Dr. Grossman’s Blog

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The corneas of people with glaucoma seem to exhibit different qualities than those who do not suffer from this condition.

A study out of Paris shows that corneas affected by glaucoma are more likely to become deformed and have less elasticity than healthy corneas.  A study of almost 500 eyes with and without glaucoma showed that glaucomatous eyes were more likely to have a higher corneal resistance factor (CRF) and lower corneal hysteresis (CH) – both signs of poor corneal biomechanics.  These findings were presented at the French Society of Ophthalmology; Source: PCONSupersite

To view a video that will help you understand glaucoma better, visit our website.

Researchers at Catalyst for a Cure (CFC) consortium, a division of the Glaucoma Research Foundation, have announced their continuing work in 2011: studying how and why retinal ganglion cells degenerate in people with glaucoma. Retinal ganglion cells are types of neuron located near the inner surface eye’s retina.  They receive visual images from the photoreceptors and transmit the information to the brain.

These CFC researchers are looking at the onset and progression of glaucoma at the level of the cells and molecular pathways.  They have noted that the degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells is related to the loss of connectivity that accompanies glaucoma.  According to the CFC: “These degenerative changes compromise the neuron’s ability to process and transmit visual information well before the neurons actually die.”  The team has determined that the retinal ganglion cells are particularly vulnerable early in the development of glaucoma, “when these cells are more sensitive to metabolic insults and stressors.

Hear what our clients have to say about the efficacy of our natural treatment recommendations for glaucoma.

Image via Frenchbyte

Five or more cups of coffee per day may cause an individual to hallucinate.

A study out of Australia’s La Trobe University looked at the roles that caffeine and stress play on instances of auditory hallucinations.  Participants who were under stress and under the effect of high levels of caffeine listened to white noise and were asked to indicate when they heard Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas.”  Those reporting highest stress and caffeine levels were much more likely to report hearing the song (which was never played) than were those with low stress and caffeine levels.

‘It is apparent that the health risks of excessive caffeine use must be addressed and caution should be raised with regards to the exacerbating use of this stimulant,’ says Professor Simon Crowe.

We caution clients and patients against consuming coffee and other sources of caffeine if they are concerned about eye conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and dry eyes.

Image via www.nigms.nih.gov

Glaucoma can be caused by medications that have been proscribed to treat other conditions.

An article in the journal Eye describes how closed-angle glaucoma (also known as acute glaucoma) can be induced by non-steroidal drugs.  One of the groups of medications named in the study are antineoplastics (anti-cancer medications).  Sulfa drugs can also be related to bilateral glaucoma.  Study authors conclude that these incidences of closed angle glaucoma can be prevented if at-risk patients are identified at the outset and steps are taken to prevent this serious side effect.  Source: Eye, (3 June 2011)

Learn more about prescription drugs that can harm the eyes.

At Natural Eye Care, we know that eye conditions are often related to diseases that affect the entire body.  At a conference last year, Clement Trempe, MD reminded colleagues to consider the role of overall inflammation when diagnosing patients with diabetic retinopathy.

According to Dr. Trempe, “Diabetic retinopathy is not an eye disease, but part of a chronic systemic inflammatory disease process that shares the same risk factors and elevated biomarkers associated with coronary vascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and Alzheimer’s.”

In line with our way of thinking, Dr. Trempe recommended prevention (see our “Prevention Protocol“). The doctor also emphasized the importance of proper diet, lifestyle, and nutrition (see our self-help recommendations and supplement tips).

Source: PCON Supersite March 1, 2010

A new technology designed to detect glaucoma earlier may soon be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

According to press release from the manufacturing company, Paradigm Medical Industries, Inc., the Paramax is moving through the FDA approval process.  This machine is called “the next generation of standard ocular eletrophysiology utilized for early glaucoma detection.”  This device has been designed for office use and promises that it requires only 2 minutes to run a diagnostic test.

Source: http://www.paradigm-medical.com/

Learn more about who is at risk for developing glaucoma.

A Chinese study finds that there is a relationship between the biomechanical properties of the cornea and the degree to which an individual suffers from myopia.  Amongst their findings, researchers describe how highly myopic subjects were more likely to have decreased corneal hysteresis (CH).  CH is a measure of viscous damping in the corneal tissue.  The figure indicates the “energy absorption capability” of the cornea.

Scientists also notes that severe cases of myopia have been associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.

Source: Eye, (6 May 2011)

Learn more about how to prevent and treat myopia, also known as nearsightedness, at our website.

Photo by Scott Bauer.

A new breakthrough in genetics research has identified the strands of DNA that can responsible for the development of open angle glaucoma.

Australian scientists publishing in Nature Genetics have found two new genetic mutations that can be linked to increased glaucoma risk.  Though the mutation of the gene myocilin is present in only 3% of those who develop the disease, people with the mutation are 3 times more likely to have glaucoma than the general population.

Study authors indicate that this discovery could lead to better screening techniques and earlier detection of the disease often known as the “silent thief” since it progresses and destroys vision without one’s knowledge. Often, when one realizes their sight has been negatively affected by glaucoma the disease is significantly advanced.

Source: ABC Science

Image via nnlm.gov

A recent article in the British Journal of Ophthalmology highlights the ways that gene therapies have great potential for helping individuals with eye diseases including retinitis pigmentosa,  Stargardt’s disease,  age-related macular degeneration, uveitis and glaucoma.

The eye is an ideal candidate for trials involving gene therapy because it is easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged (even when an antigen is introduced to the eye it will not trigger and inflammatory immune system response).

For further information on how gene therapies are impacting approaches to various eye conditions, please visit our research pages.

Specific gene mutations can be the cause of glaucoma, according to Indian researchers. Almost 4% of glaucoma sufferers exhibit gene mutations.  Scientists are identifying the specific mutations found in glaucoma patients in India and across the world; they have developed a database to make the statistical and clinical information and published it in the journal Bioinformations. Since 20% of all glaucoma cases affect Indians and people of Indian decent, this research is of specific interest to this country’s researchers.  Source: The Times of India

Previous research focused on American populations has found that people of African decent and Hispanics are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.  Learn more about who is most at risk of developing glaucoma.