Dr. Grossman’s Blog

The University of Miami has sent  its high-tech mobile eye clinic over to help the people of Japan.  The 12-meter van, which was created in 2004 to help aid in the early detection of amblyopia, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in people who do not usually have access to health care, will remain in the tsunami and earthquake stricken areas for three months.

Specifically, the Vision Van is expected to help people who have suffered eye injuries as well as contact lens wearers whose corneas have been damaged after wearing their lenses for weeks on end.  They will also help people who have lost their glasses during the disaster and people who were previously diagnosed with eye diseases.  The van will be staffed by Japanese doctors.  Source: The Mainichi Daily News

The following is an excerpt from my article that appears in the program foe next weekend’s Whole Health Expo in Northampton, Massachusetts.

There seems to be a broadly held perception that eye disease is unavoidable.  Though people will work hard to control their weight and cholesterol, they tend to have a “what will be will be” attitude about their eyes.  The truth is, there are numerous peer-reviewed studies that show clearly that eye conditions can respond to proper diet, lifestyle adaptations, and nutritional supplementation, and that people can preserve their vision.

You can read the rest of the article here to learn about how certain eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can respond to dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Stop by an visit our booth for a complementary vision evaluation.  I will be speaking at 2:00 on Saturday, April 16.  My topic: 10 Ways to Preserve Eyesight Naturally.

I look forward to meeting you!

Image via CDC.gov

Glaucoma tends to affect some racial groups more than others.  In the US, African Americans are more than twice as likely to develop the disease than non-Hispanic whites.  It has also been known for some time that Latinos have an elevated risk of glaucoma as well.

A new study published in the journal Ophthalmology shows that Asian Americans also run a higher risk of developing glaucoma than their white American counterparts.  Asian Americans have about a 6.5% chance of getting glaucoma.

The report also offered some specific details by ethnic group as well.  People of Japanese decent are 10 times more likely to develop normal-tension glaucoma (when the intraocular pressure is not elevated; IOP has generally been considered the telltale sign of glaucoma, but you can have the disease without having elevated eye pressure.  Source: Medical News Today

For further information on who is at risk for glaucoma, visit our website.

image via mdt.mt.gov

Glaucoma patients are more likely to have auto accidents than drivers without this sight-compromising condition.

At a talk preceding the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting Eydie Miller-Ellis, MD talked about the roles that eye doctors play in determining whether a glaucoma patient’s ability to drive might be compromised.  She says “Physicians do have a responsibility to protect their patients and to protect the public. The law has some vision requirements and restrictions that are meant to protect its citizens. And so, should we report people who we think are dangerous? Certainly, if they do not meet the law, we absolutely should report them.”

There are options for glaucoma sufferers who are daunted by the thought that they might not be considered able to safely operate a vehicle.  Dr. Miller-Ellis recommends that they look into “senior driving courses and/or occupational therapists who can help with safer elderly driving.”  Source: OSNSuperSite

There are natural ways to fight glaucoma.  Read about how Natural Eye Care’s approaches have helped many clients who have received a glaucoma diagnosis.

Last week was World Glaucoma Week.  Even Mayor Bloomberg of New York City released a proclamation marking the occasion.  It is important that a disease so damaging and so insidious should have such broad attention. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief,” because most individuals with undiagnosed glaucoma do not suffer from any symptoms until the disease is significantly advanced and they begin to notice a reduction in their peripheral vision.

What can you do to prevent glaucoma or slow the progression of glaucoma?

Exercise.

Eat your green leafy veggies.

Sip some green tea.

Cut back on your time at the computer.

Image via odh.ohio.gov

Pregnant women who take opioid pain killers are more likely to give birth to babies with birth defects, including infantile glaucoma.

The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, describes how women who took drugs like codeine or hydrocodone were twice as likely to have babies with severe heart problems. In addition to heart defects and glaucoma, when mothers-to-be took opioid drugs their children were more likely to have spina bifida, hydrocephaly, and gastroschisis.

It is very important to note that these birth defects were not only related to drugs mothers took while pregnant – researchers have connected maternal opiod intake and these conditions in children born to mothers who took these prescription medications three months before they were pregnant.

Source: Modern Medicine

Learn more about how prescription drugs can be harmful to your eyes and your overall health.

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