Category: Glaucoma

A Canadian research team has uncovered lymph channels in the eye, a find that could lead the way to improved treatments for glaucoma and possibly other eye diseases. Previously lymph channels were not believed to be associated with the part of the eye related to glaucoma.

The lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts, and nodes that transport a watery clear fluid called lymph, which performs two major functions. The fluid distributes immune cells called lymphocytes and other elements throughout the body, which protect the body against infections. It also interacts with the blood to drain waste and fluids from cells and tissues. Lymphatics are found in every part of the body except the central nervous system and, until now, the eyes were excluded as well.

This discovery provides a new avenue in the potential treatment and possibly cure of glaucoma by specifically targeting the lymphatic circulation to lower eye pressure.

Editor’s Note: See more information on glaucoma and related nutrients,

Glaucoma may continue to progress after the reduction of IOP to targeted levels. Research is providing increasing support for the idea that vascular risk factors may be the cause.

Several population-based studies have suggested that low diastolic perfusion pressure is associated with an increased
incidence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Perfusion pressure is defined as the difference between arterial and venous pressure, which, in the eye, by convention equals IOP. Blood pressure and IOP are therefore the principal components of ocular perfusion pressure (perfusion pressure = blood pressure – IOP).

• Choi J, Kim KH, Jeong J, et al. Circadian fluctuation of mean ocular perfusion pressure is a consistent risk factor
for normal-tension glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48:104-111.
• Tielsch JM, Katz J, Sommer A, et al. Hypertension, perfusion pressure, and primary open-angle glaucoma. A population-based
assessment. Arch Ophthalmol. 1995;113:216-221.
• Leske MC, Connell AM, Wu SY, et al. Risk factors for open-angle glaucoma. The Barbados Eye Study. Arch Ophthalmol.
1995;113:918-924.
• Hulsman CA, Vingerling JR, Hofman A, et al. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and open-angle glaucoma: the Rotterdam study.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125:805-812.

Perfusion pressure can be affected by IOP and blood pressure, but which is really the most important? In a given patient, it
could be IOP alone, blood pressure alone, or a combination of the two.

For more information on ways to help preserve optic nerve health, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

Scientists in Greece have released results of a study in which they questioned whether there should be limits on exercise with regard to effects on inter-ocular pressure (IOP) of the eyes.  This study, published in the August issue of BMC Ophthalmology, found that people with glaucoma do not need to limit exercise, as IOP decreased during aerobic activity.
145 participants were given a preliminary ophthalmologic exam.  45 participants had primary (open-angle) glaucoma; 100 did not have glaucoma.  The IOP of both eyes was measured before and after exercise (biking or jogging).

A significant decrease in IOP was found during exercise.  Researchers found that the aerobic exercise reduced  IOP in those eyes in which a b-blocker, a prostaglandin analogue or an alpha-agonist were previously instilled. The IOP was also decreased in glaucoma patients who were already under anti-glaucoma treatment.

Study authors determined that glaucoma patients benefited from aerobic exercise regardless of the anti-glaucoma medication instilled, as all participants had a post-exercise reduction of IOP.

Learn more about glaucoma natural treatment options.

SOURCE:  Aerobic exercise and intraocular pressure in normotensive and glaucoma patients, Natsis, et al, BMC Ophthalmology 2009, 9:6doi:10.1186/1471-2415-9-6.

Glaucoma Eye Drops

A team of Italian researchers may have developed a new type of eye drop for glaucoma treatment, according to an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

Researchers noted that elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma leads to loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as well as damage to the optic nerve.  Although IOP is controlled with medication, no treatment is currently available to restore retinal and optic nerve function.

In this new study, rats with glaucoma were treated with the eye drops containing a protein known as nerve growth factor.   When researchers determined that these drops prevented nerve degeneration in these rats, human tests were initiated on three patients with advanced glaucoma.

After three months of treatment all three participants showed improvements in visual sharpness and ability to detect contrast.  Two of the three participants showed improved visual fields, while the visual field stabilized for the third.

The team, led by Alessandro Lambiase of the University of Rome, reported that improvements were still evident three months after the treatments were finished.

SOURCE:  Experimental and clinical evidence of neuroprotection by nerve growth factor eye drops: Implications for glaucoma, Lambiase, et al, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Aug. 3, 2009.

Ultrasound Treatment for Glaucoma

Eye Tech Care, a French company, is testing a new way to treat glaucoma using ultrasound technology. The device would treat the ciliary body (the part of the eye that produces humour, the watery fluid that fills the front part of the eye) in order to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye, and, by extension, reduce the intraocular pressure within the eye.

The device has only been tested on twelve patients suffering from the rare refractory glaucoma, but if trials are successful they may begin testing it on the more common open angle glaucoma.  About 25 years ago researchers tried to use ultrasound technology to treat animals, but the technology of the time was too limited.

According to the International Glaucoma Association, which reported on this new development, ultrasound treatment for glaucoma would be quicker and less invasive than the current Argon laser procedures currently used to treat the disease.

In a New York Times interview with Dr. Stuart McKinnon, associate professor of ophthalmology and neurobiology at the Duke University School of Medicine, Dr. McKinnon presented five crucial facts about glaucoma.

Irreversible damage to the optic nerve of the eye occurs long before symptoms are detected.  This means it’s vital to have regular eye exams to catch glaucoma as soon as possible to minimize vision loss.

Although increased inter-ocular pressure (IOP) is a danger sign, it doesn’t always mean you’ll develop glaucoma.  Several studies link elevated intraocular pressure with progressive vision loss, but the risk varies widely among individuals.

African-Americans have a higher risk of glaucoma.  Research has shown that African-Americans are 3 to 6 times more likely than whites to develop glaucoma, and that glaucoma appears about 10 years earlier and progresses more rapidly in blacks than whites.  Recent studies also show that Hispanics may also be at higher risk, as well as people whose immediate family members have glaucoma.  Those with increased risk of glaucoma should start eye screenings around age 40; by age 60, everyone should be screened periodically for glaucoma.

Regular monitoring is vital if you have glaucoma or early signs of it.   Glaucoma is a progressive disease, and even patients who are being treated may continue to lose vision over time unless being carefully monitored and treated.

Following treatment recommendations carefully can help spare your vision.  A wide range of glaucoma treatments are available, but these treatments (such as daily eye drops) won’t help unless actually used according to instructions.

SOURCE:  The Importance of Daily Glaucoma Treatment, New York Times, July 15, 2009, http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-glaucoma-know.html