams based on your family history.

 


 

Ophthalmologists are board certified medical doctors and surgeons who provide the highest quality of medical and surgical eye care for military veterans, and who are committed to maintaining the highest possible safety standards.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is considering policies that would reverse those surgical standards by subjecting our veterans to eye surgery performed by someone without proper medical education and surgical training.

That’s right. A person who did not go to medical school or complete a surgical residency training program could perform surgery using a blade or laser on the eyes of our brave veterans.

We cannot let this happen.

If you care about protecting the health and safety of those who sacrificed for our country, educate policymakers and the public about the dangers facing our veterans.

As ophthalmologists, we are dedicated to protecting sight and empowering lives. If the VA makes these changes, it will lower surgical eye standards and place veterans’ eyesight and quality of life at risk. They deserve better. They’ve earned it.

Donate today.


 

Support for Ukraine

The Minnesota Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons joins organizations around the world standing in support of the Ukrainian people as innocent civilians are being targeted by the Russian military.  The attack has put their lives and safety at risk.

There is a great need for donations of medical supplies for the refugees displaced by this war and for the hospitals taking care of civilians and injured military personnel.  If you would like to support the Minnesota Medical Relief Group for Ukraine, please, consider making donations to the Ukrainian American Community Center at the link below.  Any support you can give will be much appreciated.

Ukrainian American Community Center:  https://uaccmn.org/

For the Public

This web site is designed to help you Find an EyeMD, find information on eye diseases and conditions, find eye related news, and learn the difference between eye care providers.

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For Members

Log in to the Member's Section for information on monthly presentations, current clinical trials, and to make a payment on your account.

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Want to see what MAEPS can do for you and your practice?

Education

Register for one of MAEPS' many educational, social and charitable events.

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Advocacy

See how you can get involved to improve patient safety.

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About Us

Learn who we are and what we can do for you.

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