From the Doctor's Desk

An exciting new study is taking the possibility of a retina implant a step closer to reality.  Researchers at USC and Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. are starting the first phase of a clinical study of the Argus II Retinal Prosthetic System. The retina is located at the back of the eye and receives light that is translated into images by the brain. Retinitis Pigmentosa is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina and causes blindness.  The Argus II Retinal Prosthetic System is hoped to be a treatment for blindness associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa.

The Argus II Retinal Prosthetic System uses numerous electrodes that are attached to the retina.  An external camera sends the electrodes information, which creates a very basic form of sight.  The device is approved for study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the researchers state that so far, the device is performing as it should. It may sound like science fiction now, but in the near future the Argus II Retinal Prosthetic System has the potential of being a helpful treatment for blindness.

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Researchers have recently found that eating spinach and other fruits and vegetables that contain lutein and zeaxanthin may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and may even reverse the disease in some individuals. Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease that can destroy sharp central vision and lead to vision loss.  It is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 65. This exciting new finding has researchers questioning the belief that gradual vision loss is just a part of the natural aging process.

Scientists state that fruits and vegetables with dark green or orange colors contain compounds that protect the macula pigment from damage.  Products with high concentrations of the protective elements include spinach, kale, broccoli, green beans, corn, and peaches. Carrots are excluded.  Future studies are underway to identify which patients may benefit most from supplements and dietary changes.

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Age-related macular degeneration is a vision problem that occurs when the retina at the back of the eye deteriorates over time.  It causes loss of sharp vision and potential complete vision loss.  Researchers in the Netherlands have found that elevated levels of C-reactive protein in blood appear to be associated with age-related macular degeneration.  Researchers are hopeful that  reducing the levels of C-reactive protein in the blood could decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

C-reactive protein is an indicator of inflammation.  Inflammation appears to contribute to age-related macular degeneration.  To date, there is no known way to stop C-reactive protein production.  However, it is known that smoking and obesity increase levels of C-reactive protein. Consuming foods with a low glycemic index, statin medications, and multivitamin use reduce C-reactive protein.  Ask your doctor if you should have your blood tested. By lowering your C-reactive protein levels, it appears that you may help improve your health and save your sight!

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Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease. The macula is located in the center of the retina at the back of the eye and is responsible for processing central vision.  People with macular degeneration have distorted or absent central vision. The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but it tends to develop with aging. Researchers in the United Kingdom found that people with low levels of antioxidants who are exposed to high levels of sun have an increased risk of developing macular degeneration.

The eyes are vulnerable to damage from sun exposure.  Sunlight contains different types of rays and one type “blue rays” reach the retina to allow vision.  However, blue light can also damage the retina.  Antioxidants protect against blue light damage.  Antioxidants are components of a healthy balanced diet and include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). 

The researchers found that people with high levels of sun exposure and low levels of antioxidants were four times more likely to develop macular degeneration.  They also found that sunlight exposure during middle age appeared to be more damaging than that at younger ages.  The researchers advocate  that people  limit direct sun exposure to the eyes and wear protective gear such as sun glasses and wide brimmed hats.  People should also eat a well-balanced healthy diet to receive optimal levels of antioxidants.  Ask your doctor if antioxidant supplements are right for you.

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Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease. The macula is located in the center of the retina at the back of the eye and is responsible for processing central vision.  People with macular degeneration have distorted or absent central vision. The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but it tends to develop with aging. There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but there are methods to help  slow the disease progression and there are  vision aids to improve quality of life.  In a ground-breaking study, researchers found that there is a drug that appears to markedly slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine successfully used the  medication retinylamine in animal studies to dramatically slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  Retinylamine appears to modify the genes responsible for controlling the pace of the eye disease.  The researchers have received extended support from the National Eye Institute to conduct further studies that hopefully will lead to treatments for humans.

The eyes are vulnerable to damage from sun exposure.  Sunlight contains different types of rays and one type “blue rays” reach the retina to allow vision.  However, blue light can also damage the retina.  Antioxidants protect against blue light damage.  Antioxidants are components of a healthy balanced diet and include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). 

The researchers found that people with high levels of sun exposure and low levels of antioxidants were four times more likely to develop macular degeneration.  They also found that sunlight exposure during middle age appeared to be more damaging than that at younger ages.  The researchers advocate  that people  limit direct sun exposure to the eyes and wear protective gear such as sun glasses and wide brimmed hats.  People should also eat a well-balanced healthy diet to receive optimal levels of antioxidants.  Ask your doctor if antioxidant supplements are right for you.

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The discovery of certain eye proteins in people with diabetic retinopathy has moved scientists one step closer to unlocking the mystery behind one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Diabetic retinopathy affects eyesight because of changes in the  blood vessels of the retinas. The retina is located at the back of the eye and relays messages about what you see to the brain for processing.  To date, researchers have been challenged to understand the biochemical process that contributes to the blood vessel alterations.

In a study published by the American Chemical Society, researchers examined eye fluid from people with and without diabetic retinopathy.  Thirty-seven proteins were identified that showed changes consistent with the most severe form of diabetic retinopathy (proliferative diabetic retinopathy). The protein concentrations were either higher or lower in people with diabetic retinopathy than those without the condition.  Researchers hope that by further studying the proteins , they can learn more about the disease and treatments.

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Dry eyes and discomfort are  common complaints for contact lens wearers.  As a matter of fact, it is estimated that more than 50% of people that stop wearing contact lenses do so because of problems with dry eyes.  A new discovery in self-moisturizing contact lenses may make such problems a thing of the past.

Scientists at McMaster University have created a new type of contact lens that remains moist because of a natural substance in the body called hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is already used to treat other eye-related disorders.  While the researchers look forward to finding a manufacturer for their new product, contact lens wearers can look forward to comfortable contact lenses.

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A new study shows that people with diabetes experience several vision problems more frequently than those without diabetes. Diabetes is a major contributor to low vision and blindness. The incidence of diabetes is increasing each year in America. Researchers estimate that 11% of adults with diabetes have some type of visual impairment.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye-related complication of diabetes.  This damage to the retina is a leading cause of low vision and blindness.  People with diabetes are also susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, and abnormally shaped corneas.  Additionally, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people with diabetes had higher incidences of uncorrectable vision problems. The investigators advocate that vision services need to be accessible to all people to help prevent and correct visual impairments.

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Diabetic retinopathy is a leading complication of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes that causes vision problems.  Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels at the back of the eye, in the retina.  The weakened blood vessels leak and cause swelling.  Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive disease, with the most advanced form, macular edema, causing blindness.  Fortunately, a new medication in clinical trials appears promising as a treatment for some people with diabetic retinopathy.

Participants with diabetic retinopathy self-administered mecamylamine eye drops and received regular eye exams in a clinical trial at Johns Hopkins University.  Forty percent of the participants experienced improvements in vision and diabetic retinopathy.  About 40% of the participants had no change, and 20% became worse, supporting the notion that multiple therapies are necessary to treat diabetic retinopathy.  Researchers are hopeful that future studies will show that mecamylamine benefits those with diabetic macular edema as well.

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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.  Glaucoma is an eye disorder that frequently results from an imbalance of fluid production and drainage inside of the eye that causes the inner eye pressure to increase. Doctors commonly prescribe eye drops to relieve internal eye pressure.  A problem with eye drop medication is that tears remove the medication from the eye within a few minutes.  Researchers have developed a new approach, contact lenses containing Vitamin E that help to keep the medication in the eye.

Only 1% to 5% of the medication in eye drops actually reaches the part of the eye (cornea) that needs it as part of glaucoma treatment.  Researchers at the University of Gainesville, FL have developed a contact lens that contains Vitamin E that creates an extended-release of the medication and significantly stops the leakage of medication from the eye.  The lenses with Vitamin E allow medication to remain in the eye 100 times longer than commercial contact lenses and can be worn continuously up to a month.  Clinical trials of the Vitamin E Lenses could begin in a one to two years.  Researchers theorize that the Vitamin E Lenses may be helpful for delivering medication for other eye conditions, such as cataracts and dry eye.

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With technology small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, it may seem like you are always plugged in or logged on. Stream a meeting, video chat with friends or read an entire book without ever missing a beat—thanks to your e-reader, tablet or smart phone. While this technology makes life’s tasks convenient, it could pose problems for the health of your eyes.

Because digital devices are held close to the face, your eyes are forced to constantly focus and reposition in order to see images and text clearly. Do it long enough, and your eyes may begin to cry out for relief as you experience eye fatigue, irritation or vision problems. 

Headaches, dry eyes, and redness are all common symptoms of digital eyestrain and nearly 70% of American adults report effects from it.  Treatment for eyestrain will depend on how you are using your digital devices—are you playing late-night video games, spending hours on your tablet chatting it up on Facebook, or studying for an academic challenge?  These factors will make a difference in how you prevent and manage your eye health and still enjoy the activities you love.

To prevent eyestrain, try these easy solutions:

• Take frequent study or eye breaks, enlarge the font size on your phone or change overhead lights to lower ambient task lighting to help your screen stand out.
• Reduce glare by adjusting the settings on your computer and change background colors from white to a light gray. 
• If your eyestrain interrupts your ability to complete daily tasks, talk with your doctor about custom eyewear with anti-reflective coatings designed for viewing digital media. These special glasses can ease focusing issues and help you work or play longer with less strain.

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There are lots of reasons you have been told to eat a healthy diet. Eating plenty of leafy greens and omega-3 rich foods are well-recognized for their role in cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and weight management, but vegetables also contribute a significant source of vitamins and nutrients for your eye health. Research shows that several diseases of the eye, including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration—all of which are more common as you age, can be reduced with a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and some types of fish.

Vitamin C: Protects some parts of the eye from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. Most men and women meet the basic daily requirements for vitamin C (between 75 and 90 milligrams per day), but some people may need higher doses to help prevent some eye conditions. Your doctor will be able to guide you further.

Sources for vitamin C: strawberries, brussel sprouts, broccoli, mango, and raspberries

Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E may play a role in the prevention of macular degeneration, and the formation of cataracts. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and how much you take will be guided by your doctor. You may be able to take in enough vitamin E through diet and not need an extra vitamin.

Sources for vitamin E: cottonseed oil, hazelnuts, almonds, fortified cereal, and sunflower seeds

Zinc: This trace mineral is highly concentrated inside the eye and supports the health of the retina—an area of the eye that collects light. Levels seem to drop as you age, so it is important to take in more through your diet.

Sources for zinc: garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas, sunflower seeds, milk, beef and chicken

Omega-3: Found in every cell in the body, these healthy fats are essential for the health of many systems. Omega-3 rich foods have been shown to slow the progression of macular degeneration, diseases of the retina, and improve dry eyes.

Sources for omega-3: seafood, flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds, spinach, broccoli and fish oil supplements

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