Dr. Grossman’s Blog

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Fuchs dystrophy is a slowly progressing disease that occurs when endothelial cells gradually deteriorate without any apparent reason.  Eventually, it causes the cornea to swell and makes vision distorted.

A study published in The American Journal of Pathology indicates that oxidative stress plays a part in the onset of Fuchs corneal dystrophy.  People affected with the disease showed much higher levels of oxidative DNA damage in their eyes that the control group that did not have the disease.  Source: http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ajpa/article/PIIS0002944010602817/abstract

Antioxidants are well known to play a vital role in eye health.  Extensive studies have shown that taking antioxidants in the form of food and nutritional supplements can help prevent and even reverse such eye conditions as macular degeneration,and cataracts.

Learn more about how to treat Fuch’s dystrophy naturally.

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In our practice, we are very aware of the ways that the eyes are the windows not only of the soul, but of the body as well.  The health of your eyes reflects the health of your whole being.

Others in the medical community agree with us.  At the 25th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress Tien Yin Wong, MD gave a lecture titled: “An Eye Examination Can Save Your Life!”   He discussed the way that changes in the blood vessels of the retina can indicate potential problems in the  cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

An eye doctor who is considering your overall health can potentially see signs of stroke, heart disease, or diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease during your exam.

Visit our website for more information on how eye health is about whole body health. Other hair health articles.

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Early diagnosis is key to dealing effectively with eye diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Researchers from around the country are working together to adapt the technologies that allow astronomers to observe distant galleries so that eye doctors can better examine the retina even through imperfections on the lens and cornea.  These adaptive optics–optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) systems could be the wave of the future for eye disease diagnosis.

Read more about this technology at Scientific American.

Learn more about how to prevent eye disease at our website.

Iritis is an inflammation of the iris and occasionally includes the ciliary body (the circumferential tissue inside the eye located behind the iris). In iritis, small white blood cells from the inflamed area and excess protein leaked from the small blood vessels inside the eye float into the aqueous fluid between the iris and the cornea.

The symptoms include: redness, throbbing pain, light sensitivity, tearing, and the pupil of the affected eye may become smaller.

The cause of iritis is unknown, but it generally runs its course in six to eight weeks.

For natural treatment options for iritis, please visit our website: http://www.naturaleyecare.com/diseases.asp?d_num=19

The American Optometric Association (AOA) has released the results of its third annual American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of eye and visual health.  Survey results reveal Americans aren’t paying enough attention to their eyesight. 

Of the 1,001 survey participants, 81% wear contact lenses, eyeglasses or both.   However, 26% of the responders hadn’t visited an eye doctor or eye care specialist within the past two years.

The AOA points out that early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important to maintain good vision and eye health, as many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms.  

It’s not only vision problems that can be diagnosed during eye exams:  optometrists can also detect signs of diabetes, hypertension, brain tumors, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis.

“Every adult should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, but it’s even more important for people who already use corrective lenses,” said Dr. James Kirchner, optometrist and AOA’s Eye Health Expert. “Too often we see people who have put off eye exams because they assume they just need a different lens prescription, when they really have a more serious problem. With eye diseases and disorders, as with most health issues, early detection and treatment are often the keys to avoiding permanent problems.”

Regular comprehensive eye exams are especially important later in life, when more people develop chronic conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. Individuals with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or people taking medications that have eye-related side effects are at greater risk for developing vision problems.

The AOA recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.

Read more about maintaining healthy vision at the Natural Eye Care website , and learn about a new CD providing information on natural approaches for 29 of the most common eye conditions

SOURCE:  American Eye-Q® Survey Indicates Strong Need to Educate Consumers About Eye Health, SURVEY, American Optometric Association, Oct. 9, 2008, http://www.aoa.org/x11023.xml