The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study shows that better management of diabetes and not smoking may lower the risk of developing nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular lens opacities (cataracts).

Patients in a recent retrospective study with active ocular inflammation who were currently smoking had a 7.8 month to recurrence, which was significantly shorter than that of nonsmokers (9.4 months) or previous smokers (10.7 months).  A recurrence occurred in 60% of current smokers, in 54% of previous smokers and in 54% of nonsmokers.  Also of note, 46% of 1,752 nonsmokers had a visual acuity of 20/50 or worse and 23% had a visual acuity to 20/200 or worse.  Of the 401 previous smokers, 47% had a visual acuity of 20/50 or worse and 23% had a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse.  However, among the 523 current smokers, 58% had a baseline visual acuity of 20/50 or worse and 30% had a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse.

Ocular Surgery news, October 10, 2010 pg 63

Cynthia Matossian, MD

According to the January issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, approximately 6.5 percent of Americans age 40 and older have age related macular degeneration, AMD, a lower rate than was reported 15 years ago.

“Despite new medical and surgical interventions AMD remains an important cause of loss of vision in the United States,” the author wrote as background information in the article. 

A total of 7,081 individuals 40 or older were selected to participate and had photographs taken of both eyes.  The overall prevalence of AMD among adults age 40 and older was an estimated 6.5 percent, which represented a decrease from the 9.4 percent report reported in the 1988 to 1994   Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANESIII). 

“These estimates are consistent with a decreasing incidence of AMD reported in another population-based study and have important public health implications,” the authors concluded.  “The decreasing prevalence of AMD may reflect recent change in the frequency of smoking and other exposures such as diet, physical activity and blood pressure associated with AMD.  It remains to be seen whether public health programs designed to increase awareness of the relationships of these exposures to AMD in patients at risk and their physicians and eye care providers will continue to result in further decline of the prevalence of AMD in the population.”

Review News Volume XVIII, No.2, February 2011 pg. 6

Cynthia Matossian, MD

Do you suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome?  Drinking more water may help.  Dry eyes can be a signal that your body is dehydrated.  Sufficient water is necessary for your eyes to produce tears.  It is commonly recommended that you drink 8-10 glasses of water each day.  However, you may need more than the recommended amount to relieve dry eyes, especially if you regularly consume diuretics such as coffee or alcohol or if you live in a dry or windy environment.  In addition to drinking water, try to minimize or eliminate environmental factors that put you at risk for dry eyes.  If you live in a dry or windy climate, wear sunglasses when you are outdoors.  Quit smoking and only drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in moderation.  If you stare at a computer screen for a significant part of the day, make a conscious effort to blink your eyes and periodically look away from the monitor to give your eyes a break.

Melissa Richard, OD