A new study has found that higher levels of mercury in the blood are linked to a greater chance of developing the eye disease glaucoma. Additionally, low levels of manganese (a chemical element) were associated with lower incidence of glaucoma. This cross-sectional population-based study was published online on August 6th 2015 in JAMA Ophthalmology. The … Continue reading “Glaucoma Linked to Mercury in the Body”
Past studies looking for an association between glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease have been inconclusive. However, a recent 2015 large study of 7770 Alzheimer’s patients found such an association, specifically with women. The study appeared in the July 2015 issue of Eye, and it was based on a study of ethnic Chinese in Asia. Each Alzheimer’s … Continue reading “Association Found Between Glaucoma and Alzheimer’s Disease”
Medical marijuana, or cannabis, is being legalized in more and more American states. For more than 40 years, the effect of medical marijuana on glaucoma has been studied. As cannabis becomes more accessible — and legal — glaucoma patients are becoming more interested in how this drug could help with their condition. Medical marijuana has … Continue reading “Does Medical Marijuana Help with Glaucoma?”
Several different types of glaucoma are the leading cause of blindness in the US1, and yet many cases of glaucoma begin without symptoms. Half of the 3 million-plus Americans who have glaucoma have been diagnosed.2 Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is especially prevalent in persons over age 60. Everyone should have regular eye exams throughout … Continue reading “Types of Glaucoma: A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care”
A biodegradable contact lens is being developed that would administer glaucoma medication and then disappear. The problem with eye drops is that they slip out of the eye and much of the medication is lost. This contact lens, designed by Mridula P. Menon in India, uses a nano-carrier loaded with the glaucoma drug acetazolamide that … Continue reading “New Glaucoma Contact Lens Dissolves”
New research indicates a breakthrough in repairing vision for patients with glaucoma. A clinical trial published in JAMA Ophthalmology showed vision improvement from daily computer-based training. Retinal damage due to glaucoma is considered irreversible, but this research indicates vision restoration is possible. By continually activating patients’ residual vision, computer training may be able to strengthen … Continue reading “New Vision Training for Glaucoma”
OSA requires proper diagnosis and management. This ailment often goes untreated, despite being recognized nearly 50 years ago. With a 9% incidence rate among the female Caucasian population of the United States and 24% in the male Caucasian population, more than 80% of those affected by OSA are believed to be undiagnosed, or untreated even … Continue reading “Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Eye Disease Including Glaucoma”
A study has found that a type of glaucoma called “low-tension” may be helped using gingko biloba extract, a natural supplement. At the optometrist’s office, a puff of air is one of the ways patients are screened for glaucoma risk. This test measures intraocular pressure (IOP). When the tension in the eye is high (ocular … Continue reading “Ginkgo Biloba Extract May Improve Low-Tension Glaucoma”
You may have heard that medical marijuana is sometimes used by glaucoma patients. When most people in the United States think of marijuana, many different images, words, and opinions come to mind. Marijuana, or cannabis, is known for its psychoactive effects and medicinal properties caused by a chemical within the plant called tetrahydrocannabinol, also known … Continue reading “Medical Marijuana and Glaucoma: Does It Help?”
The FDA has approved a patented device called the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent that helps reduce eye pressure from glaucoma in patients who also have cataracts. The new device addresses the fact that 90 of patients with glaucoma are not compliant with their glaucoma eye drop instructions, and half stop using their drops after 6 … Continue reading “Surgical Eye Devices Address Glaucoma and Cataracts Issues”