Category: Eye Conditions

Does Your Back-to-School Checklist Include a Vision Screening?

Your child’s academic success depends on good vision.  The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, estimates that only one in three preschoolers receives vision screening.  NEI also estimates that:

  • 300,000 to 750,000 children aged 3 to 5 have amblyopia (lazy eye)
  • 450,000 to 600,000 have strabismus (eye misalignment), and
  • 1.5 million to 2.3 million children have a significant refractive error (poor vision that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses).

“We know that children who see well are better prepared to learn,” said Michael X. Repka, MD, secretary for federal affairs at the American Academy of Ophthalmology and professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University. “The eyes are directly connected to the brain, so if they are not functioning properly, it can be more difficult for a child to absorb information in the classroom. Most common eye disorders do not have warning signs and may lead to blindness in one or both eyes if left untreated. Early detection is the key to a successful outcome.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this schedule for pediatric vision screening:

  • Newborn to 3 months
  • 3 to 6 months
  • 6 to 12 months
  • 3 years
  • 5 years
  • Every 1 to 2 years after age 5 until age 18

In preparation for your vision screening, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consider the following questions:

  • Does your child seem to see well? 
  • Does your child hold objects close to his or her face when trying to focus?
  • Do your child’s eyes appear straight or do they seem to cross or drift or seem lazy?
  • Do your child’s eyes appear unusual?
  • Do your child’s eyelids droop or does 1 eyelid tend to close?
  • Have your child’s eye(s) ever been injured?
  • Do you have a family history of eye disorders, or of early childhood use of glasses in parents or siblings?

Vision screenings can be performed as part of the child’s annual well-child exam.  In addition, many public school systems provide vision screenings for students.  Parents who do not have access to screenings can contact their local health department for support.

Sources: 
Ensure Your Back-to-School Checklist Includes a Vision Screening, American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Academy of Pediatrics, Eye Examination in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians

Meso-zeaxanthin and Macular Degeneration Prevention

Meso-zeaxanthin and Macular Degeneration Prevention

A supplement of meso-zeaxanthin may bolster macular pigment optical density (MPOD), according to researchers from Florida International University (Nutr Metab . 2007;4:12) (DOI:10.1186/1743-7075-4-12). Lutein and zeaxanthin have been the primary focus of research trials exploring how the xanthophyll carotenoids can support macular pigment and possibly prevent onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Meso-zeaxanthin is the third major carotenoid found in macular pigment.

 

Update on Meso-Zeaxanthin

A new study, known as Meso-zeaxanthin ocular supplementation trial (MOST), begins in late March 2010 and the clinical research team are currently recruiting suitable candidates. The specialists involved in the trial are research experts in this area of eye disease. The trial requires 60 patients who have been diagnosed with early AMD. After a complimentary eye screening by an IVR Ophthalmologist, suitable candidates will be enrolled into the trial and provided with a 12-month course of dietary supplements containing the macular pigments.

For further information on AMD or on the MOST trial being conducted at the Institute of Vision Research, please contact: Eithne Connolly, Clinical Research Technician, on 051 302153 or at eithneativr.ie

Editor’s Note: Recent studies have shown that the carotenoid mesozeaxanthin, in the family of lutein and zeaxanthin,  is used as an antioxidant directly in the center of the retina. Hopefully this study will further confirm that this nutrient along with a family of other essential nutrients helps preserve vision for those with macular degeneration.

Studies Show Relationship of Blood Pressure and Glaucoma

Studies Show Relationship of Blood Pressure and Glaucoma

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

Parents — Are You Protecting Your Child’s Eyesight?

Survey by The College of Optometrists finds 76% of parents do not protect their children’s eyes in the sun.

A new survey of 2000 British families shows that parents are risking their child’s eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight without appropriate protection.  Over three-quarters of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out in the sun.

Overexposure to sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions later in life.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of exposure to UV over a person’s lifetime occurs before the age of 18, so it is crucial that children wear sunglasses to minimize long-term damage.

The survey found that while 43% of parents ensure their child’s time in the sun is limited and 76% make sure they apply sunscreen to their child, buying sunglasses appears to be a much lower priority:  29% of those questioned do not even buy sunglasses for their children.  Of those who do, only 25% choose sunglasses from a reputable brand or supplier, and 46% of parents surveyed choose price over protection when selecting sunglasses.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, stated: “I am shocked to see that so many parents aren’t ensuring that their child’s eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for ‘cheap and cheerful’ over quality.”

The College of Optometrists recommends purchasing good quality, dark sunglasses that guarantee a safe level of UV protection.

SOURCE:  Parents Risk their Children’s Eyesight in the Sun, The College of Optometrists, August 18, 2009, http://www.college-optometrists.org

Aerobic Exercise Beneficial for Glaucoma Patients

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.

New Glaucoma Treatments May be on the Horizon

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.

Carnosine combats cataracts

Carnosine combats cataracts

In the July 28, 2009 issue of the journal Biochemistry, Italian researchers report that the dipeptide carnosine shows promise not only in preventing cataracts but also in helping to treat the condition. Cataracts, which are characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens, are a major cause of visual impairment among older men and women, and surgery is currently the only effective treatment.

Enrico Rizzarelli of the University of Catania and his colleagues tested the effects of D- and L-carnosine on bovine cultured alpha-crystallin, the major structural protein in the lens of the eye. The cultures were treated with guanidine, a compound that is known to cause cataracts via the formation of alpha-crystallin fibrils. Co-incubation of the cultures with carnosine helped inhibit fibrillation, and the addition of carnosine to pre-existing fibrils was found to almost completely dissolve them.

UPDATE

Researchers have replicated earlier studies demonstrating that eyedrops which include 1% n-acetyl-carnosine are helpful for supporting lens health, a factor in cataracts. Research also indicates these eyedrops may also be helpful for the health of the macula, retina, and optic nerve.

Published: Dr. Babizhayev, et al, N-Acetylcarnosine Lubricant Eyedrops Possess All-In-One Universal Antioxidant Protective Effects of L-Carnosine in Aqueous and Lipid Membrane Environments, Aldehyde Scavenging, and Transglycation Activities Inherent to Cataracts: A Clinical Study, American Journal of Therapeutics;16(6):517-533).

Editor’s Note: For information on Can-C eyedrops (1% n-acetyl-carnosine eyedrops), go to Can-C eyedrops

Diet High in Antioxidants Helps Preserve Vision and Slows Down the Progression of Macular Degeneration

New study show that a diet high in antioxidants helps preserve vision and slows down the progression of macular degeneration

Antioxidants in Diets

Antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables such as carrots can help slow down sight loss in older adults, say scientists.

In a five-year study which included more than 400 people, scientists in Belfast and Waterford showed that the intake of high levels of both carotenoids – rich antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables – preserved macular pigments, slowing down the progression from early to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Fresh Cut Fruit

Fresh-cut fruits is one of the fastest growing food categories in U.S. supermarkets, but what effect does processing and storage have on the nutritional value of the fruit?

Surprisingly, an international team of scientists has found that cutting and packaging fruit had almost no affect on the main antioxidants.

Their report, published in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, shows that fresh-cut fruit retains vitamin C and other healthful antioxidants after days on the shelf.

The researchers obtained pineapples, mangoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, strawberries and kiwifruits from wholesale commercial sources in California.  The fruit was taken to a laboratory at the University of California in Davis. Half of each lot was processed as fresh-cut and half left whole.

Both lots were refrigerated under identical conditions for nine days and then tested for nutrient content. Tests showed only small losses of antioxidant compounds in the cut fruit compared to fruit left whole. Levels of some antioxidants in fresh-cut mango and watermelon actually increased due to exposure to light.

In general, researchers found that fresh-cut fruits visually spoil before any significant nutrient loss occurs.

SOURCE:  Quality Changes and Nutrient Retention in Fresh-Cut versus Whole Fruits during Storage, Gil et al, J. Agric. Food Chem., 2006, 54 (12), pp 4284–4296.

Vegetables & Nuts

University of Liverpool scientists claim that macular degeneration could be reduced by up to 20% by increasing the amount of fruit, vegetables and nuts in the diet.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, as individuals gradually lose their central vision due to the failure of cells in the macula (the light sensitive membrane at the center of the retina).

Professor Ian Grierson, Head of Ophthalmology at the University of Liverpool, said: “Poor eating habits have a huge impact on health in general and the health of your eyes is no exception. Eye problems such as AMD, cataract and even glaucoma can all be affected by what we eat. But a relatively minor change in diet – adding a little more fruit into our meals – can make a profound difference and can keep eye diseases like AMD at bay for up to 20% longer.

“There are of course other risk factors related to AMD such as age, light exposure, smoking and being overweight. But if we can improve the kind of food that we eat, we could dramatically reduce the number of people who may suffer from eye diseases in the future.”

Grierson recommends incorporating fruits and nuts as minor additions to what we already eat, such as peaches with ham or ginger with melon.  He believes this will help slow down or even prevent the degeneration process by increasing micronutrient, vitamin and antioxidant intake in the diet.

SOURCE:  “Diet Could Reduce Onset Of Eye Disease By 20%”, University of Liverpool (2009, February 18),

New Contact Lenses Deliver Medication to the Eye

New technology may replace eye drops currently used by people suffering from glaucoma and dry-eye.

Studies have found that a majority of glaucoma patients regularly skip their eye drops, putting themselves at risk for blindness, and that even when drops are used regularly, only a small percentage of the medication tends to be absorbed into the eye.

In an article published in the July issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, scientists announced that they have developed a contact lens that delivers medication to the eye at a constant rate for over 4 weeks. The lenses should not affect the wearer’s vision.

The special lenses were created by dissolving a biodegradable polymer called PLGA in an organic solvent, to which medication was added. After the solvent evaporated, researchers coated the polymer film/medication mix with a hydrogel called pHEMA — the same material used to make regular contact lenses. Researchers believe they can vary the molecular weight of the polymer to change the rate of drug release as needed.

To date the researchers have only tested the diffusion properties of the lens in a lab dish, but expect to be able to test the lenses in humans within a year.

SOURCE: A Drug-Eluting Contact Lens, Ciolino, et al, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2009;50:3346-3352.)

Heavy Computer Use and Glaucoma

Study: Possible association between heavy computer users and glaucoma visual field abnormalities.

A 2004 cross-sectional study in 9124 Japanese workers indicated that there was a possible association between heavy computer users and glaucoma visual field abnormalities. In other words – if you use computers heavily, ie, programers, software engineers, gamers,

The study looked at typical daily computer use, as well as long-term computer use history. More than 500 participants (5.4%) had problems with their peripheral vision. Of that group, one third were found to have glaucoma … perhaps more than a third, since some workers with peripheral vision problems didn’t receive all the testing to accurately diagnose glaucoma.

Even more significant was that heavy computer users who were farsighted or nearsighted seemed to have a higher risk. Nearsightedness was found in 82% of those with glaucoma.

For more information on nutrition and vision, go to Natural Eye Care for Computer Eye Strain