Glaucoma Archives - Page 12 of 17 - Natural Eye Care Blog: News & Research on Vision

Glaucoma: The Difference Is In the Cornea

The corneas of people with glaucoma seem to exhibit different qualities than those who do not suffer from this condition.

A French study determines that corneas of patients with glaucoma are more likely to be less elastic and lose their proper shape than healthy corneas. The researchers assessed the condition of almost 500 eyes with and without glaucoma and found that the eyes of patients with glaucoma tended to have a higher corneal resistance factor (CRF) and lower corneal hysteresis (CH) – both signs of poor corneal biomechanics.

Corneal resistance refers to the flexibility or none flexibility of the cornea – a higher factor means that the cornea is less flexible. I higher factor means that the cornea is less flexible.

Corneal hysteresis refers to the ability of the cells comprising the cornea to to absorb and scatter energy. A lower hysteresis factor means that the cornea is less able to accomplish these tasks – which are important, among other things, for blocking damaging UV radiation and blue light.

Source: PCONSupersite

Learn more about glaucoma.

Glaucoma Patients the Focus of New Medication Compliance Study and Methods

Researchers are looking at ways to improve medication compliance in glaucoma patients.

In a press release from MEMOTEXT, the corporation describes how an analysis of over 400 participants in the Automated Dosing Reminder Study showed that adherence to glaucoma medication dosing guidelines rose from 51 to 67% when individuals used “a MEMOTEXT adherence solution integrated with Microsoft HealthVault.” Johns Hopkins University scientists presented these findings at Mobile Health 2011: What Really Works conference at Stanford University May 4-5, 2011.
Source: memotext.com press release

Glaucoma medication — image via publichealth.va.gov

The most common conventional treatment for glaucoma involves the administration of medication to lower eye pressure with eye drops. There has been concern generated by figures that estimate that between 37 and 59% of patients miss doses or self-administer their medication incorrectly.

We invite you to look at our natural treatment recommendations for glaucoma, particularly because recent research has shown that glaucoma can not be blamed on increased eye pressure all the time.

Bilberry & Pine Bark Supplement Mitrogenol Lowers IOP

A nutritional supplement comprised of a patented blend of bilberry and pine bark is marketed as Mitrogenol. A study published in Clinical Opthamology describes a study of 79 people with raised eye pressure levels. The intraocular pressure (IOP) of participants who took Mitrogenol decreased by 24%. Those who took the pharmaceutical eye drop Latanoprost experienced a 28% drop in IOP. A third group that took a combination of both remedies watched their levels go down by 40%

Researchers found that taking these products together helped lower IOP and resulted in better retinal blood flow. It is noted that Latanoprost has been noted to cause dry eyes, eye color changes, and eyelid irritation.

Elevated IOP is often related to the onset of glaucoma.

Source: https://www.naturaleyecare.com/study.asp?num=294

An earlier pilot study also found that supplementing with bilberry and pine bark can helps lower intraocular pressure (IOP).

In this small study 20 patients who have high IOP received bilberry and French maritime pine bark and 18 patients were the control group.

Vision sharpness, IOP and blood flow in the eye were measured 2, 3 & 6 months later. The researchers reported that the mean IOP was reduced and ocular blood flow improved after 2 months. These results may constitute a safe complementary treatment for glaucoma or have preventative value.

Bilberry Purity

The compounds found in bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries are key to preventing and treating not only Glaucoma but poor night vision, myopia , macular degeneration , diabetic retinopathy , cataracts , and computer eye syndrome.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is now certifying the amount organic acids available in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries, including blueberries and bilberries. These new standards can help consumers buy products made of the berries that they advertise, rather than diluting them with less expensive juices. Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Substantiates Earlier Research

The above research substantiates earlier Italian research looking at supplementation with bilberry and pine bark. Researchers in Italy reported that nutritional supplements of bilberry and French maritime pine bark can help reduce intra-ocular pressure (IOP).

Authors of the study from the University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy studied thirty-eight subjects with intraocular hypertension. Twenty subjects were given bilberry and French maritime pine bark; eighteen subjects were not treated. The visual acuity, IOP, and ocular blood flow were measured at two, three, and six months. After two months, the group taking the supplements showed a decrease in the mean IOP. No side effects were observed and ocular blood flow improved.

Having reviewed the results, these researchers believe that food supplements of bilberry and pine bark may represent a safe preventative intervention for lowering the risk of developing glaucoma by supporting a healthier pressure in the eyes.

SOURCE: “Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects”, Robert Steigerwalt Jr., et al, Molecular Vision 2008; 14:1288-1292.

Caffeine in Coffee May Offer Antioxidant Benefits

The antioxidants found in beverages and foods that contain caffeine seem to protect people against the development of Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

In a study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry B researchers describe how coffee can be on the greatest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet. Scientists do not know exactly how coffee helps to fight the free radicals that can be destructive to eye health and overall health. At this point, they are speculating that caffeine is the agent responsible for coffee antioxidant properties.

These findings are actually in direct opposition to our usual recommendations for people who suffer from eye conditions related to the presence of free radicals including macular degeneration and glaucoma. More research is necessary to determine whether the benefits of caffeine outweigh its negative effects.

Source: sciencedaily.com

But, Too Much Coffee …

Five or more cups of coffee per day may cause an individual to hallucinate.

A study out of Australia’s La Trobe University looked at the roles that caffeine and stress play on instances of auditory hallucinations. Participants who were under stress and under the effect of high levels of caffeine listened to white noise and were asked to indicate when they heard Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas.” Those reporting highest stress and caffeine levels were much more likely to report hearing the song (which was never played) than were those with low stress and caffeine levels.

‘It is apparent that the health risks of excessive caffeine use must be addressed and caution should be raised with regards to the exacerbating use of this stimulant,’ says Professor Simon Crowe.

We caution clients and patients against consuming coffee and other sources of caffeine if they are concerned about eye conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and dry eyes.

Antioxidants Help Glaucoma Patients

Glaucoma’s progress can be slowed as the result of taking the antioxidants vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine.

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science describes how reducing or reversing oxidation within the eyes may lead to the healing of the trabecular meshwork or outflow pathway in glaucoma patients. As the name suggests, antioxidants (like vitamin C and N-acetyl cysteine, which is found in eggs) combat the natural process of oxidization.

According to the study, the free radicals that result from the oxidation process lead to the destruction of the trabecular meshwork, which can lead to increased ocular pressure and glaucoma. (Issue: 49:1447-58, 2008)

Neuroprotective Agents

Medscape Today’s 2010 article addresses slowing or halting the development of glaucoma by shielding undamaged nerve cells and restoring or rescuing nerve cells that have already been damaged. In addition to describing more traditional pharmaceutical options for fighting glaucoma, the review includes a discussion of several antioxidants including melatonin, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba. Antioxidants, a more natural approach than the pharmaceuticals in the study, may be helpful neuroprotective agents.

Neuroprotective: Melatonin

According to an article published in The Journal of Pineal Research, evidence from a number of sources supports the assertion that increased free radical generation and altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism contribute to glaucoma and uveitis. Data indicates that melatonin is an efficient antioxidant that has the ability to fight free radicals and break down nitric oxide and plays ” a promising role in the treatment of these ocular dysfunctions.” Melatonin has few side effects even at high doses and can potentially do a great deal to protect ocular tissue.

Source: interscience.wiley.com/

Glaucoma in Black Women & Antioxidants

At the American Glaucoma Society meeting, Dr. JoAnn A. Giaconi reported that women who reported eating greater amounts of fruits and vegetables appeared to have a lower likelihood of developing glaucoma.

The foods that seemed especially protective included fresh oranges, peaches, spinach, collard greens, and kale.

Dr. Giaconi presented results from a review of data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. In this study involving a subset of 584 black women, glaucoma was diagnosed in at least one eye in 77 participants. Disc photos and supra-threshold visual fields were evaluated in conjunction with Block Food Frequency Questionnaires on the participants’ daily food consumption.

The results?

Eating three or more servings of fruit or fruit juices daily decreased the odds of black women developing glaucoma by 79%
Eating one serving of collard greens or kale decreased the odds of glaucoma by 57%
Eating more than two servings per week of fresh oranges and peaches also significantly decreased the chance of developing glaucoma.

Researchers believe that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables (vitamin A, alpha- and beta-carotene, folate, lutein, zeaxanthin) can potentially block oxidation stress that can lead to cell damage in glaucoma.

SOURCE: Giaconi JA, et al. Nutritional associations with glaucoma among older black women. Paper presented at: The 18th Annual AGS Meeting; March 8, 2008; Washington, DC.

Fruits and Vegetables

Researchers at the Department of Ophthalmology and Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, recently studied the association between consumption of fruits and vegetables and the presence of glaucoma.

1,155 women located in multiple centers in the United States participated in this cross-sectional cohort study. Glaucoma specialists evaluated the women for glaucoma; consumption of fruits and vegetables was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.

Among the 1,155 women studied, 95 (8.2%) were diagnosed with glaucoma. Analysis of the relationship between selected fruit and vegetable consumption and glaucoma showed:

Glaucoma risk was decreased 69 percent in women who consumed at least one serving per month of green collards and kale compared with those who consumed fewer than one serving per month.
Glaucoma risk was decreased 64 percent in women who consumed more than two servings per week of carrots compared with those who consumed fewer than one serving per week.
Glaucoma risk was decreased 47 percent in women who consumed at least one serving per week of canned or dried peaches compared with those who consumed fewer than one serving per month.

Although researchers note that more studies are needed to investigate the relationship between nutrition and glaucoma, research to date does indicate that a higher intake of certain fruits and vegetables may be associated with a decreased risk of glaucoma.

SOURCE: “Glaucoma risk and the consumption of fruits and vegetables among older women in the study of osteoporotic fractures”, Coleman, et al, Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Jun;145(6):1081-9.

Study: How Does Glaucoma Influence Patients’ Lives?

In addition to significantly compromising vision, glaucoma is a disease that also takes an emotional toll, according to a new study in the April issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

This study of 24 Chinese individuals with glaucoma showed that there are many fears associated with the disease including concerns about blindness and how the condition may effect other family members. Many who were on medication, such as eye drops, were found to be self-administering them incorrectly.

Despite the relatively common nature of glaucoma in China, study participants knew little about the disease before they were diagnosed, leading researchers to conclude that there needs to be more public education about glaucoma as well as increased support available to those who have received a glaucoma diagnosis.

According to the source for this story, Science Daily, “Some used traditional Chinese herbs like Wolfberry and Ginseng and the martial art of Tai Chi to help manage their condition. Others avoided spicy food to keep their condition stable. [According to one participant,]”Some food will get you into trouble like seafood and leek. They contain too much Yang, which can do harm to the eyes.”

At Natural Eye Care we believe strongly in both the power of traditional Chinese medicine and the power of food to help heal eye conditions. Learn more about our prevention protocol, which includes a proper diet and the practice of a calming activity like Tai Chi.

Glaucoma Can Compromise Driver Safety

Glaucoma patients are more likely to have auto accidents than drivers without this sight-compromising condition.

At a talk preceding the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting Eydie Miller-Ellis, MD talked about the roles that eye doctors play in determining whether a glaucoma patient’s ability to drive might be compromised. She says “Physicians do have a responsibility to protect their patients and to protect the public. The law has some vision requirements and restrictions that are meant to protect its citizens. And so, should we report people who we think are dangerous? Certainly, if they do not meet the law, we absolutely should report them.”

There are options for glaucoma sufferers who are daunted by the thought that they might not be considered able to safely operate a vehicle. Dr. Miller-Ellis recommends that they look into “senior driving courses and/or occupational therapists who can help with safer elderly driving.”

Source: OSNSuperSite

There are natural ways to fight glaucoma.

Cataracts and Glaucoma in Children Linked to Genetic Defect

A genetic glitch may be responsible for incidents of cataracts in children.

According to a press release from Maine’s Jackson Laboratory, researchers have found that RNA granules, which are key components in the reproduction of genes, might be linked to eye development. Problems with RNA granules can result in juvenile cataracts and glaucoma. If there is a problem with a key gene, Tdrd7, the development of the lens of the eye will be compromised, leading to these potentially blinding conditions.

The study was conducted with mice, but scientists believe that when children are missing the essential protein created by this specific gene they will be born with cataracts. Furthermore, the genetic mutation will mean that even after the surgical removal of cataracts, the affected children will be likely to develop glaucoma because they “may not have adequate protection from oxidative stress in the drainage structures of the eye.”

These finding will be published in the journal Science.

Source: The Jackson Laboratory

Update: Corneal Thickness Gene

One risk factor for glaucoma is central corneal thickness.

Researchers looking at ethnic populations in Singapore have identified the genes that affect collagen growth, which in turn affects central corneal thickness. Knowing how these specific genes work can help provide insight into the cause and progression of glaucoma.

Source: hmg.oxfordjournals.org/

Update: Glaucoma Gene

New research shows that genetics, and not necessarily increased eye pressure, can be responsible for the onset of glaucoma.

A study published in the journal Nature Genetics shows that open angle glaucoma is associated with the pathogenic gene PRSS56. The study was performed by researchers in Sweden, Tunisia, and the US. The Tunisian scientists based their research on families who suffered from glaucoma while the Americans focused on animal research.

Source: News Medical

Update: Genetic Gene Mutation

A new breakthrough in genetics research has identified the strands of DNA that can responsible for the development of open angle glaucoma.

Australian scientists publishing in Nature Genetics have found two new genetic mutations that can be linked to increased glaucoma risk. Though the mutation of the gene myocilin is present in only 3% of those who develop the disease, people with the mutation are 3 times more likely to have glaucoma than the general population.

Study authors indicate that this discovery could lead to better screening techniques and earlier detection of the disease often known as the “silent thief” since it progresses and destroys vision without one’s knowledge. Often, when one realizes their sight has been negatively affected by glaucoma the disease is significantly advanced.

Source: ABC Science

Glaucoma Linked to Sleep Apnea and Circulatory Issues

A holistic perspective on health means that we recognize the interrelated nature of the body’s systems. It also means that we understand the connection between the eyes and seemingly unrelated conditions like sleep apnea and circulatory problems.

People who have sleep apnea are 75% more likely to have glaucoma than those without sleep conditions.

Glaucoma is a disease that has a lot to do with blood flow. According to an interview with professor of optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Leo Semes, people who have peripheral vascular deregulation (often signaled by chronically cold hands) might mean people are more likely to develop glaucoma.

Source: Modern Medicine

Dr. Semes also cautions people about using beta blockers (drugs often prescribed for high blood pressure or to previous heart attack victims) because “Low blood pressure at night, coupled with high IOP in the supine position, can compromise ocular perfusion pressure.” Several population-based studies have suggested that low diastolic perfusion pressure is associated with an increased incidence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). For information on drugs that can harm the eyes, have a look at this page.

For more research studies on glaucoma and its connection to other physical conditions, please visit our website.

Cataract Surgery Can Lower Eye Pressure

In addition to removing a cataract, cataract surgery can also lower eye pressure. Eye pressure or intraocular pressure is often (but not always) associated with the development of glaucoma.

A study presented at the American Glaucoma Society meeting explains how patients who had ocular hypertension before cataracts surgery exhibited a marked decrease in eye pressure after the procedure. Their pressure readings decreased by 18%. They were not taking any medication to lower their eye pressure.

Source: OSN Super Site

It is possible to avoid what has become the most common surgery in the US – cataract removal – through a combination of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Fighting free radicals by boosting your antioxidant intake is a great place to start.