Glaucoma may strike at any age

Glaucoma may strike at any age, article points out.
UPI (12/24) reports that glaucoma, "often associated with the elderly, can strike at any age," according to "officials at the Chicago-based Prevent Blindness America," who "say glaucoma causes loss of sight by slowly damaging the optic nerve, which results in loss of peripheral vision." If the condition is "not treated central vision can be lost as well." While there is currently "no cure for glaucoma," early treatment "can lessen the risk of severe vision loss."

symptoms, treatment of glaucoma.

South Carolina Now /WBTW-TV (12/18, Boone) reported that glaucoma, "a leading cause of blindness," is "not preventable," but "can be treated if detected early." According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), "glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that occur when internal pressure in the eye increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss." The AOA points out that primary open-angle glaucoma, "the most common type," comes on "gradually and painlessly, usually without symptoms." Acute angle-closure glaucoma, however, "occurs rapidly, and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and pain or redness in the eyes." "African-Americans over age 40," anyone older than age 60, and "people with a family history of glaucoma" are more likely to develop the condition. Treatment options include "prescription eye drops and medicines to lower pressure in the eyes," or even "laser treatment or surgery."

importance of regular eye examinations, especially for people with diabetes.

In a column in Health News Digest (12/16), optometrist Barry Kay, O.D., pointed out that "diabetes is becoming an epidemic in the" U.S. A recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology found that the "prevalence of retinopathy, glaucoma, and other vision problems related to diabetes is projected to rise dramatically over the next four decades." During "a comprehensive eye examination, optometrists can detect and diagnose diabetes and start patients on the road to treatment for the disease," Dr. Kay explained. By "using the latest technology, such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopy or even a more traditional dilated fundus exam," optometrists "can look inside the eye and examine blood vessels directly, detecting signs and symptoms of vascular diseases such as diabetes and hypertension." Because undiagnosed diabetes "can result in vision impairment, a frequent complication of both Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes," Dr. Kay urged people with diabetes to undergo regular eye examinations

Michael Kors Newest Sun and Optical Collections

Marchon Bows Michael Kors Newest Sun and Optical Collections
December 15, 2008 3:30 AM

The Michael Kors sun styles, the Olympia (left) and the Santa Barbara (right), from Marchon.

MELVILLE, N.Y.—Marchon has introduced the newest sunwear and ophthalmic collections from Michael Kors featuring iconic design elements, luxurious materials and meticulous craftsmanship for a sleek, sophisticated eyewear collection that embraces the jet-set lifestyle.



In sun, standouts include the Amalfi, which showcases a chain captured in a layer of crystal zyl; while on the Sun Valley, a chain’s two metal links are integrated into a working hinge. Hollywood glamour lent inspiration to the Olympia, featuring metal hardware, rich zyl and a fashionable square shape. Michael Kors also re-interprets classic styling and takes a cue from his Fall 2008 runway collection, with the Santa Barbara, a modern take on the vintage approach, and the Venice, an updated wayfarer design.

Timeless appeal is also captured in Michael Kors optical releases from the Signature Collection. The MK615 offers a feminine look with a triangular cut out on the end piece and a modified deep rectangle shape. The MK133, a modified navigator metal style, MK600, a complete zyl vintage style and the MK608, a progressive, friendly sophisticated zyl frame, all offer a masculine look with a clean design and an understated logo on each temple.

Diabetes, related eye conditions have worsened, CDC data indicate.

The Baltimore Sun (12/15, Owens) reported that diabetes "has dramatically worsened for Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)." The CDC released data this year "which showed that about 24 million Americans -- or about eight percent of the population -- have the disease, an increase of more than three million in just two years." Additionally, "another 57 million people are estimated to have blood sugar abnormalities called pre-diabetes, which puts them at increased risk for developing the condition, experts say." And, "a new study from the CDC projects that the number of adults 40 and older with diabetic retinopathy...will reach 16 million in 2050, up from 5.5 million in 2005." Patients with diabetes "are also more prone to developing cataracts and glaucoma, the study notes." Although "experts stress that diabetes is a manageable condition, it...is the seventh-leading cause of death in the country."

Be careful out there this Holiday Season !

Estimated 1,500 Americans suffer cork-related eye injuries, group say:


In the USA Today (12/8) Better Life blog, Rita Rubin wrote that, according to a group of eye physicians, "an estimated 1,500 Americans suffer cork-related eye injuries" from improperly opening bottles of champagne and sparkling wines. According to the group, a champagne cork "can fly through the air at 50 miles an hour. That's enough to break glass or cause permanent eye injuries in a fraction of a second." Experts recommend chilling the bottle well, not shaking it before opening, and "covering the cork with a towel as you twist it out by hand, not with a corkscrew," as well as not pointing it at anyone as you are opening it.

CDC study predicts dramatic rise in diabetes-related vision problems

MedPage Today (12/8, Phend) reported that, according to a study published in the Dec. issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, the "prevalence of retinopathy, glaucoma, and other vision problems related to diabetes" is "projected to rise dramatically over the next four decades." For the study, Jinan B. Saaddine, M.D., M.P.H., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and colleagues, utilized the "National Health Interview Survey and census data" to project that, "with rising diabetes rates, the number of Americans 40 and older with diabetic retinopathy will triple by 2050," and the "number of diabetic patients with cataracts and glaucoma will likely double or triple as well." The projections are based on "a steady increase in the total U.S. population, an increase in the average age of the population, and disproportionate growth in the number of Hispanics and blacks, among whom the prevalence of diabetes is higher than among whites."

Contamination may be common in contact-lens storage cases, research suggests.

HealthDay (11/27, Preidt) reported that, according to a study presented recently at an ophthalmology meeting, "contamination is common in contact-lens storage cases." Researchers from the Soroka Medical Center in Israel conducted tests "of contact-lens disinfection solution in the storage cases" and discovered that "Pseudomonas -- a known cause of severe corneal infections -- was the most common type of pathogen (41 percent), while fungal pathogens accounted for about 3.3 percent of contamination." In fact, "some of the solutions tested positive for pathogens every time they were tested. These pathogens can cause keratitis, an often painful inflammation of the cornea," the complications of which "can lead to vision loss." The study authors "advised contact-lens users to closely adhere to contact lens care guidelines, including frequent cleaning and replacing their lens case regularly, in order to prevent contamination."