Category: Eye Conditions

Genetic Variant and Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Macular Degeneration

scientific researchWomen with specific genes may be more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) if they are deficient in Vitamin D, according to new research in JAMA Ophthalmology.

The genetic variant (Y402H) studied is the complement factor H gene, called CFH for short. The genes in question are related to the immune system. The development of macular degeneration is believed to involve inflammation. In AMD, drusen, lipids (fats) and proteins build up in the eye. The body perceives the drusen to be an invader and attacks it. The genes appear to cause a stronger immune response. Continue reading “Genetic Variant and Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Macular Degeneration”

MSM Fights More Than Inflammation

msm eye dropsMethylsulfonylmethane, known as MSM, is commonly utilized in the form of MSM eyedrops or powder in vcaps to be taken as a supplement.  It is well known for its anti-inflammatory capacity, documented by researchers.  Scientists are documenting substantiating research and finding new uses.

Anti-Inflammation

MSM inhibits inflammasomes, which are protein formations that stimulate production of  lymphocytes (white blood cells).  It also inhibits the activity of ‘pro-cytokines’ which promote inflammation throughout the body, creating health-damaging fevers and causing tissue death and shock.1 This effect of MSM is useful in reducing the tissue swelling that damages the optic nerve, causes eye soreness of dry eyes and Sjogrens syndrome and other inflammatory-related conditions.

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Eyebright Fights Microbes and Inflammation

eyebrightEuropean researchers have been looking at what makes eyebright tick and why it has long been regarded in traditional folk medicine as a helpful herb for eye conditions.  Turns out that eyebright supports more than eye health.  Wikipedia describes eyebright as having  possible benefits not only for blepharitis and conjunctivitis, but for eye strain, colds and sinus infections, allergies and hay fever and sore throats and coughs.

Anti-Microbial Action

Eyebright has anti-microbial action and is more effective in concentrations of at least 512 micrograms per milliliter against a number of nasty microbes associated with eye infections.

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Glaucoma Linked to Mercury in the Body

mercuryA new study has found that higher levels of mercury in the blood are linked to a greater chance of developing the eye disease glaucoma. Additionally, low levels of manganese (a chemical element) were associated with lower incidence of glaucoma.

This cross-sectional population-based study was published online on August 6th 2015 in JAMA Ophthalmology. The researchers looked a blood or urine metallic element levels, as well as eye disease in 2,680 Korean adults.

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Association Found Between Glaucoma and Alzheimer’s Disease

elderlyPast studies looking for an association between glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease have been inconclusive. However, a recent 2015 large study of 7770 Alzheimer’s patients found such an association, specifically with women.

The study appeared in the July 2015 issue of Eye, and it was based on a study of ethnic Chinese in Asia. Each Alzheimer’s patient was matched randomly with controls of the same age and gender. They looked at who had a previous diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma. Continue reading “Association Found Between Glaucoma and Alzheimer’s Disease”

Iritis – Minor Irritation or Major Warning?

iritis-eyeIritis is a common diagnosis that literally means “inflammation of the iris,” the colored part of the eye. Anterior uveitis is a more technical term for iritis. There are many possible causes, and sometimes the cause cannot be identified. Due to the complexity of the vision system, any suspected case of eye inflammation should be examined by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or medical doctor. Most of the time, iritis resolves in less than 6 weeks; however, iritis can reoccur. It can signal  acute or chronic underlying disease in the body, and therefore should be cared for by a qualified healthcare professional. Without proper treatment, iritis can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, an irregularly sized and sluggish pupil, calcium deposits in the cornea, central serous choroidopathy, or retinal swelling (cystoid macular edema).  Continue reading “Iritis – Minor Irritation or Major Warning?”

Cataract Surgery Might Not Make Wet Macular Degeneration Worse

cataract surgeryA study slated to appear in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Ophthalmology found that cataract surgery does not appear to worsen pre-existing wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration). However, cataracts surgery appears to slightly change the anatomy of the eye, which might make AMD patients more susceptible Continue reading “Cataract Surgery Might Not Make Wet Macular Degeneration Worse”

Bone Marrow Stem Cells May Treat AMD, Stargardt’s & Retinitis Pigmentosa

eye operationFuture treatments for macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt’s disease, and retinitis pigmentosa may include bone marrow stem cell injections, if a new line of eye research pans out. A preliminary pilot study on six subjects with one of several ischemic eye diseases found that most patients had vision improvement after receiving injections of their own bone marrow.

The purpose of the study was to find out if there were any adverse side effects and to test for vision improvement. The only significant negative side effect was some pain after bone marrow Continue reading “Bone Marrow Stem Cells May Treat AMD, Stargardt’s & Retinitis Pigmentosa”

Optogenetics Reverse the Decay of Retina Cells to Restore Sight

blind Scientists have partially restored sight in blind mice using a protein to repair damaged cells in the retina. These experiments may ultimately lead to treatments that restore sight in patients with progressive degenerative retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

The research at the University of Bern in Switzerland and the University of Göttingen in Germany used “optogenetics,” which involves utilizing light to control neurons. They introduced new light-sensing proteins called Opto-mGluR6 into the eye. In essence, this turned the old cells into photoreceptors. These cells were then able to process Continue reading “Optogenetics Reverse the Decay of Retina Cells to Restore Sight”

Calcium Supplements Tied to Higher Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

calcium supplementAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been linked to supplementing more than 800 mg of calcium per day. The link was strongest in the elderly, who suffer from AMD the most. The research was a cross-sectional study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. The RDA for calcium (CA) for adults is 1,000 mg; 1200 mg for women over 50. However, changes to the recommended total daily intake of CA have not been suggested.

This research was conducted at the University of California, SF, and appeared in JAMA Ophthalmology April 2015. It was based on surveys of calcium supplementation and AMD. In the past, the researchers had a similar finding with Continue reading “Calcium Supplements Tied to Higher Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration”