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Gene Therapy Could Be a New Macular Degeneration Treatment

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New macular degeneration treatments may emerge after a recent study links the wet and dry version of the disease in an unexpected way.

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and vision loss in the world and of vision impairment in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts the number of Americans with macular degeneration will double from 48 million to 88 million in the next 30 years.

AMD destroys the sharp, central vision, which is necessary for seeing objects clearly and doing activities like reading and driving. There are two types of AMD. Wet AMD is treatable. Dry AMD has not had many treatment options, although its progression may be slowed by supplementation with antioxidants.

Gene Therapy Reverses AMD in Mice

A new study reveals important findings after a research team from the University of Virginia School of Medicine successfully treated age-related macular degeneration in mice.

Brad Gelfand, of University of Virginia’s Center for Advanced Vision Science, discovered the absence of an enzyme called “Dicer” could initiate both forms of macular degeneration. Dicer levels reduce with age, and the loss of Dicer causes an overgrowth of blood vessels in the retina.

Using gene therapy, Gelfand and his team restored Dicer in the mice and found it reversed AMD. Gelfand’s research suggests restoring normal levels of Dicer could treat both wet and dry macular degeneration. However, further testing will determine the effectiveness and safety of this new macular degeneration treatment.

“It’s not as if this is the final answer to the problem, but it’s certainly a big step along the way; it certainly solidifies the idea that wet and dry AMD share a lot of mechanisms,” said Gelfand.

If Dicer proves effective in clinical trials, it will be the first significant treatment for dry AMD. It would also offer a simpler and less painful treatment for wet AMD. Current wet AMD treatment involves frequent eye injections. Gene therapy may require only a single treatment.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

AMD is a progressive disease that often does not have any symptoms in the early stages. You can prevent AMD by making annual appointments for a comprehensive eye exam. Eye exams are more than just an evaluation of your vision. They offer a window into your overall health. Call an ophthalmologist today to schedule your annual eye exam.

Blood Pressure Linked to Glaucoma Risk

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Although glaucoma is a complicated disease, new evidence suggests a range of blood pressure that is neither too high nor too low is best to help prevent it.

A 2018 study suggests a “Goldilocks scenario” may exist for each of us when it comes to blood pressure and glaucoma. If you recall from the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks is rather finicky, preferring her chair, porridge and bed to be “just right.”

For years, scientists have known about the connection between blood pressure and glaucoma. Elevated blood pressure does not cause glaucoma, but it is a known risk factor, especially if it goes untreated. Low blood pressure can also be concerning when it comes to glaucoma. The goal is to achieve a Goldilocks scenario in which blood pressure is “just right.”

According to a 2018 study, the prevalence of glaucoma was lowest in patients who had a systolic blood pressure reading of 111 mmHg and 120 mmHg and a diastolic reading of 81 mmHg and 90 mmHg.

How Can Low Blood Pressure Increase Glaucoma Risk?

It would seem that in regard to blood pressure, only high blood pressure would increase the risk of glaucoma. This makes sense because glaucoma is characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye. Hypertensive blood vessels should increase eye pressure, correct? In truth, it is not that simple.

Low blood pressure can also increase the risk of glaucoma. It can cause a condition known as decreased ocular perfusion pressure. Ocular perfusion pressure is the difference between blood pressure and eye pressure. If blood pressure is low but the intraocular pressure is high, blood cannot get into the eye to supply it with nutrients and oxygen.

In a normally functioning body, circulation to the eyes is maintained, even when blood pressure, body position or the environment fluctuates. However, some people have systems that cannot adapt as well to changes, and the eyes may not receive proper nourishment (Glaucoma Research Foundation).

What is Your Ideal Blood Pressure Range?

The researchers in the 2018 study discovered the relationship between glaucoma and blood pressure followed a U-shaped curve. This means glaucoma incidence was highest in patients who had elevated blood pressure or low blood pressure.

Controlling blood pressure is essential for all of us, regardless of whether we are on blood pressure medication. High blood pressure can lead to arteriosclerosis, which can damage the optic nerve. However, low blood pressure can increase your risk of open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma. You and your primary care physician and ophthalmologist can work together to find the blood pressure range that is “just right” for you.

If you are on blood pressure medication, your doctor can monitor your readings to ensure the medication is not creating too much of a gap between your blood pressure and eye pressure. It may be that you could take less medication and still stay within a safe blood pressure range.

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Call today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss how your blood pressure relates to your eye health. If you are not under the care of a board-certified physician,you can access a list of doctors in your area and find an ophthalmologist in your area.

How Female Hormones Estrogen and Progesterone Affect the Eyes

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Ladies, did you know that hormones are primarily responsible for changes in your vision after age 40? It shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, hormones can influence your mood, weight, sex drive and energy level, so why shouldn’t they impact your eyesight? May is Women’s Health Month, so let’s explore how hormones can change a woman’s vision from puberty through menopause.

High Estrogen Levels May Cause Nearsightedness

Estrogen can cause vision changes at several points in a woman’s lifetime. During puberty, the surge in estrogen can affect distance vision and can cause nearsightedness. During menstruation, estrogen levels elevate, and some women complain of vision problems and watery eyes during this time. During pregnancy, increased estrogen and progesterone levels can cause blurred vision and focusing problems. Vision changes are also typical after a hysterectomy, but eyesight often stabilizes with hormone replacement therapy.

Estrogen Fluctuations May Cause Dry Eye

Changes in estrogen levels can also result in dry eye, a condition caused by lack of tears. Women who are menopausal are at increased risk for dry eye, and medications like antihistamines and antidepressants can exacerbate the condition. Dry eye is treatable with prescription medications that increase tear production. Some women, however, find relief from over-the-counter artificial tears that help lubricate and moisturize the eye.

How to Maintain Healthy Vision

Hormone-related vision changes during menstruation and pregnancy are usually temporary, but some that occur in puberty and menopause are irreversible. To keep your vision as healthy as possible, there are a few steps you can take:

  1. Visit an ophthalmologist for annual comprehensive eye exams or if you notice vision changes. Many insurance plans include yearly eye exams, so take advantage of this if you have the option. Eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration are asymptomatic in the early stages, so visit your ophthalmologist every year to be examined for these conditions. If you notice any changes in your vision or experience eye pain, make an appointment right away, even if it has been less than a year since your last appointment.
  2. Eat a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains. A nutritious diet full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C, E and K and other antioxidants and minerals will nourish your eyes and keep your vision healthy. Avoid processed foods and foods with artificial sweeteners.
  3. Talk to an ophthalmologist about supplementing with evening primrose oil, borage, flax seed or other nutritional supplements that will strengthen your vision and promote eye health.

What is a Burst Blood Vessel in the Eye?

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A red spot in your eye might make you feel like a villain in a horror movie, but it is typically not a reason for alarm. It is likely a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a condition in which small, delicate blood vessels break under the clear conjunctival tissue which covers the white of the eye called the sclera. Blood gets trapped under the conjunctival membranes, giving the eye a bright, blood red appearance.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Causes

It is not always possible to identify the cause of broken blood vessels in the eye, but possible causes include:

  • A sudden increase in blood pressure that can result from coughing, sneezing or laughing
  • Heavy lifting
  • Straining from constipation
  • Use of aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin or Warfarin
  • Eye trauma
  • Eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery
  • Vitamin K deficiency or blood clotting disorder (rare)
  • Rubbing the eyes

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Treatment

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages are not dangerous and they should not interfere with vision. It is normal to feel some eye irritation and sensitivity though. Artificial tears or lubricating drops can help soothe irritation, but the broken blood vessels have to repair themselves naturally. As the eye heals, try not to rub it because that can delay the healing process or break more blood vessels.

When to see an Ophthalmologist

A subconjunctival hemorrhage will typically disappear within one to two weeks, and most people won’t need to see an ophthalmologist. The affected area may even change color, much like a bruise, as the blood is reabsorbed. Call an ophthalmologist, however, if you have symptoms besides minor eye irritation or eye sensitivity. Eye discharge, swelling, sudden change in vision or sharp pain may indicate a different eye problem.

Make comprehensive eye exams a part of your preventive care. During a complete eye exam, your ophthalmologist will check the health of your eyes and update your prescription. Many degenerative diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration can develop without any symptoms, and a delayed diagnosis can result in permanent vision loss. So call your eye doctor today or find a board-certified ophthalmologist near you.

9 Tips to Protect Children from Digital Eye Strain

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After the holidays, many homes are full of exciting new electronics loaded with the latest apps and games. Kids of all ages are likely having a blast as they learn the amazing new capabilities of their devices. If you have children who are spending more time on digital devices this season, take a moment to notice just how much screen time they are getting and if, during all of this excitement, they begin complaining that their eyes hurt.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

While new tablets, smartphones, computers and TVs can provide hours of entertainment and discovery, they can also have an adverse effect on our vision. Staring at digital screens can cause hazy, blurred vision and can make eyes burn and feel dry, itchy and irritated. This condition is known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Other symptoms of digital eye strain can include:

  • Problems focusing
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Words moving on the screen (due to underlying eye alignment issues)

According to Sarah Hinkley, associate professor at Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry and spokeswoman for the American Optometric Association, digital eye strain is a nationwide problem, and it is occurring more frequently in kids. “As children acquire cellphones at younger ages and are using them more frequently during the day,” Hinkley explains, “we are seeing the symptoms presenting in younger children more than we have before” (Source: Gunnar).

Don’t Banish the Device. Train the Operator

Electronics are great tools for education and leisure. Children do not naturally set boundaries for themselves, so adults can help by teaching moderation. It begins with having conversations with kids about digital eye strain and how electronic devices affect eye health. You can even ask them to help set guidelines for electronics and come up with a family plan. Here are some tips to get you started:

  1. Listen to the experts. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Health recommended that children under two years of age should not be in front of a screen at all, and over that age, the maximum leisure screen time should be no more than two hours a day (Source: Tech Advisor).
  2. Model good habits in front of your kids. In a survey conducted for the Vision Council, 70 percent of American adults say they have experienced digital eye strain, and 60 percent of respondents said they looked at screens at least 6 hours per day. If you limit your kids to an hour of screen time in the evenings, try to adhere to the same guidelines yourself.
  3. Create a “bedtime” for devices. Too much screen time can interfere with natural sleep cycles, so turn off all devices at least one hour before children go to bed. Have a designated place like the kitchen where you charge all devices at night. This is a great way to avoid temptation!
  4. Remember 20-20-20. Teach your children this rule of thumb: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at an object at least 20 feet away.
  5. Blink! Staring at digital screens decreases our blink rate. Remind your kids to blink their eyes more often than they think they need to, and this will help keep their eyes moist.
  6. Teach your kids about the importance of positioning. Create sufficient distance between the screen and your eyes. Keep hand-held devices a good distance from the eyes and just below eye level.
  7. Adjust the brightness of screens. Change the background color to cool gray. Consider adding a blue light filter to smartphones and tablets.
  8. Increase text size on screens.
  9. Try not to use “more screen time” as a reward. Keep within your agreed-upon family limit.

Teaching kids about moderation is an important life skill, so feel confident in setting healthy boundaries. If you have any questions about digital eye strain and eye health, talk to your ophthalmologist. If you would like to find a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area, use our Find a Physician locator.

How to Know When You are Ready for Reading Glasses

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Do you ever feel like you look like you’re playing the trombone when reading a book, text or recipe? It goes something like this: you look at the print up-close, then adjust the distance several times until the words come into focus. If this new method of reading is becoming a habit, it might be time for reading glasses.

The 5 Signs It’s Time for Reading Glasses

  1. You are over the age of 40. Everyone’s eyesight changes at a different rate, but most people develop presbyopia in their 40s. Presbyopia is a condition in which the eyes strain to focus on nearby objects. This is different from farsightedness, or hyperopia, a condition in which you can see distant objects clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry. Hyperopia is usually present at birth, but presbyopia develops during the aging process.
  2. You need brighter light when reading. If you never seem to have enough light, regardless of the room type or the number of lamps you have turned on, it may be time to get reading glasses. According to a study, a 60-year-old requires three times as much light as a 20-year-old to do the same tasks.
  3. Your eyes get tired when reading or working at your computer. Do you find yourself dozing off at your computer, or do your eyelids get heavy when you read or do detailed work? If you are developing presbyopia, your eyes are working harder and straining more than they normally would. A temporary solution is to blink more often, take more breaks, or adjust your screen to reduce glare. Another option would be to get some reading glasses!
  4. You are getting more headaches. Consistently straining your eyes to read or focus on crafts could give you headaches. A headache right behind your eyes could be indicative of hyperopia. It is important to remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If your headaches persist, you should visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
  5. You see halos. When your lens cannot focus light into your retina, it makes your vision appear blurry. You may see glowing circles around lightbulbs or car headlights. Glasses often solve this problem, but this may also be an early sign of cataracts (Source: Readers Digest).

Staying current with your comprehensive eye exams is the best way to know when you need your first pair of reading glasses, or “readers.” At each visit, your eye doctor will test your distance vision and your near vision so your prescription can be adjusted and fine-tuned to your eyes’ needs. If it has been more than one year since your last comprehensive eye exam, call your eye doctor to make an appointment or use our Find a Physician tool.

Is Screen Time Affecting Your Eye Health?

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Do you have a screen addiction? Your eyes could be paying the price. According to the Washington Post, 50 percent of teens admit that they feel addicted to their mobile device, and 27 percent of their parents admit they can’t put down their smartphone either. You may not think that you spend too much time on your phone, but think about all the screens you view daily: smartphone, desktop computer, laptop, tablet, game system, and LED TV.

Many of us spend more time looking at screens than sleeping. The average American clocks 444 minutes of screen time (7.4 hours), compared to 317 minutes for Italians and 540 minutes for Indonesians.

It’s easy to see that dependence on digital devices is a worldwide problem. Over 50 percent of people who work in front of a computer screen experience a condition called digital eye strain. Common symptoms of digital eye strain include eye fatigue, dry eye, irritated or itchy eyes, red eyes, and headaches. These symptoms are thought to be caused by overexposure to high-energy visible light or “blue light” emitted by digital devices. Blue light has a wavelength of 380 nm to 500 nm, which means it is one of the shortest, highest-energy wavelengths that humans can perceive. These waves penetrate deep into the eyes and create a glaring effect, which results in irritation and strain.

Eye care specialists can treat the symptoms of digital eye strain, but there are no studies yet that can prove long-term damage. Some laboratory studies suggest that increased exposure to blue light can damage retinal tissue, but many researchers refute this assertion and claim that electronic devices emit only small amounts of energy.

Interestingly, rates of nearsightedness have increased worldwide. Is this a coincidence, or could it be a direct result of our growing screen addiction? In the UK, for example, 16.4 percent of children are nearsighted today compared to only 7.2 percent in the 1960s. Until we have more evidence from longitudinal studies, there will be more questions than answers regarding the specific effects of screens and blue light on our vision. In the meantime, perhaps a simple principle of moderation can lead to wisdom in how we use electronics in our careers, personal communication and hobbies (Source: Financial Times).

Alcohol and Your Eyesight: 4 Ways Excessive Drinking Can Affect Your Vision

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There’s nothing like a glass of Chianti with your favorite pasta dish or a cold draft beer while watching a sporting event. A glass of wine, beer or cocktail will not have any lasting negative effects on your health or vision, but occasional drinking can slowly grow into a habit without even realizing it. Besides the harmful damage that alcohol can do to your body systems, excessive drinking can cause permanent eye damage.

Heavy drinking and vision problems often go hand in hand, so let’s explore how alcohol abuse impacts your eyes.

  1. Muscle weakness. Alcohol weakens the muscles of the eyes and can permanently damage the optic nerve which transmits visual images to the brain. Prolonged alcohol use can cause involuntary rapid eye movement.
  2. Neurological disruptions. Alcohol slows down the communication between the eyes and the brain. This can cause double vision, decrease reaction time of pupils and impair the ability to see color shades.
  3. Unsightly appearance. Bloodshot eyes is one of the most common physical characteristics of a heavy drinker. Alcohol dilates ocular blood vessels, which makes them look larger and gives the eyes a reddish color.
  4. Sharp pain. Alcohol can make the eyes extremely sensitive to light and cause migraine headaches.

Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation without any adverse effects to the eyesight. It is important to remember that your body’s tolerance of alcohol may be vastly different than someone else’s. As a general rule of thumb, men should consume no more than 4 units of alcohol in one day and women should consume no more than 3 units of alcohol per day. It is healthiest for your body and your eyes to reserve alcohol for special occasions, holidays and celebrations (Source: Medical Daily).

Body Weight is Linked to Eye Pressure and Vision Health

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Obesity is nationwide health concern today. Statistics show that over one-third of Americans are obese, and the numbers are increasing each year. Affecting much more than just body image, obesity increases your risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. Recent studies indicate that being overweight could even impact your eye health.

According to the Beaver Dam Eye Study, obesity is linked to elevated pressure inside the eyes known as intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that is characterized by increased intraocular pressure, but studies do not necessarily indicate that glaucoma is related to obesity. However, increased eye pressure could increase your risk of developing glaucoma in the future. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and threatens 3 million Americans. Unfortunately, only about half are aware that they have it.

Known as “the sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma can diminish a significant portion of the visual field without symptoms or pain. Other eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, floppy eyelid syndrome, and thyroid eye disease have varying degrees of correlation to obesity. Many of these eye conditions cause irreversible eye damage and can result in permanent vision loss.

If you have consistently struggled with getting your weight under control, now is a perfect time to create some goals and take action. Your vision depends on it! Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist to have a comprehensive eye exam. In just one hour, your specialist can detect and diagnose eye conditions, as well as provide an overall analysis of your health (Source: Healio).

To Drink or Not to Drink: Moderation is Good Mantra for Glaucoma

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We all have our little vices when it comes to our diet. It could come in the form of caffeinated beverages, sugary desserts, salty snacks, or an occasional drink. These comfort foods and drinks can be challenging to regulate, and we can often find that a rare treat can become a bad habit if we are not careful.

If you have glaucoma, you should be especially careful with what you are putting into your body so that you are not raising the pressure inside your eye, or intraocular pressure (IOP). Because there is no cure for glaucoma, the only way of slowing the progression of the disease is by lowering your IOP. There are many factors that can potentially affect eye pressure, such as:

  • Maintaining normal blood pressure
  • Exercising regularly
  • Taking in antioxidants
  • Keeping a healthy body mass index (BMI)
  • Not smoking
  • Avoiding caffeine
  • Moderate alcohol use

Many adults enjoy a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail, but this risk factor requires special attention. Alcohol consumption could affect your eye pressure in two ways. Alcohol has been known to lower IOP initially (Source: Modern Medicine). However, over the long-term, alcohol actually increases IOP. It sounds confusing, doesn’t it?

It is important to remember that what you drink and how you drink any liquid is important when it comes to your eye pressure. In fact, drinking two standard bottles of water very quickly can actually raise your eye pressure by one-third, so it is essential to intake liquid slowly to maintain safe eye pressure (Source: Glaucoma NZ).

We need to look no further than the ancient philosopher Aristotle, who encouraged “Moderation in all things.” Glaucoma requires special attention and care, but the answer can usually be found in moderation. An occasional glass of wine or a celebratory cocktail will probably not affect your glaucoma, but it is important to have self-control and use good common sense when it comes to diet and lifestyle habits.