Dr. Grossman’s Blog

At Natural Eye Care, we know that lifestyle choices make a major impact on the health of the eyes.

A new study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology seeks to determine how “lifestyle-related risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity” can influence the likelihood that people will develop  open-angle glaucoma.

Nearly 4000 people were part of this nearly 10 year long study. None had glaucoma at the outset, but at the end, 2.7% had developed the eye condition.

The researchers claim that socioeconomic status, smoking, or alcohol intake were not associated with glaucoma.  They did assert that women who were obese were less likely to develop glaucoma (other studies have found the same thing).  Source: http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/archophthalmol.2010.373

These findings are in opposition to other studies that have linked smoking to glaucoma.  We always recommend that people limit alcohol consumption to one glass of red wine per night.  And studies do show that stress is a major factor in the development of glaucoma.

Glaucoma can be associated with increased pressure in the eyes (though not always – one can have glaucoma without elevated intraocular pressure and vice versa).

A team of Scottish and German scientists have found that people who play brass and woodwind instruments can experience elevated eye pressure, a condition that these scientists do link to glaucoma.

Previous studies have found that high-resistance instruments such as the oboe were linked to increased eye pressure, but this is the first to note that lower-resistance instruments like the clarinet can also be linked to the potentially dangerous spike in pressure.  The study included 52 professional musicians playing in real life conditions.  The highest increases in pressure were noted in brass musicians when they played loud, high notes.  Source: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/sls/newsevents/news/bydate/2011/1/name,20760,en.html

For complementary treatment options for glaucoma, visit our website.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month.  It is vital that people understand that glaucoma is called the “silent thief” because one can have the disease without knowing it.  By the time people notice symptoms, the disease has already progressed significantly.

At Natural Eye Care we are dedicated to offering people solutions that help them to prevent glaucoma and deal with a glaucoma diagnosis.  Learn more about to treat glaucoma naturally with the help of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and supplements at our website.

Glaucoma can also be a congenital condition that strikes children.  The newly launched Congenital Glaucoma Network offers a forum for those affected by congenital glaucoma to share stories and offer support.

The signs of congenital glaucoma as described by the Congenital Glaucoma Network:

~Corneal edema & haze

~Nausea or headaches

~Light sensitivity (photophobia)

~Excessive blinking (blepharospasm)

~Crossed or out-turned eyes (strabismus)

~Ocular enlargement (buphthalmos)

~Excessive tearing (epiphora)

~Decreased vision (amblyopia)

Image via cdc.gov

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief” because most individuals with undiagnosed glaucoma do not notice any symptoms until they are aware ofa reduction in their peripheral vision. Technically, glaucoma is due to damage to the optic nerve, sometimes as a result of increased pressure of the aqueous humor -  the clear, watery fluid that circulates in the chamber of the eye between the cornea and the lens.

Stress has been determined to be a major cause of chronic glaucoma. Stress causes us to breathe shallowly, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, causing venous backflow in the head. This process effects the eyes’ ability to revolve ocular fluids, which in turn increases eye pressure. Although we do not know exactly how the optic nerve is damaged in glaucoma, one common factor in all cases of glaucoma is a lack of blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. This lack of blood flow results in retinal nerve cell death, enlargement of the optic cup, and an eventual loss of vision.

Here are a few suggestions for those who are trying to reduce stress in their lives:

• Exercise regularly
• Take walks in nature
• Practice yoga or tai chi
• Engage in prayer or meditation daily

For more on how to prevent glaucoma naturally, please visit our website.

New examinations of the optic nerve of mice have yielded new insight into the development of glaucoma. Scientists better understand both the cellular and molecular structure of this part of the eye, a discovery that will pave the way for a better understanding of the human eye.  This breakthrough should hasten the development of new therapies that will help to combat the potentially devastating effects of glaucoma.

Researchers discovered a unique class of cells called astrocytes that seem to play an integral role in the development of glaucoma.  They also learned more about a certain protein called gamma synuclein; abnormalities in this protein can result in eye disease.  Another exciting discovery, which may influence the way science looks at a number of neurodegenerative diseases, involves the way that neurons clear away debris from the optic nerve.  Essentially, the cells’ failure to clean up after themselves can lead to their own demise. (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212650.php)

Visit our website to learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally.

image by ars.usda.gov

A recent article in Medscape Today reviews approaches to preventing and curing glaucoma (diseases that damage the optic nerve) through the employment of “neuroprotective agents.”   According to the article “neuroprotection aims to protect as yet undamaged, and to rescue already damaged neurons, from the glaucoma insult(s) to retinal ganglion cells.”

In addition to describing more traditional pharmaceutical options for fighting glaucoma, the review includes a discussion of several antioxidants including melatonin, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba.  Antioxidants, a more natural approach than the pharmaceuticals in the study, may be helpful neuroprotective agents.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally at our website.

image via www.co.pg.md.us

An article in the New York Times highlights how many Americans are not making it to their annual eye exams – even those who know they are at risk of developing or have already developed an eye disease.  A study by Lighthouse International shows that 86% of people with known eye conditions do not make it to the eye doctor each year.

The article goes on to say “Those at risk include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, as well as anyone who has been a smoker or has a family history of an eye disorder like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.”  Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/health/21brody.html?_r=1&ref=health

Learn more about how to prevent eye disease naturally at www.naturaleyecare.com.

image via womenshealth.gov

A new clinical trial seeks to find alternative ways to treat glaucoma, specifically investigating how to help those who’ve been told that no more can be done.  This trial is operating under the hyopothesis that “state-of-the-art low vision aids in patients with advanced glaucomatous visual loss will provide an improvement in visual tasks and thereby an improvement in quality of life.”  Researchers want to study how low vision rehabilitation can help those suffering from glaucoma.  Source: http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT01262209

We believe that is is possible to both prevent and treat glaucoma naturally.  Visit our website for tips and information on dealing with glaucoma.

image via www.epa.gov

Researchers in China say studies in rats indicate substances in green tea may protect against eye diseases such as glaucoma. Scientists led by Chi Pui Pang of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Eye Hospital confirmed green tea substances — known for antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — were absorbed in the lens, retina and other eye tissue.

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggested until now it was not known if green tea substances actually passed from the gastrointestinal tract into eye tissue. The researchers analyzed the eye tissue of laboratory rats that drank green tea and found several “catechins” in green tea that contain antioxidants – including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin — were absorbed by the eye in significant amounts. The researchers said green tea catechins reduced harmful oxidative stress in the eye for up to 20 hours.

“Our results indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress,” the study researchers said in a statement. Reported in April, 2010 ACS’ bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Editor’s Note: Catechins such as those found in green tea are among a number of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, thought to help protect the delicate tissues of the eye from glaucoma and other eye ailments.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally.

image via health.nih.go

One risk factor for glaucoma is central corneal thickness.

Researchers looking at ethnic populations in Singapore have identified the genes that affect collagen growth, which in turn affects central corneal thickness.  Knowing how these specific genes work can help provide insight into the cause and progression of glaucoma.

Source: http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/11/23/hmg.ddq511.abstract

Learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally at our website.