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Mittleman Eye Center Blog
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Prostate Cancer and Cataracts
Prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (whether by medication or orchiectomy) are more likely to developed visually significant cataracts. Androgen deprivation may also cause weight gain and cholesterol and triglyceride issues.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Blood Sugar Control
Patients with diabetes are taught to monitor their blood sugar levels and control them when they leave the normal range. A study in the Archives of Ophthalmology stresses how important good control is. Fasting blood sugar levels over 108 and Hemoglobin A1C levels greater than 6.0 significantly increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy over after 10 years. If your blood sugar is not adequately controlled, consult with your primary care physician or your endocrinologist to do your best to achieve the tightest control possible.
Uveitis and Smoking
Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) can be a devastating condition leading to blindness. In a study reported in Ophthalmology, smoking was a significant risk factor for the disease occurring in both eyes (as opposed to just one eye) and for compromised vision. Smoking also makes it harder to control the inflammation and is implicated in more frequent recurrences.
Sleep Apnea and Ocular Blood Flow
Retinal vein occlusion can be a devastating condition. Often associated with hypertension, diabetes, and age, most people with the condition first notice it in the morning upon awakening. A recent study showed that up to 77% of patients with a vein occlusion have sleep apnea when tested. This may account for the occurrence of vein occlusion during the sleeping hours. Sleep apnea can be treated with a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure sleep mask), mouth guards, and surgery. If you have been told you snore badly, a sleep study is a good idea to rule out sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is also implicated in glaucoma, heart disease, and strokes.
Stem Cell Research and Macular Degeneration
Advanced Cell Technology has received approval from the FDA to begin trials using human stem cells to treat macular degeneration (ARMD) and Stargardt’s macular dystrophy. Only patients with advanced visual loss are candidates. Stem cells will be injected directly under the retina in a procedure performed in the operating room. Earlier animal studies showed the treatment successful in improving visual function.
Posted in In The News, Mittleman Eye Blog
Tagged ARMD, macular degeneration, stem cell
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Vascular Health and Air Pollution
Exposure to air pollution has recently been shown to cause a narrowing of the small blood vessels in the retina. Current acceptable levels of air pollution, including fine particulates, were shown to cause this effect. This has implications not only for blood flow in the eye, but also for cardiovascular disease. Additional studies are being undertaken.
Glaucoma and Exercise
Exercise has been shown to help lower ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. In addition, a recent study at the University of Pittsburgh has shown that exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. In this study, half of group of 55-80 year olds walked for 40 minutes 3 days a week and the other half were sedentary (stretching and toning only). The group performing physical activity showed increased hippocampal size. Glaucoma and dementia have been associated in many studies. Now there seems to be a way to help yourself guard against both diseases. Start walking!
Macular Degeneration and Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices have been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in women in a recent study performed at the University of Wisconsin. Women who scored highest in quality of diet had a 46% decreased risk of early macular degeneration (ARMD). Similary, women who scored highest for the amount of physical activity had a 56% lower risk of early ARMD. By combining a healthy diet, physical activity, and no smoking, the risk of early macular degeneration decreased by a very significant 71%! You can take control of your eye health!
Interpreting Studies
Scientific methodology is rigorous and exacting. High standards are required to prove the benefits and risks of new medications as well as to study disease behavior. Although most studies are well done and trustworthy, a recent retraction by the British journal Lancet shows the importance of independent confirmation of scientific findings. A 1998 study linked the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine to autism. Vaccination rates plummeted in the United Kingdom with the result that measles, mumps and rubella have become endemic again in that country. That study has now been discredited as the lead investigator misrepresented the data. Many of the children had never even been diagnosed with autism! Trust your physician to interpret complex studies for their trustworthiness and relevance to your condition.
Posted in Medical News, Mittleman Eye Blog
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