Vitamin C Deficiency Associated with Cataract Development

Posted on February 22, 2012 | No Comments

Recently, a study involving 5500 individuals, all over the age of sixty, observed a strong link between low Vitamin C and cataract development.  Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally. The study controlled for lifestyle factors, including tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, blood pressure, and body mass index. Vitamin C deficiency illustrated a greater incidence of cataracts for both men and women. (Ophthalmology. 2011;118(10):1958

Possibility of Glaucoma Amplified by Near-Sightedness

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Scholars from the Netherlands learned that men and women with myopia have an amplified possibility of developing glaucoma as opposed to those men and women without myopia. This finding was in Ophthalmology (2011;118 (10)1989-1994) to illuminate the link between myopia and glaucoma. People with high myopia had about a 2.5x greater possibility of developing glaucoma against people with low myopia that had a 1.75x possibility. Glaucoma
is one of the most general causes of blindness in the U.S., and it is particularly bothersome because it’s known as a silent disease where there aren’t any symptoms like blurred vision or pain ahead of time. Dr Ashraf suggests to his patients at risk that they have a regular eye exam; he also cautions his LASIK patients with high myopia not
to forget this since their eyes still act as if they have high myopia, in spite of being able to see 20/20.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Posted on January 30, 2012 | No Comments

Researchers in London have studied that Vitamin D minimizes aging effects in mouse eyes as well as enhances vision in older mice. In Neurobiology and Ageing, professor Glen Jeffery stated that when old mice were provided with Vitamin D for 6 weeks, retinal inflammation diminished and tests indicated that vision was improved.  They observed that macrophages, which can result in damage and inflammation, were reduced in the mice that were given Vitamin D supplementation; there was also a reduction in the protein amyloid beta. Amyloid rises 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”, says Dr. Ashraf, LASIK surgeon of the Atlanta Vision Institute.  In addition, he states that this is a great starting point in trying to comprehend the mechanisms and pathophysiology of aging.  Once we grasp this, we can 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.