Interventional cardiologists and other workers in catheterization labs (facilities where diagnostic imaging equipment used to support catheterization procedures) are at risk for cataracts if they do not wear the proper protective equipment.  They are exposed to surprisingly high levels of ionizing radiation to their eyes if they do not wear the recommended specialized leaded glasses designed to protect them.

A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions finds that exposed health care workers who did not wear the glasses were five times more likely to display symptoms of cataracts.

Source: HealthLeadersMedia.com

For more on cataracts and the causes of cataracts, please visit our website.

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New study found that women who eat foods that contain high levels of a variety of vitamins and minerals may be less likely to develop nuclear cataract, which is the most common type of age-related cataract in the United States.

This study indicates that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to the U.S. dietary guidelines, are more strongly related to the lower occurrence of nuclear cataracts than any other modifiable risk factor or protective factor studied in this sample of women

The study is published in the June issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology

Editor’s Note: For more information on diet and nutrition related to cataracts Click Here

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Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants used both in the retina and lens of the eyes. They help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, and also act as filters for our eyes helping to protect them against sun damage (they filter out blue light from the sun).

Zeaxanthin predominates at the macula lutea (an oval-shaped highly pigmented yellow spot near the center of the retina) while lutein predominates elsewhere in the retina.

Just supplementing for example with 6 mg of lutein per day can reduce the likelihood of onset of macular degeneration by 57%, as reported in one study done by Dr. Johanna Seddon. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are essential nutrients in helping protect vision as well for those with macular degeneration.

A 2007 study showed that women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9) gathered from the Women’s Health Study.

Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally-occurring carotenoids. Rich food sources of zeaxanthin and lutein include dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce), as well as broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and peas. Orange peppers contain the highest amounts of zeaxanthin. Eggs are a good source of lutein as well.

For more related information, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

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Nurses’ Health Study and the Beaver Dam Eye Study, have found a lower risk of cataracts or cataract progression in those who took high levels of vitamin C.  Women who consumed the most vitamin E from food and supplements, about 262 mg a day (approximately the equivalent of 3 cups of almonds) were 14% less likely to develop cataracts than those who consumed only 4 mg a day.

For more related studies on nutrition and cataracts, go to naturaleyecare.com/studies_bydisease.asp?s_num=2&disease=Cataracts

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Updated research continues to show the effectiveness of using eyedrops with 1% n-acetyl-carnosine solutions for preventing and managing cataracts. Research also indicates these eyedrops may help other eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, primary open-angle glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Babizhayev and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Therapeutics (N-Acetylcarnosine Lubricant Eyedrops Possess All-In-One Universal Antioxidant Protective Effects of L-Carnosine in Aqueous and Lipid Membrane Environments, Aldehyde Scavenging, and Transglycation Activities Inherent to Cataracts: A Clinical Study of. American Journal of Therapeutics, UNKNOWN DATE;16(6):517-533).

Editor’s Note: For information on Can-C eyedrops (1% n-acetyl-carnosine eyedrops), go to www.naturaleyecare.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1831

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The number of Americans with diabetic retinopathy is expected to increase from 5.5 million to 16 million by the year 2050.  Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by complications of diabetes, which can eventually lead to blindness.

Researchers used data from the National Health Interview Survey and the US Census Bureau to project the number of people with diabetic retinopathy (DR), vision-threatening DR (VTDR), glaucoma, and cataracts among Americans 40 years or older with diagnosed diabetes mellitus for the years 2005-2050.

Study results showed:

• the number of Americans 40 years or older with DR will triple from 5.5 million in 2005 to 16.0 million in 2050
• the number of Americans 40 years or older with VTDR will also triple, from 1.2 million in 2005 to 3.4 million in 2050
• increases among those 65 years or older will be more pronounced (2.5 million to 9.9 million for DR and 0.5 million to 1.9 million for VTDR)
• the number of cataract cases among whites and blacks 40 years or older with diabetes will likely increase 235% by 2050, and 
• the number of glaucoma cases among Hispanics with diabetes 65 years or older will increase 12-fold.

Study authors stress the importance of efforts to prevent diabetes as well as to optimally manage diabetes and its complications.

SOURCE:  Projection of Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Major Eye Diseases Among People With Diabetes Mellitus, Saaddine, et al, Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(12):1740-1747.

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According to the AOA’s American Eye-Q(R) survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of issues related to eye and visual health, only 18 percent of Americans know that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older, and less than a quarter of all Americans understand the effects of glaucoma.

This is particularly concerning as with the baby boomer population coming of age as seniors.

Source: SOURCE American Optometric Association, URL: http://www.aoa.org www.prnewswire.com

Editor’s Note: Through diet, lifestyle and specific nutritional supplementation, there is a great deal one can do to maintain healthy vision and significantly reduce the risk of onset of eye diseases such as macular degeneration. For more information, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

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An observational 10-year study of more than 35,000 middle-aged U.S. women observed the women’s use of dietary supplements and occurrence of cataracts.*

The study found significant evidence that women who got more lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were less likely to develop cataracts than women who are lacking intake of these nutrients. In fact, the women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts.

*Christen, W. Archives of Ophthalmology, January 2008; vol 126: pp 102-109

For more related information, go to Natural Eye Care for Cataracts

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An observational 10-year study of more than 35,000 middle-aged U.S. women observed the women’s use of dietary supplements and occurrence of cataracts.*

The study found significant evidence that women who got more lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were less likely to develop cataracts than women who are lacking intake of these nutrients. In fact, the women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts.

Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9) gathered from the Women’s Health Study.

For more related research studies, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

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Survey by The College of Optometrists finds 76% of parents do not protect their children’s eyes in the sun.

A new survey of 2000 British families shows that parents are risking their child’s eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight without appropriate protection.  Over three-quarters of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out in the sun.

Overexposure to sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions later in life.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of exposure to UV over a person’s lifetime occurs before the age of 18, so it is crucial that children wear sunglasses to minimize long-term damage.

The survey found that while 43% of parents ensure their child’s time in the sun is limited and 76% make sure they apply sunscreen to their child, buying sunglasses appears to be a much lower priority:  29% of those questioned do not even buy sunglasses for their children.  Of those who do, only 25% choose sunglasses from a reputable brand or supplier, and 46% of parents surveyed choose price over protection when selecting sunglasses.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, stated: “I am shocked to see that so many parents aren’t ensuring that their child’s eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for ‘cheap and cheerful’ over quality.”

The College of Optometrists recommends purchasing good quality, dark sunglasses that guarantee a safe level of UV protection.

SOURCE:  Parents Risk their Children’s Eyesight in the Sun, The College of Optometrists, August 18, 2009, http://www.college-optometrists.org/index.aspx/pcms/site.News_and_Events.collegenews.parents_risk_their_childrens_eyesight_in_the_sun/

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