According to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the regular use of aspirin could put users at a slightly increased risk of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD damages the central part of the retina, known as the macula, and could potentially permanently distort a person’s central vision.
According to researcher Barbara E.K. Klein, MD, MPH, someone would need to take aspirin at least twice a week for more than three months straight for the drug to negatively affect their vision. Still, even with the regular use of aspirin, the risk of developing wet AMD is extremely low, with only about 1% of people 40 years of age or older contracting the eye disease.
For 20 years, Klein followed nearly 5,000 men and women, ages 43 and older. By the end of the study, 512 people were diagnosed with early AMD and 117 with late AMD.
“This study is suggestive that there may be a relationship but it is by no means definitive,” said George Williams, MD, professor and chair of the department of ophthalmology at Oakland University’s William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan.
Additional Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
1. Family history
2. Light eyes
3. Tobacco use
Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- Objects appear distorted in shape.
- Straight lines look wavy or crooked.
- Loss of clear color vision
- A dark or empty area appears in the center of vision.
If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
To learn more about Age-Related Macular Degeration, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.
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Source: Regular Aspirin Use May Boost Risk of Eye Problem WebMD