Cataract Formation Linked to Low Vitamin C

Posted on February 22, 2012 | No Comments

A recent study involving 5500 men and women over the age of 60 noted a strong association between Vitamin C deficiency and cataract formation.  Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness throughout the world.  The study controlled for lifestyle influences, alcohol, tobacco, nutritional status, blood pressure, and body mass index. Low Vitamin C showed higher prevalence of cataracts for both men and women. (Ophthalmology. 2011;118(10):1958-1965).

Near-Sightedness Doubles Risk of Glaucoma

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Researchers from the Netherlands have found that individuals with myopia have an approximately doubled risk of developing glaucoma as compared to those without myopia. The study reported in Ophthalmology (2011;118 (10)1989-1994), was attempted to clarify the relationship between myopia and glaucoma. High mopes had a 2.5x higher chance of developing glaucoma vs 1.75x for lower myopes. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the United States and is especially troublesome since it is a silent disease in which there are no symptoms such as blurry vision or pain for patients to watch out for. Dr Ashraf advises his patients at risk to have a yearly eye exam and especially warns his post LASIK patients with high myopia not to forget this since their eyes still behave as if they have high myopia despite patients being able to see perfectly.

Load up on Vitamin D

Posted on February 19, 2012 | No Comments

Researchers in London have reported that vitamin D reduces the effects of ageing in mouse eyes and improves vision of older mice. In the current issue of Neurobiology and Ageing, professor Glen Jeffery reports that when old mice were given vitamin D for just 6 weeks, retinal inflammation was reduced and subsequent tests revealed vision was improved.  They noted that macrophages, of which can cause damage and inflammation, were reduced in the mice with vitamin D supplementation and there was also a reduction in the protein amyloid beta. Amyloid increases with age and has been shown to accumulate in patients with age related macular degeneration and in Alzeheimer’s disease.

“These are promising results in an animal model, however human clinical trials will need to be performed to see if any of these benefits may benefit humans”, states Dr. Ashraf of the Atlanta Vision Institute.  He adds that this is a good starting point in trying to understand the mechanisms and pathophysiology of the ageing process.  Once we understand this, we can then try to address potential treatments to help prevent or reverse changes in the ageing process.

Cosmetic Contacts Hoax

Posted on January 16, 2012 | No Comments

The Reason Your Mother Never Experienced Dry Eyes

Posted on January 9, 2012 | No Comments

There has been a powerful increase in the prevalence of dry eye disease in the last several decades. This has been paralleled by substantial alterations in environmental and social settings. These include the use of air conditioning and forced air heat in homes, cars, and office buildings, as well as significantly increased time spent working on computers. More individuals than ever before are wearing contact lenses. Population demographics, disease patterns and prevalence, and the rise in the number of the elderly have also changed.
All of these factors have significant effects on the ocular surface resulting in dry, irritated eyes. Several decades ago, only saline eye drops were accessible, now there are many dry eye products accessible in the pharmacy.

The suffering linked with this condition is substantial and gets worse if left untreated. However, early and proper intervention can slow, halt, or even reverse disease progression. Tons of patients have dry eyes and
can no longer endure contact lens wear. “These patients then usually seek LASIK surgery”, explains Dr Ashraf of the Atlanta Vision Institute. He adds that, “here at Atlanta Vision, we pay particular attention to the
ocular surface and try to identify these patients. Approximately 50% of our patients have some form of ocular surface disease. These patients are then started on treatment prior to and after surgery.” He adds that, “this has
significantly improved patient comfort and visual results of the surgery.”

Yet, despite these statistics, lots of eye care providers continue to underestimate the impact of dry eye disease on patients’ eye-related health, vision, and quality of life.