By Martin Burns
AMD (age-related muscular degeneration) Alliance International is strongly urging smokers to participate in tomorrow`s Great American Smokeout to protect their vision from the effects of macular degeneration.
The leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50, AMD is two to three times as frequent among tobacco smokers, according to research by JM Seddon last month.
Further research in October by WG Christen revealed that regular heavy smoking can increase the risk of AMD by 144-fold in people with certain genetic backgrounds.
David Herman, AMD Alliance International chairman, said: "We [can] add vision loss to the list of significant and debilitating health risks that are caused by smoking. If you quit today, you can immediately begin lowering your risk of losing your sight to macular degeneration."
Healthcare provider Simplyhealth recently suggested that a diet lacking in fresh fruit and vegetables is a contributing factor to various eyesight conditions.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Lutein can Protect Against Macular Degeneration and Promote Eye Health
As people live longer eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts are on the rise which has a negative effect on eye health. This often robs people of their freedom and quality of life. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over 65. AMD occurs when the cells in the central part of the eye, which is called the macular, begin to degrade. This causes loss of sight in the central part of the field of vision, but leaves peripheral vision intact.
It is estimated that as many as 16 million Americans show signs of the initial stages of AMD. To put that into perspective that is roughly twice the population of Los Angeles. While this seems like a very high number the fortunate thing is that 90% exhibit the dry form of AMD which occurs over time and can be corrected with nutrition and lifestyle changes. The dry form of this disease is not associated with blindness, but, if left untreated can progress to the wet form of AMD. This sudden form of the disease leads to blindness in about 10% of AMD patients.
There are a number of factors that are known to lead to the development of AMD. Some of these include age, eye color, gender, exposure to sunlight, smoking, alcohol consumption and heart disease to name a few.
Lutein is a carotenoid found in some vegetables and fruits. It acts as a powerful antioxidant that can protect the eyes from disease and is essential for good vision and eye health. It is not made by the body and can only be obtained by the foods that we eat and nutritional supplements. The problem is that large amounts of fruits and vegetables would need to be consumed to get the required amount of lutein. It is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. It is also found in corn and egg yolks. Carotenoids have shown benefits in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and eye disease and enhancing the body’s immune system.
Lutein is found in the macular which is the central part of the retina. While it is not a vitamin lutein is an antioxidant that may help to protect the macular tissue from destructive oxidation reactions by eliminating free radicals. It can also filter high energy blue light that has been known to damage the macula and skin.
It was first discovered by a researcher at Harvard University in 1994 that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Since that time there has been significant research on its ability to protect the eyes and is recommended by many eye doctors for their patients.
According to a recent study done by Kemin Foods 91% of eye doctors believe that lutein plays an important role in promoting good eye health. In addition, 58% of those surveyed believe lutein is the best nutrient for promoting long term eye health. This survey consisted of 150 ophthalmologists and 150 optometrists in the United States about their perceptions of lutein.
When the color of one’s eyes starts to fade it is not a result of aging but a loss of lutein. It is used by the eye as a natural antioxidant to eliminate damaging free radicals. Lutein as acts to filter damaging light from the eye. You can think of it as a pair of natural sunglasses.
Assuming that we are getting enough lutein thru diet or nutritional supplementation the good news is that it has the ability to build reserves in the eye to assure long term eye heath. Even for people that are not experiencing any eye problems they can benefit from lutein in preserving the good eye health they already have. Think of lutein as doing the same thing for your eyes as sun block and moisturizer does for your skin. If you start using it when you are young you maintain the healthy appearance of your skin as you age. The same analogy can be applied to your eyesight. When you are 60 it would be nice to have the same vision as when you were 30.
We know that we can not change our age, genetics or gender but there are things in our lifestyle that we can change to protect our eyesight. A few of these are to quit smoking, protect your eyes with sunglasses, limit your intake of alcohol and supplement with lutein.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
It is estimated that as many as 16 million Americans show signs of the initial stages of AMD. To put that into perspective that is roughly twice the population of Los Angeles. While this seems like a very high number the fortunate thing is that 90% exhibit the dry form of AMD which occurs over time and can be corrected with nutrition and lifestyle changes. The dry form of this disease is not associated with blindness, but, if left untreated can progress to the wet form of AMD. This sudden form of the disease leads to blindness in about 10% of AMD patients.
There are a number of factors that are known to lead to the development of AMD. Some of these include age, eye color, gender, exposure to sunlight, smoking, alcohol consumption and heart disease to name a few.
Lutein is a carotenoid found in some vegetables and fruits. It acts as a powerful antioxidant that can protect the eyes from disease and is essential for good vision and eye health. It is not made by the body and can only be obtained by the foods that we eat and nutritional supplements. The problem is that large amounts of fruits and vegetables would need to be consumed to get the required amount of lutein. It is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. It is also found in corn and egg yolks. Carotenoids have shown benefits in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and eye disease and enhancing the body’s immune system.
Lutein is found in the macular which is the central part of the retina. While it is not a vitamin lutein is an antioxidant that may help to protect the macular tissue from destructive oxidation reactions by eliminating free radicals. It can also filter high energy blue light that has been known to damage the macula and skin.
It was first discovered by a researcher at Harvard University in 1994 that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Since that time there has been significant research on its ability to protect the eyes and is recommended by many eye doctors for their patients.
According to a recent study done by Kemin Foods 91% of eye doctors believe that lutein plays an important role in promoting good eye health. In addition, 58% of those surveyed believe lutein is the best nutrient for promoting long term eye health. This survey consisted of 150 ophthalmologists and 150 optometrists in the United States about their perceptions of lutein.
When the color of one’s eyes starts to fade it is not a result of aging but a loss of lutein. It is used by the eye as a natural antioxidant to eliminate damaging free radicals. Lutein as acts to filter damaging light from the eye. You can think of it as a pair of natural sunglasses.
Assuming that we are getting enough lutein thru diet or nutritional supplementation the good news is that it has the ability to build reserves in the eye to assure long term eye heath. Even for people that are not experiencing any eye problems they can benefit from lutein in preserving the good eye health they already have. Think of lutein as doing the same thing for your eyes as sun block and moisturizer does for your skin. If you start using it when you are young you maintain the healthy appearance of your skin as you age. The same analogy can be applied to your eyesight. When you are 60 it would be nice to have the same vision as when you were 30.
We know that we can not change our age, genetics or gender but there are things in our lifestyle that we can change to protect our eyesight. A few of these are to quit smoking, protect your eyes with sunglasses, limit your intake of alcohol and supplement with lutein.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Monday, November 16, 2009
Cataract Surgery Does Not Worsen Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Fran Lowry
Cataract surgery does not appear to increase the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Instead, it might reveal pre-existing AMD that had been hidden by the cataract, suggests a new study published in the November issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.
"There has been a longstanding controversy among clinicians as to whether cataract surgery is contraindicated in eyes with nonneovascular AMD," write Li Ming Dong, PhD, from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York, and associates from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. "A major concern has been whether cataract surgery increases the risk of progression to neovascular AMD in eyes at risk of progression, such as those with intermediate AMD (extensive medium-sized drusen, large drusen, or nonfoveal geographic atrophy)."
The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of AMD during the year after cataract surgery in individuals with preconfirmed nonneovascular AMD.
The investigators analyzed 86 patients with nonneovascular AMD who underwent cataract surgery to note the incidence of neovascular AMD development in the 12 months after the operation. Only 1 eye from each patient was analyzed.
Fluorescein angiography was performed preoperatively, and at 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively.
The median age of the patients was 76 years (range, 58 to 92 years); 48% were women, 97% were white, and nearly two thirds were current or former cigarette smokers. The median preoperative visual acuity (Snellen equivalent) was 20/50 (range, ≥20/40 to 20/400).
Photographic documentation of AMD status was done in 71 patients (83%) at the 12-month visit. Sixty-six patients (77%) also completed a clinical examination at this visit.
Neovascular AMD was observed in 9 eyes (12.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0% - 22.7%) by 12 months, including 1 that was graded as probable neovascular AMD. Five eyes displayed signs of neovascular AMD at the 1-week follow-up, but the size and location of the lesions indicated that they might have been present before surgery but not visible because of the opacity caused by the cataract, the authors report.
One eye did not have a 1-week follow-up. After excluding this eye, as well as the 5 eyes that showed lesions at the first follow-up period, the rate of confirmed progression to neovascular AMD between week 1 and month 12 decreased to 3 (4.6%) of 65 eyes (95% CI, 1.0% - 12.9%), the investigators report.
The investigators also noted the progression to neovascular AMD in the study subjects' phakic contralateral eyes. They report that neovascular AMD developed in only 1 eye (3%) at 12 months.
Previous Reports Might Be Biased
"Our findings suggest that previous reports of the association or progression of nonneovascular AMD to advanced AMD after cataract surgery could be biased by the absence of immediate preoperative and postoperative fluorescein angiography to rule out pre-existing neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy," the study authors write, adding that a strength of their study — the first to their knowledge — was the use of color fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography in the immediate pre- and post-cataract surgery setting.
However, they point out, their study is limited by its small size and limited duration of follow-up to just 12 months. In addition 15 eyes (17%) at risk for neovascular AMD had to be excluded from the analysis because their postsurgery AMD status at 12 months could not be determined because of unavailable or ungradable images.
"Only a small percentage of study participants with AMD had definite progression to either neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy within 1 year of cataract surgery when eyes were carefully monitored with immediate preoperative and postoperative fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms," the study authors conclude. "Our findings do not support the hypothesis that cataract surgery accelerates the progression of AMD."
In an accompanying editorial, Barbara E. K. Klein, MD, MPH, from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, writes that several reports have shown an association between cataract surgery and AMD since the late 1980s.
"Some report a cross-sectional association, some, incidence of AMD after surgery, and yet others report progression to more severe AMD. Still, there are some studies that do not find a significant association after controlling for relevant confounders. What might explain the disparate results? In my estimation, the diversity of findings in no small part begins with differences in study design," Dr. Klein noted."
Discussing these inconsistencies will help patients and their physicians make a more informed decision about the risks for progression to early AMD and development of late AMD after cataract surgery, she writes. "Until we have better information regarding the risk of developing AMD in those undergoing cataract surgery, it is the best we can do for our patients."
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Cataract surgery does not appear to increase the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Instead, it might reveal pre-existing AMD that had been hidden by the cataract, suggests a new study published in the November issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.
"There has been a longstanding controversy among clinicians as to whether cataract surgery is contraindicated in eyes with nonneovascular AMD," write Li Ming Dong, PhD, from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York, and associates from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. "A major concern has been whether cataract surgery increases the risk of progression to neovascular AMD in eyes at risk of progression, such as those with intermediate AMD (extensive medium-sized drusen, large drusen, or nonfoveal geographic atrophy)."
The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of AMD during the year after cataract surgery in individuals with preconfirmed nonneovascular AMD.
The investigators analyzed 86 patients with nonneovascular AMD who underwent cataract surgery to note the incidence of neovascular AMD development in the 12 months after the operation. Only 1 eye from each patient was analyzed.
Fluorescein angiography was performed preoperatively, and at 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively.
The median age of the patients was 76 years (range, 58 to 92 years); 48% were women, 97% were white, and nearly two thirds were current or former cigarette smokers. The median preoperative visual acuity (Snellen equivalent) was 20/50 (range, ≥20/40 to 20/400).
Photographic documentation of AMD status was done in 71 patients (83%) at the 12-month visit. Sixty-six patients (77%) also completed a clinical examination at this visit.
Neovascular AMD was observed in 9 eyes (12.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0% - 22.7%) by 12 months, including 1 that was graded as probable neovascular AMD. Five eyes displayed signs of neovascular AMD at the 1-week follow-up, but the size and location of the lesions indicated that they might have been present before surgery but not visible because of the opacity caused by the cataract, the authors report.
One eye did not have a 1-week follow-up. After excluding this eye, as well as the 5 eyes that showed lesions at the first follow-up period, the rate of confirmed progression to neovascular AMD between week 1 and month 12 decreased to 3 (4.6%) of 65 eyes (95% CI, 1.0% - 12.9%), the investigators report.
The investigators also noted the progression to neovascular AMD in the study subjects' phakic contralateral eyes. They report that neovascular AMD developed in only 1 eye (3%) at 12 months.
Previous Reports Might Be Biased
"Our findings suggest that previous reports of the association or progression of nonneovascular AMD to advanced AMD after cataract surgery could be biased by the absence of immediate preoperative and postoperative fluorescein angiography to rule out pre-existing neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy," the study authors write, adding that a strength of their study — the first to their knowledge — was the use of color fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography in the immediate pre- and post-cataract surgery setting.
However, they point out, their study is limited by its small size and limited duration of follow-up to just 12 months. In addition 15 eyes (17%) at risk for neovascular AMD had to be excluded from the analysis because their postsurgery AMD status at 12 months could not be determined because of unavailable or ungradable images.
"Only a small percentage of study participants with AMD had definite progression to either neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy within 1 year of cataract surgery when eyes were carefully monitored with immediate preoperative and postoperative fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms," the study authors conclude. "Our findings do not support the hypothesis that cataract surgery accelerates the progression of AMD."
In an accompanying editorial, Barbara E. K. Klein, MD, MPH, from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, writes that several reports have shown an association between cataract surgery and AMD since the late 1980s.
"Some report a cross-sectional association, some, incidence of AMD after surgery, and yet others report progression to more severe AMD. Still, there are some studies that do not find a significant association after controlling for relevant confounders. What might explain the disparate results? In my estimation, the diversity of findings in no small part begins with differences in study design," Dr. Klein noted."
Discussing these inconsistencies will help patients and their physicians make a more informed decision about the risks for progression to early AMD and development of late AMD after cataract surgery, she writes. "Until we have better information regarding the risk of developing AMD in those undergoing cataract surgery, it is the best we can do for our patients."
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Monday, November 9, 2009
Obese Britain Blind to Risk of Sight Loss
ANDOVER, England,
As the UK's obesity crisis burgeons, millions of overweight Brits are blind to the fact that their unhealthy lifestyles mean they are twice as likely to lose their sight as someone with a normal BMI (Body Mass Index).
A shocking new report launched by the sight charity Eyecare Trust and healthcare provider Simplyhealth to mark National Eye Week (9-15 November 2009) reveals that just eight per cent of us associate obesity with sight loss(1), despite weight being a major risk factor in the onset and progression of many sight-threatening eye conditions.
With more than half of all adults across the UK tipping the scales above their recommended weight and a staggering 23 per cent now classed as obese (2), millions of Brits are needlessly putting themselves at risk of poor vision or even worse - total sight loss.
Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust warns: "Carrying excess weight causes pulmonary problems which can lead to irrevocable damage to the delicate blood vessels in the eye. A Body Mass Index of 30 or more doubles your risk of age-related macular degeneration - the UK's leading cause of blindness - and significantly increases your chances of developing cataracts or glaucoma."
The survey also found that people's perceptions about weight - and in particular obesity - are seriously wide of the mark. For example, four fifths of those polled (82 per cent) believed a man of 6ft weighing 13st 3lb is healthy, when in fact he is overweight.
Iain continues: "While people are more likely to be aware of threat to eye health from factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or poor diet, they just don't make the connection with obesity, which can also put people at risk of diabetic retinopathy whether or not they suffer from diabetes." The strong links between obesity and eye disease have been affirmed by recent international research undertaken by eminent ophthalmologists in Israel and Singapore(3).
Regular sight tests are vital for the early diagnosis and treatment of these eye conditions, yet the National Eye Week 'See the Benefit' poll found that obese people were the group least likely to visit their optician. Worryingly, the survey reveals that those with a BMI in excess of 25 are most likely to believe their eyes are in a state of 'good' or 'very good' health(4).
Raman Sankaran of Simplyhealth says: "As well as lifestyle choices having an impact on eye health, the research also worryingly found that cost - or the issue of perceived cost - affects whether people attend regular sight tests. In fact 75 per cent of people admit to putting off having their eyes tested due to the price of the examination and the expense of glasses or contact lenses if needed.
"Attending a sight test needn't be expensive or act as a barrier to good eye health as there are many options available to help people budget for eyecare, such as a cash plan from Simplyhealth," Raman adds.
The Eyecare Trust recommends that everyone should have an eye examination every two years, unless advised otherwise by an optometrist. As well as providing a valuable insight into the health of your eyes a sight test also acts as an essential general health check uncovering a number of other underlying health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and an increased risk of stroke.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
As the UK's obesity crisis burgeons, millions of overweight Brits are blind to the fact that their unhealthy lifestyles mean they are twice as likely to lose their sight as someone with a normal BMI (Body Mass Index).
A shocking new report launched by the sight charity Eyecare Trust and healthcare provider Simplyhealth to mark National Eye Week (9-15 November 2009) reveals that just eight per cent of us associate obesity with sight loss(1), despite weight being a major risk factor in the onset and progression of many sight-threatening eye conditions.
With more than half of all adults across the UK tipping the scales above their recommended weight and a staggering 23 per cent now classed as obese (2), millions of Brits are needlessly putting themselves at risk of poor vision or even worse - total sight loss.
Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust warns: "Carrying excess weight causes pulmonary problems which can lead to irrevocable damage to the delicate blood vessels in the eye. A Body Mass Index of 30 or more doubles your risk of age-related macular degeneration - the UK's leading cause of blindness - and significantly increases your chances of developing cataracts or glaucoma."
The survey also found that people's perceptions about weight - and in particular obesity - are seriously wide of the mark. For example, four fifths of those polled (82 per cent) believed a man of 6ft weighing 13st 3lb is healthy, when in fact he is overweight.
Iain continues: "While people are more likely to be aware of threat to eye health from factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or poor diet, they just don't make the connection with obesity, which can also put people at risk of diabetic retinopathy whether or not they suffer from diabetes." The strong links between obesity and eye disease have been affirmed by recent international research undertaken by eminent ophthalmologists in Israel and Singapore(3).
Regular sight tests are vital for the early diagnosis and treatment of these eye conditions, yet the National Eye Week 'See the Benefit' poll found that obese people were the group least likely to visit their optician. Worryingly, the survey reveals that those with a BMI in excess of 25 are most likely to believe their eyes are in a state of 'good' or 'very good' health(4).
Raman Sankaran of Simplyhealth says: "As well as lifestyle choices having an impact on eye health, the research also worryingly found that cost - or the issue of perceived cost - affects whether people attend regular sight tests. In fact 75 per cent of people admit to putting off having their eyes tested due to the price of the examination and the expense of glasses or contact lenses if needed.
"Attending a sight test needn't be expensive or act as a barrier to good eye health as there are many options available to help people budget for eyecare, such as a cash plan from Simplyhealth," Raman adds.
The Eyecare Trust recommends that everyone should have an eye examination every two years, unless advised otherwise by an optometrist. As well as providing a valuable insight into the health of your eyes a sight test also acts as an essential general health check uncovering a number of other underlying health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and an increased risk of stroke.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Blue light-filtering increases macular pigment, may protect against age-related vision loss
Age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss, affects millions of older persons
Results of an important new study show that implantation of blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOLs) at the time of cataract surgery increases a nutritional component of the eye, which may afford protection against the development and/or progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The study, conducted by leading ophthalmology and vision researchers from the Macular Pigment Research Group at the Waterford Institute of Technology, is published in the October 2009 issue of the high impact journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS).1
AMD is a disease affecting the central part of the retina and is the leading cause of vision loss in the developed world.2 Implantation of lenses that do not filter blue light during cataract surgery has been shown to increase the risk for development and/or progression of AMD.3
"Blue light-filtering lenses filter and block damaging blue light from reaching the retina, which holds the potential of reducing vision loss and improving the quality of life for millions of older patients," said the study's chief investigator, John M. Nolan, Fulbright Scholar, BSc, PhD, deputy director, Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. "These data represent an important first step in fully realizing the benefits of blue light-filtering in improving a nutritional component of the eye known as macular pigment. There is a strong scientific rationale supported by an ever-growing body of scientific evidence which suggests that macular pigment plays a role in reducing the onset and progression of AMD."
Dr. Nolan and fellow Macular Pigment Research Group researchers discovered an increase in macular pigment levels shortly after cataract surgery among the study patients who had blue light-filtering IOLs implanted.1
"Since prolonged exposure to blue light is harmful to the retina, increased levels of macular pigment are considered a strong surrogate marker for protection against the processes that cause age-related blindness, including AMD," says Dr. Nolan.
According to the study, the potential benefits associated with increased macular pigment resulting from the use of blue light-filtering lenses for prevention and/or decreased progression of AMD would be conferred at the time of cataract surgery and are expected to continue thereafter, over a patient's lifetime.1 This is especially meaningful in the modern era of cataract surgery, which is being performed annually in millions of older persons who live for many years after the procedure, as well as certain patient subgroups, who have had the surgery at an earlier age.2 The researchers note that further studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefit of their findings.1
About the Study
Dr. Nolan and colleagues conducted a prospective study in which 42 patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomized to implantation with a blue light-filtering acrylic IOL or a standard acrylic IOL (control), with macular pigment optical density measured by a reliable method (heterochromatic flicker photometry), and serum concentrations of the macular carotenoids were quantified by a scientific procedure known as high performance liquid chromatography, prior to surgery and then at several post-procedural time points over a 1-year follow-up period.1
Cataract surgery in older persons, where the natural diseased lens (cataract) is replaced with a clear artificial IOL, has been associated with increased subsequent risk for macular disease,4 perhaps due to increased transmission of potentially injurious short-wavelength (blue) light to the retina.3
Therefore, lens manufacturers have incorporated a blue light-filter into IOLs to help reduce photo-oxidative retinal injury and thereby reduce the risk of new-onset AMD and/or its progression. Evidence suggests that photo-oxidative stress is important in the development of AMD.5 The likelihood of retinal damage is highest for short-wavelength light (blue light). Several parts of the eye, most importantly the lens, act as filters to block short-wavelength light from reaching the retina.4
Macular pigment is thought to protect against AMD because it absorbs short-wavelength (blue) light before it reaches photoreceptors in the retina and because of its antioxidant properties (decreases oxidative stress by quenching free radicals). Portions of the eye behind (posterior to) macular pigment are exposed to approximately six times the amount of blue light in persons having the lowest levels of macular pigment, as compared to those with the highest levels.5 Macular pigment is obtained entirely from the diet and transported to the retina via the blood. Therefore, ongoing research is being conducted to determine to what extent a person's diet may affect AMD. However, the data available to date is in support of such a notion.5
About Cataracts and AMD
As the aging population grows and becomes a larger percentage of the overall population, age-related diseases such as cataracts and AMD will become more prevalent.6
Surgical removal of cataracts – lens that have become clouded from buildup of protein – is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S.7, with more than 6 million cataract surgeries currently performed each year in the U.S. and Europe combined.7,8 While vision is almost universally improved immediately following cataract removal, implantation of lens that does not filter harmful short wavelength (blue) light may hasten the progression of AMD,5 the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 in the U.S.9
AMD is a disease that affects part of the back of the eye called the macula, the central part of the retina. The central vision of affected individuals becomes blurry or wavy and can be eventually lost, which severely alters their quality of life.9,10 Approximately 25-30 million individuals are affected worldwide, with the number estimated to triple in the next 25 years.11
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Results of an important new study show that implantation of blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOLs) at the time of cataract surgery increases a nutritional component of the eye, which may afford protection against the development and/or progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The study, conducted by leading ophthalmology and vision researchers from the Macular Pigment Research Group at the Waterford Institute of Technology, is published in the October 2009 issue of the high impact journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS).1
AMD is a disease affecting the central part of the retina and is the leading cause of vision loss in the developed world.2 Implantation of lenses that do not filter blue light during cataract surgery has been shown to increase the risk for development and/or progression of AMD.3
"Blue light-filtering lenses filter and block damaging blue light from reaching the retina, which holds the potential of reducing vision loss and improving the quality of life for millions of older patients," said the study's chief investigator, John M. Nolan, Fulbright Scholar, BSc, PhD, deputy director, Macular Pigment Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. "These data represent an important first step in fully realizing the benefits of blue light-filtering in improving a nutritional component of the eye known as macular pigment. There is a strong scientific rationale supported by an ever-growing body of scientific evidence which suggests that macular pigment plays a role in reducing the onset and progression of AMD."
Dr. Nolan and fellow Macular Pigment Research Group researchers discovered an increase in macular pigment levels shortly after cataract surgery among the study patients who had blue light-filtering IOLs implanted.1
"Since prolonged exposure to blue light is harmful to the retina, increased levels of macular pigment are considered a strong surrogate marker for protection against the processes that cause age-related blindness, including AMD," says Dr. Nolan.
According to the study, the potential benefits associated with increased macular pigment resulting from the use of blue light-filtering lenses for prevention and/or decreased progression of AMD would be conferred at the time of cataract surgery and are expected to continue thereafter, over a patient's lifetime.1 This is especially meaningful in the modern era of cataract surgery, which is being performed annually in millions of older persons who live for many years after the procedure, as well as certain patient subgroups, who have had the surgery at an earlier age.2 The researchers note that further studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefit of their findings.1
About the Study
Dr. Nolan and colleagues conducted a prospective study in which 42 patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomized to implantation with a blue light-filtering acrylic IOL or a standard acrylic IOL (control), with macular pigment optical density measured by a reliable method (heterochromatic flicker photometry), and serum concentrations of the macular carotenoids were quantified by a scientific procedure known as high performance liquid chromatography, prior to surgery and then at several post-procedural time points over a 1-year follow-up period.1
Cataract surgery in older persons, where the natural diseased lens (cataract) is replaced with a clear artificial IOL, has been associated with increased subsequent risk for macular disease,4 perhaps due to increased transmission of potentially injurious short-wavelength (blue) light to the retina.3
Therefore, lens manufacturers have incorporated a blue light-filter into IOLs to help reduce photo-oxidative retinal injury and thereby reduce the risk of new-onset AMD and/or its progression. Evidence suggests that photo-oxidative stress is important in the development of AMD.5 The likelihood of retinal damage is highest for short-wavelength light (blue light). Several parts of the eye, most importantly the lens, act as filters to block short-wavelength light from reaching the retina.4
Macular pigment is thought to protect against AMD because it absorbs short-wavelength (blue) light before it reaches photoreceptors in the retina and because of its antioxidant properties (decreases oxidative stress by quenching free radicals). Portions of the eye behind (posterior to) macular pigment are exposed to approximately six times the amount of blue light in persons having the lowest levels of macular pigment, as compared to those with the highest levels.5 Macular pigment is obtained entirely from the diet and transported to the retina via the blood. Therefore, ongoing research is being conducted to determine to what extent a person's diet may affect AMD. However, the data available to date is in support of such a notion.5
About Cataracts and AMD
As the aging population grows and becomes a larger percentage of the overall population, age-related diseases such as cataracts and AMD will become more prevalent.6
Surgical removal of cataracts – lens that have become clouded from buildup of protein – is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S.7, with more than 6 million cataract surgeries currently performed each year in the U.S. and Europe combined.7,8 While vision is almost universally improved immediately following cataract removal, implantation of lens that does not filter harmful short wavelength (blue) light may hasten the progression of AMD,5 the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 in the U.S.9
AMD is a disease that affects part of the back of the eye called the macula, the central part of the retina. The central vision of affected individuals becomes blurry or wavy and can be eventually lost, which severely alters their quality of life.9,10 Approximately 25-30 million individuals are affected worldwide, with the number estimated to triple in the next 25 years.11
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Thursday, October 22, 2009
NeoVista®, Inc. Completes Enrollment in Pivotal CABERNET™ Study
Neovascular AMD affects hundreds of thousands of patients globally. It is our hope that upon one-year follow-up, the data will support FDA approval in a most timely manner so that retinal surgeons, patients, and heath care systems in the US and around the world will have a cost effective option available for treating this dreadful disease in the immediate future.
NeoVista, Inc. today announced the completion of enrollment in its global 450-patient randomized controlled study of their revolutionary epimacular brachytherapy procedure for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The Company will now begin the mandated one-year data follow-up before submitting the final clinical module of its Pre-Market Approval (PMA) submission to the FDA.
"It's exciting to reach this long anticipated milestone in the CABERNET Study," said John N. Hendrick, President and CEO of NeoVista. "Neovascular AMD affects hundreds of thousands of patients globally. It is our hope that upon one-year follow-up, the data will support FDA approval in a most timely manner so that retinal surgeons, patients, and heath care systems in the US and around the world will have a cost effective option available for treating this dreadful disease in the immediate future."
The largest study of its kind to date, the multi-center CABERNET (CNV Secondary AMD Treated with BEta RadiatioN Epiretinal Therapy) Study assigned patients into one of two arms: a control arm where patients were administered regular Lucentis® (Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) injections and a one time surgical arm, where patients were administered a dose of strontium-90 beta radiation via a short surgical procedure, followed by concomitant injections of Lucentis when needed. The primary efficacy endpoint for the CABERNET Study is based on one-year follow-up of the surgical arm cohort when compared to the control group.
"The CABERNET Study has brought together multi-disciplinary clinical teams aligned around the mission of addressing the serious problem of neovascular AMD," said Pravin U Dugel, Managing Partner, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona and principal investigator for the CABERNET Study. "I look forward to the final results of this ambitious clinical trial. More than any other recent trial, this clinical trial has the potential of improving the quality of life and the overall treatment of patients with neovascular AMD. It could potentially have a significant impact on the practice patterns and economics of retinal physicians as well as global health care systems."
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
NeoVista, Inc. today announced the completion of enrollment in its global 450-patient randomized controlled study of their revolutionary epimacular brachytherapy procedure for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The Company will now begin the mandated one-year data follow-up before submitting the final clinical module of its Pre-Market Approval (PMA) submission to the FDA.
"It's exciting to reach this long anticipated milestone in the CABERNET Study," said John N. Hendrick, President and CEO of NeoVista. "Neovascular AMD affects hundreds of thousands of patients globally. It is our hope that upon one-year follow-up, the data will support FDA approval in a most timely manner so that retinal surgeons, patients, and heath care systems in the US and around the world will have a cost effective option available for treating this dreadful disease in the immediate future."
The largest study of its kind to date, the multi-center CABERNET (CNV Secondary AMD Treated with BEta RadiatioN Epiretinal Therapy) Study assigned patients into one of two arms: a control arm where patients were administered regular Lucentis® (Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) injections and a one time surgical arm, where patients were administered a dose of strontium-90 beta radiation via a short surgical procedure, followed by concomitant injections of Lucentis when needed. The primary efficacy endpoint for the CABERNET Study is based on one-year follow-up of the surgical arm cohort when compared to the control group.
"The CABERNET Study has brought together multi-disciplinary clinical teams aligned around the mission of addressing the serious problem of neovascular AMD," said Pravin U Dugel, Managing Partner, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona and principal investigator for the CABERNET Study. "I look forward to the final results of this ambitious clinical trial. More than any other recent trial, this clinical trial has the potential of improving the quality of life and the overall treatment of patients with neovascular AMD. It could potentially have a significant impact on the practice patterns and economics of retinal physicians as well as global health care systems."
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Signs Of Macular Degeneration May Predict Heart Disease
A large study found strong evidence that older people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are at increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), although not for stroke. This result adds to mounting evidence that AMD and cardiovascular disease may share some risk factors--smoking, high blood pressure, inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein, genetic variants such as complement factor H--and disease mechanisms.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
