Archive for December, 2009
Study Finds No Link Between Statins and Risk of Advanced AMD
12.04.2009There is good news for people who take statins to reduce their cholesterol levels. A study published in the December 2009 issue of Ophthalmology concludes that the use of statins is not associated with the risk of developing advanced, age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Examples of statins include Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin). Statins are usually taken to reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Researchers stated that it is possible that statins have a protective effect on AMD but that results were not conclusive. Inconclusive results could have 
been caused because the drugs had not been used long enough or could have been ambiguous because patients who are taking statins for cardiovascular disease are also at an increased risk for developing AMD.
Data from the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial was studied by researchers. All patients in the trial were at risk for advanced AMD but had not yet progressed to that stage.
The study was restricted by the use of patient reports for starting and stopping times for statin use and by the lack of information on certain risk factors for AMD. Some researchers did suggest that a randomized controlled trial be conducted to further evaluate the effect of statins on AMD.
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
The Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Vision Loss
12.02.2009Peripheral vision affects many areas of our lives, including driving. It is also an integral part of team sports such as football and basketball. Unlike other visual problems, peripheral vision loss cannot be fixed by using glasses or contacts.
The two components of vision are central vision and peripheral vision. These two components are independent of one another. Indicators of a problem with peripheral vision include difficulty in seeing in dim light or difficulty navigating when walking. When people suffer a lack of peripheral vision, they rely upon their central vision to compensate.
And people are frequently unaware of peripheral vision problems, because they are expecting the blind area to appear black, when more frequently, its symptoms are no different from being unable to see behind our heads. We don’t consider the area behind our heads to be “black” or “blind.” We only know we can’t see there.
The blind area is called a “scotoma.” Because scotomas can be very small, they are frequently unnoticed until they grow larger.
Computerized Visual Field machine, which measures peripheral or "side" vision
Damage to the optic nerve, high intraocular pressure (IOP) and eye strokes are among the causes of peripheral vision loss. Concussions and detached retinas can also lead to peripheral vision loss.
An eye doctor will need to conduct a visual field test once you have discovered a peripheral vision loss. The visual field test will be able to pinpoint the position of the suspected blind spots.
For glaucoma patients, it is imperative that they follow their prescribed regimen of eye drops to control their IOP to avoid permanent peripheral vision loss.
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
