Dr. Grossman’s Blog

New research announced at Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference links Diabetic retinopathy with poorer memory and diminished brain power in people with Type 2 diabetes. It has yet to be determined whether the advance of cerebral microvascular disease, as indexed by retinopathy, leads to cognitive decline or whether poorer mental acuity makes it more difficult to manage diabetes symptoms and leads to a worsening of the disease. According to Jie Ding from the University of Edinburgh, “It is also possible that a third unidentified factor is causing both diabetic retinopathy and the cognitive changes.” Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181324.php

For more information on diabetic retinopathy and complementary treatment options, click here.

Two research studies have shown that defects in a gene that is an important regulator of parts of the immune system can significantly increase the risk of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  While one group of scientists identified the harmful variation of the gene that was linked to the development of AMD, another group identified a another variant possessed by 20 percent of the population that can actually protect people against AMD. Work is being done to find a way to combat AMD with the help of this particular protective protein.

Source: http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/25386/?ref=rss&a=f

Researchers at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have announced that they have developed a machine that allows early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.  The Telemedical Retinal Image Analysis and Diagnosis technology, known as TRIAD is meant to make it possible to screen for the disease at doctor’s offices. (Source: http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/05/11/Triad-screens-for-diabetic-retinopathy/UPI-48161273589392/)

Diabetes related blindness is largely preventable if patient and the medical team work together diligently. With timely treatment, 90 percent of those with advanced diabetic retinopathy can be saved from going blind.  Learn more at:http://www.naturaleyecare.com/diseases.asp?d_num=4

About 33 million Americans in all age groups experience varying degrees of dry eye symptoms. The symptoms may include dryness, grittiness, irritation, burning and even the seeming contradiction of excessive watering or tearing.

Dry eyes are a condition of the entire body, not just the eyes, and should be addressed as such, meaning that those who suffer from this condition should consider making changes to their diet and introducing nutritional supplements.  One of the most important aspects for people who suffer from dry eyes is the prohibition against sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. Sugar increases the risk for dry eyes.

For further information, please visit Dr. Grossman’s page on Dry Eye treatment and prevention.

A recent study out of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles shows that Latinos are developing eye diseases at higher rates than any other ethnic group in the country.  The Hispanic population has a higher propensity toward such disease as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.  According to researchers, almost 20 percent of subjects over the age of 80 have become visually impaired and 3.8 percent have become blind in both eyes (http://juantornoe.blogs.com/hispanictrending/2010/05/us-latinos-highest-rates-of-eye-disease.html.)

“Floaters” are those small dark shapes that appear before your eyes and float through your field of vision.  Floaters are often the result of vitreous tears or detachments often experienced by seniors, but for some these clumps of protein can be the result of candidiasis, an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. Antibiotics, birth control pills, and an improper diet can all lead to candidiasis. The best way to start to counteract yeast overgrowth and the eye floaters and other health issues that this condition can cause is by eliminating sugar and yeast containing foods from the diet and introducing probiotics.

In an analysis of the genes of more than 1,000 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an international team of scientists discovered a strong association between the vision problem and the presence of a new gene.

The new gene connection is with hepatic lipase gene LIPC, a critical enzyme in the metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The study also noted strong associations between advanced AMD and other single nucleotide polymorphisms in the same lipid pathway, but the other finding showed a much stronger, genome-wide significance.

Abstract Title: Genome-Wide Association Study of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration Identifies a New Susceptibility Locus in the Lipid Metabolism Pathway, Hepatic Lipase (LIPC)

For information on natural ways to help preserve vision for those with macular degeneration, Click Here

Study shows supplementing with zeaxanthin (a carotenoid in the lutein family) can raises macula pigment optical density (MP) and has unique visual benefits for patients with atrophic early AMD having visual symptoms.

Zeaxanthin can be found in dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce). Orange peppers are the highest source of zeaxanthin.

The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study in Atrophic Age Related Macular Degeneration (ZVF-FDA IND #78,973) – MP and Foveal Shape Discrimination: S.P. Richer1, W. Stiles1, M. Lavin, K. Graham1, C. Thomas1, D. Park3. J. Nyland1, J Wrobel

For more related studies, click on the “Research” link at www.naturaleyecare.com

Many research studies show the value of supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin in helping to preserve vision for those with macular degeneration. Additional studies show mesozeaxanthin (a member of the lutein family), as an essential nutrient for helping preserve vision for those with macular degeneration, used in the eyes as an antioxidant in the center of the macular where our detailed vision comes from.

The referenced study is one of 3 completed to date demonstrating the value of supplementing with this mesozeaxanthin.

Nutrition & Metabolism 2007, 4:12doi:10.1186/1743-7075-4-12

For more information on related research, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com/studies_bydisease.asp?s_num=8&disease=Macular+Degeneration