Researchers Examine How Diet, Medications Affect Cataract Development

Researchers Examine How Diet, Medications Affect Cataract Development
Health Day (6/4/10) reported that according to two published studies a healthy diet helps guard against cataract formation (hazing of the natural crystalline lens of the eye). They also found that some medications affect sensitivity to the sun (antidepressants, diuretics, antibiotics and Naproxen (pain reliever) as well as increase the risk of age related cataracts.

Early manifestations of macular degeneration may involve modifiable risk factors.

According to a study in the June issue of Archives of Ophthalmology factors such as smoking and HDL cholesterol have a dramatic effect on AMD. Of those studied who smoked 11 or more packs of cigarettes per week had an increased risk of early AMD by two-thirds and every increase in 5mg/dL increase in HDL lowered the risk by almost 10%

Researchers Create 3-Dimensional, Retina-Like Structure

University of California-Irvine researchers have created this retina-like structure out of human embryonic stem cells in hopes that one day it may serve as transplant material for macular degeneration and other diseases of the retina

Valproic Acid Used to reverse vision loss by Retinitis Pigmentosa

A drug used for epileptic seizures, migraines and bipolar disorder may halt or even reverse the loss of vision created by this retinal disease according to the British Journal of Opthalmology.