341c Eye Health - Interactive Refractive << Lasik Marketing >>

Archive for the 'Eye Health' Category

How do Nutritional Supplements Benefit Eye Health?

admin March 7th, 2007

April 2004

Much is being written in the press about biological, chemical and
genetic breakthroughs aimed at the treatment and cure of a wide range
of conditions.  

The main thrust has been toward development of patentable drugs. The
results have been less than dramatic. Conventional medicine's inability
to cure, or even prevent, the most debilitating ocular diseases like
age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract, continues to
spur both interest and research in the science of nutritional and
herbal supplementation.

Multiple clinical studies here and abroad report strong evidence that
antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids and herbal phytochemicals can
significantly help lower the risk and slow the progression of
age-related macular degeneration, cataract formation and glaucoma in
significant numbers of patients. Interestingly though, many competing
studies report that these positive reports are not proof enough and
suggest that the public should wait until pharmaceuticals are available
for these ills.

The American public is not satisfied with the nay-sayers, and the
conflicting evidence has not reduced their curiosity about nutritional
therapy for eye health, nor has it hindered sales of nutritional
products aimed at reducing the risk of ocular disease. Annual sales of
nutritional supplements continue to grow at impressive rates.

The question remains then, do nutritional supplements really work?

With the publication in October 2001 of the multi centered Age Related
Eye Disease (ARED) study, sponsored by the National Eye Institute,
American doctors stopped openly questioning the validity of such
clinical studies. Despite the questionable methodology of the ARED
study, the professional public accepted its conclusions, and now
physicians are joining other "Alternative" practitioners in endorsing
nutritional supplements for a variety of conditions. (1)

The ARED study used a high-dose antioxidant combination of 500 mg
Vitamin C, 400 IU Vitamin E, 15mg beta-carotene, 80 mg zinc, and 2mg
copper daily for six years. That this formula slowed the progress of
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was a pleasant surprise to the
medical community.

The positive results of the ARED study convinced many ophthalmologists
that they should be prescribing the vitamin combination to their
patients who fit the study's criterion. Further confirmation of
conventional medicine's about-face on the issue of efficacy of vitamin
and nutritional supplements in preventing degenerative disease was the
announcement by the AMA last year that every American should be taking
multivitamins to prevent all types of diseases.

Vitamin C, taken as a separate supplement, has been shown in several
studies to slow the progression of cataracts. A study from Tufts
University and Harvard Medical School found that women who took Vitamin
C supplements for at least ten years had a 60 percent lower risk of
developing nuclear cataract than those who consumed lower levels in
normal diets. (2)

Scientists do not all agree about the results of nutritional clinical
studies (particularly if it wasn't done in their own institution), some
questioning the methodology or accusing other investigators of drawing
conclusions with inadequate data.

Observational research has shown that the carotenoids lutein and
zeaxanthin found in a variety of fruits and vegetables and ocular
supplements may protect against AMD. Several carefully documented
clinical trials have shown that when levels of these carotenoids are
elevated in the serum the risk for developing macular degeneration is
reduced. But still, some physicians are skeptical, and want more
definitive proof.  (3)

A number of observational studies have suggested a positive association
between antioxidant intake and increased neurovascular support and
reduced glaucoma risk. Some of these antioxidants are found in complex
combinations in herbs like ginkgo, bilberry and other plants. Ginkgo
has been shown to possess antioxidant properties that help increase
blood circulation in the optic nerve with resulting improvement of
pre-existing visual field damage. (4) Bilberry and other plants contain
the antioxidant compound resveratrol and anthocyanosides that can
prevent oxidative damage to the retinal pigment. (5)

Some physicians remain skeptical, but the evidence is growing, and one
thing remains sure: science is clearly showing that nutritional therapy
can slow or reverse degenerative conditions like macular degeneration,
cataracts and glaucoma. With an estimated 8 million people at risk for
developing advanced AMD in the United States, more than 300,000 have
the chance of avoiding the disease and its vision loss if they are
given proper supplements over the next five years.

References:

1) Age related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A
randomixed,placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose
supplemtnetration with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for
age-related macular degeneraion and vision loss: AREDS report no.8,Arch Ophthalmo 2001;119:1417-36.

2) Jacques PF,Chylack LT, Hankinson SE, et al. Long-term nutrient
intake and early age-related nuclear lens opacities. Arch Ophthalmol.
2001;119:7:1009-19.

3) Mozaffarieh M, Sacu S, Wedrich A. The role of the carotenoids,
lutein and zeaxanthin, in protecting against age-related macular
degeneration: A review based oon controversial evidence. Nutr J.
2003;2:1:20.

4)  Quaranta L,Bettelli S, Uva M, et al. Effect of Ginkgo biloba
extract on preexisting visual field damage in nomal tension glaucoma.
Ophthalmology. 2003;110:2:359-62)    (Ritch R, Potential
role for Ginko biloba extract in the treatment of glaucoma. Med
Hypotheses.
2000;54:2:221-35.

5) Roy S, Khanna S Alessui Hm et al. Anti-angiogenic property of edible berries. Free Radic Res. 2002;36:9:1023-31.

© 2004 by Spencer Thornton, M.D.. All rights reserved.

58e4

Ophthalmology Websites

admin November 13th, 2006

Grutzmacher & Lewis

NH Eye Associates

Maine Eye Center

Nashua Eye Associates - Learn more about LASIK Eye Surgery, Cataract Surgery, Optometrists, with treatment options available at Nashua Eye Associates serving Milford , Hudson, Chelmsford, Manchester, Merrimack . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Spindel Eye Associates - Learn more about the doctors and services of Spindel Eye Associates, Derry and Londonderry New Hampshire.

Premium Eye Centers - Learn more about Premium eye Centers - serving LASIK, cataract surgery and glaucoma patients throughout Pembroke Pines, Aventura and Miami Florida.

Improve Your Vision (Educational Portal)

Greenberg Laser Eye Center - Greenberg Laser Eye Center offering you CustomVue Wavefront LASIK in Troy Michigan and the Detroit area.

American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

International Society For Refractive Surgery

Journal of Refractive Surgery

European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

FDA Website on Lasik

Real Eyes Laser

Beyer Laser Center

Center For Excellence in Eye Care - Learn more about LASIK, Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma, with treatment options available at Center for Excellence in Eye Care serving Miami. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Liang Center for Sight

Shapiro Eye Care

Eye Surgeons Associates

Future Vision Laser Center

Mercy Center for Corrective Eye Surgery

Precision Lasik Group - Precision Lasik Group of Cheshire, Connecticut was established by the premier cornea and refractive surgery specialists in the state of Connecticut. These top corneal surgeons have combined their experience and talent to bring you one of the leading laser

Chippewa Valley Eye Clinic

Minnesota Eye Consultants

UCLA Laser Refractive Center

Anderson & Shapiro Eye Care

Tri-State Eye Center For Sight - 16 locations throughout Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, we offer LASIK laser vision correction and a full spectrum of eye care services through our network of board-certified professionals.

Mississippi Vision Correction Center

Eye Surgery Associates of Florida

New Vision Laser Center

Carolina Centers for Sight

Ophthalmology Consultants - Serving South Florida, and areas including, Margate, Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Coconut Creek. Randy Burks, MD, FACS and Raymond Gailitis, MD, FACS, are South Florida Eye Doctors dedicated to the care of their patients.

Sure Vision Eye Center

Bucci Laser Vision

Fisher-Swale Eye Center

Barry Wasserman M.D.

Larson Eye Center

ReVision Advanced Laser Eye Center - Learn more about LASIK and cataract surgery in Columbus Ohio. Dr. James Schumer offers treatment options available at ReVision Advanced Laser Eye Center serving Mansfield and Columbus OH, Ohio. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Montgomery Eye Physicians

Vance Thompson Vision

IC Laser

Talamo Laser Eye Consultants

Feinerman Vision Center

Ellis Eye Center

Milwaukee Eye Associates

Pacific Eye Associates

SeeClearly Vision - Learn more about LASIK, Cornea, Cataract Surgery , with treatment options available at See Clearly Vision serving Arlington, Tysons Corner, Richmond, Rockville, and Washington, DC . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

New York Eye Specialists

Eye Associates of New Jersey

Eye Associates of New Mexico

Glaucoma Cataract Consultants

Hines Sight

Shepherd Eye Center

Family Eye Center

Regional Eye Associates

Pannu Laser Institute

Campanella & Pearah Eye Care Associates

Medical Eye Care Associates

Clariti Advanced Vision Correction

The Eye Care Group

Shulman Eye Center

Wellish Vision Institute

Davidorf Eye Group

Barban Eye Associates

Kennedy Vision Health Center

Rochester Eye Center

Lanter EyeCare & Laser Surgery - Learn more about Dry Eye, LASIK Eye Surgery , Cataract Surgery , with treatment options available at Lanter EyeCare & Laser Surgery serving Indiana, Indianapolis , Greenwood IN . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Total Eye Care Centers

East West Eye Institute

Discover Vision Centers - Cataract surgery, multifocal implants, laser vision correction and lasik eye surgery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Clearsight Center

Eye Centers of Central Georgia

Carolina Cataract & Laser Center

New York Laser Group.com

Hubbard Henslee Center for Eye Surgery

Raleigh Ophthalmology - LASIK Raleigh: Raleigh Ophthalmology, a group of independent board certified practices, has been providing comprehensive, subspecialty, medical and surgical eye care to Raleigh and Wake county since 1972.

Aloha Eye Clinic - Learn more about Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma , Eye Surgery, with treatment options available at Aloha Eye Clinic & Optical Center serving Wailuku, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Chesen Laser Eye Center - Chesen Laser Eye Center, located in Reading, Pennsylvania, offers vision correction, LASIK eye surgery, cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care services.

Vermont Eye Laser

Weston Laser & Vision Institute

Northwestern LASIK Physicians - At Northwestern LASIK Physicians, we provide vision correction services to Chicago, Illinois residents with an emphasis on quality and physician face time. In addition to general ophthalmology care and regular eye exams, we offer our patients the latest v

Whitson Vision - Welcome to Whitson Vision, your complete medical and surgical eye care specialists. Our doctors have provided thousands of LASIK surgeries in Indianapolis and surrounding communities of Indiana with personalized and devoted eye care.

EyeHealth Northwest - EyeHealth Northwest represents a team of eye care specialists dedicated to maintaining your eye health now–and into the future. EyeHealth Northwest has been serving the eye care needs of the Portland Metropolitan and Clackamas County areas since 1954. We

Gulani Vision Institute - Dr. Gulani is a world-renowned LASIK surgeon (ophthalmologist) in Jacksonville, Florida performing advanced vision surgeries to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts.

Ophthalmology Consultants - Dr. Ray Gailitis and Dr. Randy Burks are two of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in Florida. They have the expertise to help you get the LASIK outcome you desire, right here in Margate, FL.

Texas Eye Institute - Texas Eye Institute provides premier cataract surgery, LASIK, and eye care in the Houston and surrounding Texas areas. Texas Eye Institue is acknowledged as one of the Gulf Coast’s premier eye care physician groups. Since 1961 we’ve dedicated ourselves to

Slade & Baker Vision - The doctors at Slade & Baker Vision focus on achieving excellence in the field of ophthalmology. LASIK eye surgery pioneer Dr. Stephen Slade, MD, FACS is a Houston, Texas native who is a specialist in vision correction procedures.

Lexington Eye Associates (Lasik Boston) - The best LASIK, cataract, and laser vision correction eye surgery in the Boston, Lexington, and Concord, Massachusetts areas by Dr. Jeremy Kieval.

New York Vision Group - Welcome to the NY Laser Group web site. At NY Laser Group, we are dedicated to providing our patients with state of the art vision correction services, in order that they can achieve their vision and lifestyle goals.

Assil Eye Institute - Learn more about LASIK , Cataract Surgery , with treatment options available at Assil Eye Institute serving Los Angeles , Beverly Hills, Santa Monica , L.A. . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Kagan Institute - Learn more about LASIK , Cataract Surgery , Blepharoplasty Eye Lifts, with treatment options available at Kagan Institute serving Los Angeles , West L.A. , Beverly Hills , L.A.. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Katzen Eye Group - Learn more about LASIK , Cataract Surgery , Retinal Specialists , with treatment options available at Katzen Eye Group serving Rosedale , Baltimore , Lutherville , Bel Air , Towson . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Whitten Laser Eye - Whitten Laser Eye and its partner laser eye centers in Maryland and Virginia are proud to offer patients great care and great results before during and after their laser eye procedures.

Austin County Eye Associates - Learn more about Diabetic Eye Exams , Cataract Surgery and LASIK , Macular Degeneration , with treatment options available at Austin County Eye Associates serving Texas , Sealy TX , Katy TX . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Dr Mark C. Vital M.D. - Dr Mark C Vital M.D. is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Texas Ophthalmological Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Houston Ophthalmological Society, and the Harris County Medical Society.

Diagnostic Eye Center - Learn more about LASIK , Cataract Surgery , Eye Care , with treatment options available at Diagnostic Eye Center serving Texas , Houston , Houston TX . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Central Texas Retina and Vitreous - Central Texas Retina is located in Austin, Texas. We specialize in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions of patients with diseases of the retina and vitreous. Serving Pflugerville, Round Rock, Lakeway, Cedar Park, San Marcos, Kyle, and Lockhart.

Coastal Vision Medical Group - Welcome to Coastal Vision Medical Group of Orange County, California. Our LASIK Surgeons and Ophthalmologists, Dr. Dan Tran and Dr. David Yomtoob would be happy to discuss how they can meet all of your eye care and eye surgery needs.

Beach Eye Medical Group - Beach eye offers premier eye care specializing in cataract and LASIK surgery in the Orange County California area.

Eye Consultants of Atlanta - Learn more about Cataract Surgery, LASIK Atlanta , with treatment options available at Eye Consultants of Atlanta serving Atlanta, Fayetteville, Marietta, Lawrenceville . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Thomas Eye Group - Founded in 1974, Thomas Eye Group has served the greater Atlanta community by providing eye care services to patients ranging in age from infants to seniors. Thomas Eye Group is a full service eye care provider with offices in seven locations in and aroun

Tri-State Eye Center For Sight - 16 locations throughout Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, we offer LASIK laser vision correction and a full spectrum of eye care services through our network of board-certified professionals.

Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons - Are you searching for LASIK Washington DC? Washington Eye Physicians and Surgeons is nationally and internationally renowned for excellence in eye care. It would be difficult, in fact, to find a team of specialists anywhere in the world to rival it. The p

Simon Vision Institute - The Bay Area’s LASIK Specialist–Most experienced doctor in San Francisco–guaranteed results, guaranteed lowest price. The Exclusive all-laser treatment LASIK Custom Vision.

LASIK Custom Vision - Lasik Custom Vision – offering safest, most advanced and most accurate vision correction procedure including correcting wider ranges of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism at reasonable cost.

Shah Eye Center - Learn more about LASIK, Cataract Surgery , Glaucoma Specialists , with treatment options available at Shah Eye Center serving McAllen , Mission TX, Weslaco , Laredo , Rio Grande Valley . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Shepard Eye Center - Learn more about LASIK, Cataract Surgery, Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift), with treatment options available at Shepard Eye Center serving Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Barbara Area. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons - Learn more about LASIK , LASIK Laser Vision Correction , with treatment options available at Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons serving Northern Florida , Jacksonville , Orange Park , Fleming Island . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candid

Kaufman Eye Institute - Kaufman Eye Institute has treatment options for many eye conditions including: LASIK laser vision correction, Cataract Surgery, Lens Implants, and Glaucoma in the Tampa Bay area.

Balin Eye & Laser Center - Learn more about LASIK Massachusetts , Cataract Surgery , Macular Degeneration , with treatment options available at Balin Eye & Laser Center serving Western Massachusetts, Northampton , Springfield , Ware MA . Visit our website to find out whether yo

Desert Eye and Laser - Cataract Surgery in Palm Springs? Dr. Le has practiced in the Coachella Valley since 2002, and has created a state of the art office in Palm Desert: Desert Eye and Laser.

Family Eye Physicians - Are you seeking LASIK in Chicago? Family Eye Physicians is one of the premier chicagoland ophthalmology practices dedicated to offering superior eye care services to protect and improve the vision quality of our patients.

The Eye Institute of West Florida - Learn more about Cataract Surgery and Removal, Cataract Surgeon, with treatment options available at Eye Institute of West Florida serving Largo, St. Petersburg, Clearwater , Tampa Bay . Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

The Weinstock Laser Eye Center - Comprehensive vision correction, laser vision correction and LASIK eye surgery in the St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Florida area.

Vision Care Center of Arkansas - Learn more about LASIK Arkansas , with treatment options available at Vision Care Center serving Arkansas, Jonesboro AR , Manila AR , Pocahontas AR , Paragould AR. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Williamson Eye Center - Williamson Eye Center provides patients in the Baton Rouge area LASIK Eye surgery and laser vision correction. With locations in Baton Rouge, Gonzalez, Zachary and Denham Springs, there is a Williamson Eye Center close to you.

Montgomery & Riddle Eyecare - LASIK Eye Surgery available at Montgomery & Riddle Eyecare serving Clinton, Anderson, Greenville, Newberry. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Nevada Eye Care - LASIK Las Vegas and treatment options available at Nevada Eye Care. Serving the greater Las Vegas area and beyond.

Clearview Eye Clinic - Learn more about LASIK surgery. Cataracts, and lens implants with treatment options available at Clearview Eye Clinic serving Moscow, Lewiston, Idaho. Visit our website to find out whether you are a candidate.

Siepser Laser Eye Care - Learn more about LASIK and Laser Vision Correction treatment options available at Siepser Laser Eye Care, serving Wayne, Plymouth Meeting, Exton, and Conshohocken Pennsylvania.

Eye Associates - LASIK, Laser Vision Correction Center at Eye Associates, serving Cherry Hill, Vineland, Blackwood, Hammonton, Mays Landing New Jersey.

St. Mary’s Eye & Surgery Center - Are you seeking a LASIK in New Jersey? St. Mary’s Eye & Surgery Center located in Palisades Park offers the latest LASIK treatment options, find out if you are a candidate.

Dr. Kerry Solomon - LASIK surgery, Laser Vision Correction treatment options available with Dr. Kerry Solomon M.D.. Serving Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and Summerville, South Carolina.

Hunter Vision - Hunter Vision LASIK Eye Surgery Orlando. LASIK, Cataract Surgery, Refractive Surgery, Ophthalmology. Providing excellent eye care for amazing vision to Central Florida and beyond. Dr. Joel Hunter. Call 407.385.1620

bb0

0