Archive for the ‘Cataracts’ Category
Why do Latinos Go Blind?
05.11.2010In four separate reports, researchers from the Los Angeles Latino study provide the four-year incidence of blindness and visual impairment, cataract and diabetic retinopathy among Hispanics living in Los Angeles, a population consisting of people of predominantly Mexican origin.
The four-year incidence of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and clinically significant macular edema, was 34 percent, 5.4 percent, and 7.2 percent respectively. Overall, nearly 3 percent of Latinos developed visual impairment and 0.3 percent developed blindness in both eyes, with older adults impacted more frequently.
Latinos were more likely to develop cataracts in the center of the lens (10.2 percent) than the edge of the lens (7.5 percent). However, they had low rates of early and late AMD. American Journal of Ophthalmology, May 2010.*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Is there a Role for “Blue Blocker” lenses in eye surgery?
04.29.2010Cataracts are a leading cause of impaired vision and blindness among Americans aged 40 years and older. Some studies have indicated a link between cataract surgery and an increased risk for macular disease. This could be due to the increased transmission of short wavelength (blue) light to the retina.
A study published in the May-June 2010 issue of the Survey of Ophthalmology indicates that blue light-filtering intraocular lenses (IOL) may help preserve the retinal health and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration in cataract surgery patients.
Clinical studies have shown that the blue light-filtering was well-tolerated and there were no reports of altered night vision or of insomnia. In addition, there were no reports of loss of visual acuity, color perception, or any significant loss of scoptic, photopic or mesopic sensitivities.
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Who gets more eye disease - Women or Men?
03.29.2010While men and women have many health differences, one difference that is probably not widely known is that women are more susceptible to eye disease and other eye conditions than men. Eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are diagnosed in more women than men every year.
Women who are pregnant or post-menopausal are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome due to hormonal changes. In addition, women who are receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be at a higher risk of developing cataracts. Pregnant women who note changes in their vision such as blurred vision or seeing spots should contact their health care provider immediately because these can be signs of more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or retinal detachment.
The organization Prevent Blindness America has deemed April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Women are encouraged to make their vision health a priority and to get a complete eye exam.*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Anti-depressant use increases risk of cataracts
03.16.2010Researchers have found a relationship between anti-depressant use and an increased risk of developing cataracts. A recent study found a statistical relationship between a diagnosis of cataracts or cataract surgery and the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Patients taking SSRIs were 15 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cataracts or have cataract surgery.
The study does not prove a cause and effect relationship but instead reveals a link between the use of SSRIs and the development of cataracts. The study did not take into consideration additional risk factors such as smoking. Researchers did emphasize that additional population-based studies are needed to corroborate the findings.
Cataracts are treatable with surgery. The benefits of treating depression, which can be life-threatening, justify their use, even with the increased risk of developing cataracts when taking the SSRIs. If you are currently taking SSRIs, you should discuss any concerns you have regarding your medication with your healthcare professional.
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women linked to cataracts
03.09.2010Women who are using or who had used Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) have higher rates of cataract removal than women who have never used HRT. This was the finding of an eight-year study of more than 30,000 postmenopausal Swedish women.
Results of the study showed that the risk for cataract removal was increased by 14 percent in women who had previously used HRT and an 18 percent increase was noted in current HRT users as compared to women who did not use HRT. The longer HRT was used resulted in an increased risk. In addition, women using HRT who consumed more than one alcoholic drink a day had a 42 percent increased risk compared to women who did not use HRT or drank alcohol.
Cataracts are more common in postmenopausal women than in men which indicates that hormonal differences play a role in their development. Estrogen receptors have been found in the eye’s lens. The lens is the area that becomes cloudy and inflexible upon formation of a cataract. The exogenous estrogens which are used in HRT increase C-reactive protein levels which have been linked with cataract development.*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
