Saffron may help reverse AMD

The UK’s Telegraph (2/6, Hough) reports, “Saffron, the herb used in many curries and Mediterranean dishes, could help stop people going blind in old age, claim Australian scientists.” In one study, “volunteers given pills containing the spice…for three months showed ’significant improvements’ in their vision.” However, once participants “stopped taking it, the effect quickly disappeared,” a study author explained.
The UK’s Daily Mail reported, “Test findings suggest the spice reverses age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, the most common cause of blindness in old people.” Now, the researchers will examine “saffron’s ability to treat genetic eye diseases that can cause life-long blindness.”

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“Third-hand smoke” may interact with indoor air chemicals to form potential cancer-causing substances.

Bloomberg News (2/9, Ostrow) reports, “Tobacco smoke contamination lingering on furniture, clothes, and other surfaces, dubbed third-hand smoke, may react with indoor air chemicals to form potential cancer-causing substances,” according to a paper appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In fact, “after exposing a piece of paper to smoke, researchers” at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory “found the sheet had levels of newly formed carcinogens that were 10 times higher after three hours in the presence of an indoor air chemical called nitrous acid (HONO) commonly emitted by household appliances or cigarette smoke.”
Specifically, the “nicotine reacted with the indoor air pollutant to form carcinogenic compounds called tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs),” WebMD (2/8, Stacy) reported. Investigators found “’substantial levels’ of TSNAs on surfaces inside the smoker’s truck that was used in the study,” and “more than half of the cancer-causing compounds remained more than two hours after the cigarette smoke had cleared.”
Yet, “third-hand smoke is a relatively new field of research,” according to HealthDay (2/8, Mozes). So, “it’s not certain how exposure might translate into cancer risk, the” American Cancer Society “says, although it suggests that risk would most likely pale when compared with hazards already linked to second-hand smoke exposure.” Still, the current study authors “noted that non-smokers — and infants, in particular — could face health risks from inhaling smoke-related residue through contact with contaminated surfaces and dust.”
But, “opponents called it a laughable term designed to frighten people unduly,” BBC News (2/9) reports. “The real danger is not third-hand smoke, but propaganda dressed up as science,” according to the “director of” a “smokers’ lobby group.” Nevertheless, co-author Lara Gundel says, “The most important step parents can take to protect their families from the dangers of cigarette smoke is to make their homes and cars smokefree.” AFP (2/8), the UK’s Press Association (2/8), and the UK’s Independent (2/8, Connor) also covered the study.

Climbers not likely to endanger vision until 26,000 feet

MedPage Today (2/8, Fiore) reported that, according to a study published in the February issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, “most climbers don’t have to worry about their high-altitude vision.” Researchers found that “corneal thickness did swell significantly among mountaineers at elevations up to 6,300 meters (about 21,000 feet), but they had no loss in visual acuity.” The researchers, however, “warned that altitudes above 8,000 meters, or 26,000 feet, ‘may result in profuse edema leading to dangerous visual loss.’”

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Patients taking glaucoma medications regularly may have reduced risk for early death.

HealthDay (2/8, Edelson) reported, “People who take medication to treat glaucoma appear to outlive those who don’t treat the eye disease,” according to a study published in the February issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. In a study of “21,506 people with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma,” researchers found that patients “who regularly took glaucoma medications had a 74 percent reduced risk for early death, compared with those who didn’t take the drugs.” One study author theorized that “the medications are beneficial, acting to boost kidney function, lower blood pressure, or otherwise improve general health.” Reuters (2/9, Allen) also covers the story.

Vision Information for Mommies and Babies

50% of women who are pregnant or post partum will have noticeable vision changes. Very few of these changes are evident in the first two trimesters, but blurry vision or intermittent visual disturbances may be noticed third trimester through 3 months post partum.  It is important to know that visual changes may not be related to the pregnancy as well – they may be related to some other health problem so always consult with your optometrist/ophthalmologist.  Have your physician monitor blood levels regulaly and notify them if there is a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Some medical problems that may cause vision change during pregnancy include:

Pregnancy induced hypertension (pih)

For PIH early treatment is vital to minimize pregnancy complications; can result in shifting vision or retinal problems.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia (elevated blood pressure – severe)

Same concerns as PIH exist

Pituitary adenoma – (hormone secreting tumor)

Extremely rare – may be cause of tunnel vision or narrowing of vision – probably have other systemic problems prior to vision change.

Vision related symptoms during pregnancy

1. Intermittent blur – comes and goes – may be noticed first as trouble seeing road signs at night
2. Headache – may or may not be due to vision change
3. Dizziness
4. Auras (jagged flashes of light or colored light – migraine related – may be secondary to hormonal induced migraine
5. Double vision
6. Glare at night time
7. Light sensitivity
8. Eye strain
9. Flashes and floaters which can lead to retinal detachment –result of pushing during labor or straining to get up– flashes appear as bright spots or streaks of light that you can’t look directly at; floaters look like small bugs in your vision or wavy lines that move around and a retinal detachment usually presents as flashes and/or floaters followed by dimming vision – tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms due to labor.

Many changes in vision due to pregnancy reverse themselves; some nearsighted women will have improved or worsening prescriptions that may be permanently retained

Contact lens related problems
1. Reduced tolerance to contact lenses brought on by dry eye from hormonal changes
2. Corneal edema – fluid between layers of cornea – similar to edema anywhere else in your body; ankles, bloating; secondary to irritation and hormonal changes – fluid in the clear cornea makes vision blurry – usually contact lens related only

It is a good idea to have updated prescription glasses when going into 2nd trimester – there may be times contact lenses become unsafe to wear or intolerable.

What should you do?

A. Remove contact lenses and check with optometrist
Find out if you can wear contact lenses in your hospital
- You may or may not be given the option to wear your contact lenses during delivery. It is advisable to not wear them, should an emergency procedure become necessary, there is not time to remove the lenses – be sure to have a pair of glasses available in your current prescription for your hospital stay. If you absolutely must wear them, ask you doctor to fit you in an extended wear contact lens that can stay in your eye for 1 or more weeks. There are risks for eye infections and inflammations if you do this, so be sure to discuss it with your optometrist and your obstetrician.

Should i have my prescription changed during pregnancy or immediately post partum?

This is up to you – the questions you want to ask yourself; do you feel you are seeing well enough to function? If so, may be better off holding off. Do you feel you are a hazard on the road? Common sense- -get a new prescription. You are usually better waiting until 3 months post partum to get a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

Eye drops – what is safe for pregnant women and what is not

Dilation during eye examination

While no studies to date have proven eye drops during eye exams harm the fetus, some of the drops used to dilate the eye have neurological effects and it is recommended that unless absolutely necessary, women not get dilated when attempting to conceive, during pregnancy or nursing
Over the counter eyedrops are harmless, but some contain chemicals that may cause an allergic reaction – consult your optometrist prior to using any over-the-counter eyedrops

I’m thinking about getting pregnant – can I still have LASIK laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction or other surgical vision correction options
should not be performed during pregnancy or nursing – there are many changes in the eye that may cause benefits of surgery to be lost – enhancements may be needed and there are added risks when this happens.

Information  for feti and babies

Nutrition
1. Researchers suggest that oily fishes such as sardines and mackerel assist development of vision in utero – recommended one serving of fish at least every 2 weeks (stereoacuity at 3.5 years of age in children born full-term is associated with prenatal and postnatal dietary factors; c williams, ee birch, pm emmett, k northstone and the alspac study team. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2001)

Why? Fish is the richest source of dha, a fatty acid important in neuronal membranes found in the brain – DHA also present in breast milk but not in formula – be careful and consult with a nutritionist or your ob – some fishes are not safe to eat during pregnancy due to higher mercury levels – also, do not take any supplements of fish oils, dha or anything else without consulting your doctor.

A Positive association has been shown for breast feeding and development of vision in utero; Depth perception gained sooner in children in both cases

My childs 1st eye examination
If a Family history of eye disease including lazy eye, eye turns and glaucoma exists have the childs vision checked at 2 years
Premature infants are evaluated immediately in hospital
Signs of problem including unequal eyes, eye turns, mucous in one eye, red eye lid (one only) or premature birth – have evaluation post-natally up to 6 months of age.  Clogged tear ducts are common – they usually fix themselves, but if actively clogged for more than 1 week, consult your obstetrician – may have you gently massage the skin over the tear duct and may.  Supplement with erythromycin ophthalmic ointment – consult with physician only before massaging or instilling anything into your childs eyes.

One pupil may be larger than the other – this is common, don’t panic. Make sure both pupils react to light and have a pediatric ophthalmologist evaluate any pupil differences – most likely ok but check anyway.
Remember, learning is 85% visual, so any problem with eye coordination or vision may lead to slower visual and learning development.  Many eye –vision related problems can be helped up to around age 7, so don’t delay having your child’s vision checked – many problems can be avoided.
Between 3rd and 4th grade, print in school gets noticeably smaller, and many advanced children read chapter books earlier, so a bright child who suddenly has problems in school may just be having trouble with smaller print or eyestrain. This is especially true if the Child passes the school screening – farsighted children will often go undetected, because they can over-focus through any test a School nurse can administer, but since they are farsighted, they see well far but are strained or blurry at near. Be sure an eye doctor screens for farsightedness – the pediatrician usually only screens for nearsightedness and other problems that are easily detected.

Toys and other objects to help with infant vision development
1. Black and white high contrast toys are excellent – help brain cortex to develop
2. Swinging toys help child to follow and cross midline – mobiles are great – even better when they are black, white and red
3. Fish tanks are excellent – multiple colors, shapes and moving objects help child to follow – not too small but not necessary to have over 45 gallon tank
4. Screen savers – different shapes like changing balls, tubes or varying objects are great to have your child watch – it will keep them entertained – have them sit on your lap and stimulate them while they follow the screen saver around
5. Potted trees – holding a baby infront of a tree and gently shaking it can keep them entertained for a long time! They will enjoy watching the movement and following it; you can supplement this activity by holding their hand towards a leaf – this helps with hand/eye coordination and development of the visual/spatial relationship as well as sense of touch. Don’t hold them too close as the leaf or a branch may scratch them.
6. Your child will enjoy looking at bright lights, fixtures and lamps. If the lamp is a hanging lamp and can be gently pushed so it sways ever so slightly, it will help the baby learn to follow and track objects – make sure the baby is far enough away from the fixture so the fixture can’t harm the baby should it fall. Always be careful and don’t sway the fixture too much. Make sure you are close by and observing while doing this exercise. – don’t leave a swinging fixture unattended with a baby near by.

EyeHealth Information Facebook Group Provides First Free Eye Exam to Someone in Need

Last February, Dr. Glazier set up the EyeHealth Information Network with the goal of educating the public about eye health issues. Through the EyeHealth Information Facebook page, Dr. Glazier implemented his idea of providing free eyecare to those in need. His simple model; for every 100 people who join the network he would provide free eyecare to someone in need. This novel model for providing health care requires no monetary exchange. As the popularity of the effort increases, more and more people benefit – the doctors through marketing of their charitable effort and the patients, often in dire need of care, by receiving it free of charge without hassles of insurance. At the time of the free eye care, the person in need must consent to being videotaped and having their interview broadcast on the internet for the purpose of drawing more attention to the effort, thus earning more free eye care. Dr. Glazier feels that social media may eventually be used in this fashion to ease the burden of some health care expenses. The publicity doctors can gain for free through charitable social media efforts will greatly offset the expense of providing free eye care to a few patients. The result is a win-win situation for everyone. No insurance hassles, no referrals or problems with out of network providers. Check out the video to see who was helped by Dr. Glaziers effort. Please attach comments, suggestions or questions or tweet Dr. Glazier @EyeInfo

Myopia on the Increase in US and Elsewhere – Learn About Proven Myopia Control Methods

NPR covers 66% increase in nearsightedness in US – Learn methods of controlling myopia

Lighting – Visual Ergonomics for the Workplace

When working with documents or computers, the best lighting is natural, incandescent or halogen. The worst lighting is fluorescent. Unfortunately, most workplaces use fluorescent. To minimize visual discomfort from fluorescent light, you can wash it out with natural light by opening windows or by using goose neck or other lamps in the room. Turning off the fluorescents to use these alternative sources is OK, or you can have them on simultaneously.

Fluorescent Fixture

The light source should be behind you and, if possible, come from over the shoulder and angled to minimize glare off of the computer screen. Glare screens and anti-glare coatings on lens fronts and backs can help with glare.

If use of natural, incandescent or halogen isn’t an option, be sure that all of the fluorescent bulbs in the fixture are working. The only thing worse than fluorescent lighting is a fluorescent fixture with a bulb burned out. Fluorescent lighting flickers at a very high rate, and the visual system is sensitive to the flicker. The more fluorescent bulbs that work in the fixture, the less annoying the flicker.

Halogen Fixture

If you are having eyestrain at the workplace, I recommend first having a full eye exam. If no glasses or other ergonomic changes are recommended, assume it is the lighting and first try natural light.

Incandescent Light

For more information visit youreyesite.com. Eye doctors in Rockville, Potomac, Gaithersburg Maryland
Copyright Dr. Alan N. Glazier, Optometrist – All Rights Reserved

Promising Dry AMD Treatment Moves into Phase II Clinical Trial

An oral medication for the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is moving into a Phase II clinical trial after showing positive results for safety and effectiveness in prior preclinical studies and a Phase I human trial. Developed by Acucela, the drug works by slowing the buildup of toxic waste products that lead to retinal degeneration and vision loss in dry AMD.

Currently, there are virtually no treatments for dry AMD, a common, progressive condition causing significant vision loss in seniors. Ninety percent of people with AMD have the dry form, and are also at risk of developing the wet form of AMD, which causes sudden and severe vision loss. Collectively, both forms of AMD are the leading cause of blindness in people 55 and older.

Dr. Ryo Kubota, Acucela’s chairman and chief executive officer, notes that the drug, ACU-4429, has an excellent safety profile thus far. He says that because the drug is a non-retinoid, meaning it was not derived from vitamin A, it has the potential to be safe for a wide range of people, including young patients and women of child-bearing age.

“We are excited to see this medication move forward for dry AMD, because so few treatment options exist for this prevalent vision-robbing condition,” says Stephen Rose, Ph.D., chief research officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “The drug’s mechanism of action, the slowing of waste and toxin buildup, may also make it a beneficial treatment for people with Stargardt disease. The upcoming Phase II study will give us more information on the drug’s safety profile and vision-saving potential.”

Acucela is currently recruiting participants with dry AMD for the Phase II clinical trial of ACU-4429. Known as the ENVISION Clarity Trial, the study is taking place at multiple sites throughout the U.S. Acucela is planning to enroll at least 56 participants in the study. Participants will receive either the drug or a placebo.

For more information about the trial contact:

Covance Clinical Research Unit in Dallas, Laura Lonsdale at (214) 920-9053;
Covance Clinical Research Unit in Austin, David Carter at (512) 302-6519; or
Visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and search on “Acucela”

Cell-Based Treatment Preserves Vision in Usher Syndrome Model

research team funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness has used cell transplantation to restore vision in a mouse model of Usher syndrome type 2A (USH2A), a leading cause of combined deafness and blindness in humans. Never before has a cell-based treatment been used to save vision in an Usher syndrome study, in large part because no other Usher syndrome animal models have exhibited vision loss or retinal degeneration. The advancement is a critical step forward in developing a vision treatment for humans with the condition.

Ray Lund, Ph.D., of the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University and lead investigator of the study, says that the USH 2A animal model exhibits slow progression of retinal degeneration, though deterioration of vision is much faster. He and his team are strongly encouraged by the fact that their cell-based treatment preserved vision in the mice well before the time their retinas would normally degenerate. Dr. Lund says that the early preservation of vision shows that the treatment might be effective as a preventive approach for humans.

David Gamm, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a scientist on the team, notes that the new USH2A model of retinal degeneration is helping researchers better understand how cell-based therapies work for a variety of retinal degenerative diseases including different forms of retinitis pigmentosa. “By using different animal models with varying disease pathways, we can better understand how these cell-based therapies are saving and restoring vision,” says Dr. Gamm. He adds that the neural stem cells used in their USH2A study are also showing promise as treatments for diseases of the central nervous system including Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The USH2A mouse model was developed by Tiansen Li, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. It is the first Usher syndrome model in which the animal develops both vision and hearing loss.

Dr. Li and his colleagues developed the model by disrupting, or “knocking out,” both copies of the animal’s USH2A gene. The normal USH2A gene leads to the production of proteins that are necessary for cilia — tiny hair-like structures — to function properly in the retina’s photoreceptors and the cochlea of the inner ear. Cilia transport proteins and nutritional substances within photoreceptors to keep them healthy and functioning properly.

Results of the USH2A study were published in the December 3, 2009 online issue of the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

For further information on eye and vision care issues visit www.youreyesite.com