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Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist

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Home > Archives for Risk

Can Vitamin C Really Lower My Risk of Cataracts?

March 31, 2016 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older, and by age 80, nearly half of all adults will develop at least one cataract. As we age, our eyes undergo natural wear and tear, resulting in the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This clouding is known as cataracts and is a normal part of the aging process.

“I like to compare cataracts to the clear plastic window in the back of a convertible car,” said board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, “After years of exposure to sun and weather, the plastic becomes yellow and cloudy.”

However, we may have a new fight in our battle against cataracts – our diet.

“Make a colorful plate, especially with greens, blues, and reds,” said Dr. James McDonnell, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Loyola University Health System. “Certain foods have distinct benefits for the eyes in addition to overall health, including many of the trendy superfoods such as kale, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

How a Diet Rich in Vitamin C can Protect Healthy Vision

According to a new study published in the journal Ophthalmology, a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of cataracts. A team of researchers from King’s College in London studied 1,000 pairs of female twins from the UK Twins registry, each about 60 years old at the time they filled out a detailed food questionnaire. Researchers next scanned each participant’s eyes using digital imaging to measure cataract progression.

The study found that those participants who regularly ate vitamin C and roughly two servings of fruit and of vegetables daily were 20 percent less likely to develop cataracts than those who ate a less nutritious diet.

Vitamin C Cataracts

Regularly eating foods rich in vitamin C and other key nutrients can help lower the risk of cataracts.

Researchers followed up with 324 of the twin pairs 10 years later and found that those who had originally reported eating more vitamin C now had a 33 percent lower risk of developing cataracts.

“We found no beneficial effect from supplements, only from the vitamin C in the diet,” said Dr. Chris Hammond, the study’s lead author and chair of ophthalmology at King’s College. ”This probably means that it is not just vitamin C but everything about a healthy diet that is good for us and good for aging.”

Based on his findings, Dr. Hammond now believes that a person’s genetic makeup accounts for 35 percent of the risk of cataract progression, while diet and environmental factors account for the other 65 percent.

“While we cannot totally avoid developing cataracts, we may be able to delay their onset and keep them from worsening significantly by eating a diet rich in vitamin C,” said Dr. Hammond. “The findings of this study could have significant impact, particularly for the ageing population globally by suggesting that simple dietary changes such as increased intake of fruit and vegetables as part of a healthier diet could help protect them from cataracts.”

Vitamin C Alone Cannot Protect Your Vision

While regularly eating foods rich in vitamin C and other key nutrients can help protect healthy vision, the best way to ensure your eyes stay healthy is with periodic eye exams. Furthermore, according to the National Eye Institute, treating cataracts before they worsen is the key to preventing the spread from one eye to another. This is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that people between the ages of three and 39 have their eyes examined every couple of years. At the age of 40, everyone should have a baseline eye screening. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Seniors – over the age of 65 – should have complete eye exams every one to two years.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

The Anne Arundel Eye Center, led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Nicole Kershner, Dr. Kathryn Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.

Works Cited

  1. Hammon CJ, Yonova-Doing E, and Gilbert CE, et al. Genetic and Dietary Factors Influencing the Progression of Nuclear Cataract. Ophthalmology. 2016.

  2. Loyola University Health System. Department of Ophthalmology. What to Eat for Good Eye Health from a Loyola Ophthalmologist. Loyola Medicine. 30 Mar. 2015. Web.

Filed Under: Cataracts Tagged With: Cataracts, Risk, vitamin c

Quit Smoking, Decrease the Risk of Cataracts

February 12, 2015 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

According to a semi-recent study in Sweden, by quitting smoking, people who smoke at least 15 cigarettes a day can lower the risk for cataracts over the course of two decades.

“Smoking cessation may decrease the risk of cataract, but the risk among former smokers persists for decades,” explains Dr. Birgitta Ejdervik Lindblad. “Since smoking is also related to other [eye] diseases, strategies to prevent smoking and promote smoking cessation are important, and eye care professionals should encourage people to stop smoking.”

Smoking Cataracts

The study, which was published in an online edition of JAMA Ophthalmology in 2014, tracked a group of Swedish men between the ages of 45 and 79 and examined the link between quitting smoking and more than 5,700 cases of cataract removal over a 12-year period. According to researchers, men who smoked 15 cigarettes or more per day had a 42% higher risk of cataracts than men who never smoked. However, by quitting smoking, individuals can greatly reduce that risk over time. Researchers found that the risk for cataracts decreased by 21% after 20 years of not smoking.

What Are Some Other Risk Factors for Cataracts?

As we age, the proteins in the eye’s lens begin to clump together and cloud a small area. This is how a cataract forms. But why does it form? Well, according to researchers, there can be several causes: for starters, old age. If we live long enough, we will all develop cataracts at some point in our lives. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, eye injury, UV rays, and more.

Cataract Treatment in Maryland

The Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. A consultation with board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles will help guide you through the treatment process and help you determine when cataract surgery makes the most sense for you. And when that time comes, you want to make sure you are in good hands.

Voted one of Annapolis’ Top Docs 2013-2014, a peer survey conducted by What’s Up? Magazine, Dr. Boles utilizes the LenSx® Laser, the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients today, to create a cataract surgery that’s 100% unique to each patient. Click Here to learn more.

If you have any questions about Cataract Treatment or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form.

You can also follow AAEC on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Filed Under: Cataracts Tagged With: Cataracts, Risk, Smoking

Does What I Eat Affect My Risk of Glaucoma?

August 21, 2014 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Glaucoma results from increased pressure within the eye, which, in turn, damages the optic nerve and leads to vision loss. It is widely known that there is currently no cure for glaucoma, but what many people want to know is if there is a way to prevent glaucoma. One question we hear a lot is “Does What I Eat Affect My Risk of Glaucoma?” While there is no definitive answer, the Glaucoma Research Foundation has stated that it is reasonable to assume that what you eat and drink may increase or decrease your risk for glaucoma.

Does What I Eat Affect My Risk of Glaucoma?

Many doctors are telling their patients to eat certain foods (and avoid others) to help with health problems, including glaucoma. The recommended foods include:

  1. Spinach: Because it contains high amounts of the antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), spinach may help lower the risk of glaucoma. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high amounts in the eye. In general, doctors recommend adding leafy green vegetables, which are high in vitamin E, to your diet.
  2. Citrus Fruits: An excellent source of vitamin C, citrus fruits may also be a healthy choice. Blueberries, cherries and tomatoes are also excellent choices, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
  3. Lean Meats: Seafood and lean meats are a good source for eye-healthy zinc.
  4. Herbs: Certain herbs, such as ginkgo biloba and bilberry, may be beneficial for people with glaucoma, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
  5. Avoid Caffeine: Too much caffeine may elevate eye pressure temporarily, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
  6. Avoid High-Calorie Foods: According to the American Optometric Association, high-calorie foods can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, which can, in turn, increase your risk for glaucoma.

Does What I Eat Affect My Risk of Glaucoma?

At the end of the day, the best way to prevent vision loss and manage glaucoma is with regular eye exams. Increased eye pressure and optic nerve irregularities can only be detected with an eye exam, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. And if you wait for symptoms to develop, you could be waiting a long time. Glaucoma may progress with no initial symptoms. As a result, an individual can lose as much as 40% of their vision before even noticing. And the vision loss is irreversible.

Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment

The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and his staff have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing glaucoma, as it must be treated over the course of one’s life, and high IOP must be managed every day. Treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more, especially when the condition is caught early.

When was your Last Eye Exam?

If you have any questions about Glaucoma Risk or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Sources:

Are There Foods That Naturally Treat Glaucoma?, Livestrong.com

Filed Under: Glaucoma Tagged With: Glaucoma, Risk

Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?

July 23, 2014 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Over the past several months, the glaucoma specialists at the Anne Arundel Eye Center have outlined the various different types of glaucoma, from Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Angle Closure Glaucoma to the Secondary Glaucomas and more. You now know the ins and outs of glaucoma, but you still have one question; “Am I at risk?”

Glaucoma Risk

The simple answer is YES. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma. However, certain groups are at a higher risk than others.

  1. Glaucoma is six times more likely in People Over 60.
  2. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians and is the second leading cause of blindness among people of African descent.
  3. Glaucoma is four to nine times more likely if you have a Family History. If you have primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, there is approximately a one-in-five chance that a close relative also has glaucoma (Glaucoma Associates of Texas).
  4. People of Asian Descent are at an increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma.
  5. Risk for normal tension glaucoma is increased in People of Japanese Descent.
  6. Hispanics are also at an increased risk for glaucoma.
  7. Incidence of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma increased by 40% in Steroid Users, according to a 1997 study reported in the Journal of American Medical Association.
  8. The risk of secondary glaucoma increase with an Eye Injury.
  9. And More!

In order to fully understand your individual risk for glaucoma, it is important to visit your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – regularly.

Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis

The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Over the years, board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Dr. Boles will diagnose your specific condition and make recommendations for treatment and future glaucoma management.

We are dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone!

If you have any questions Glaucoma Risk Factors or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Sources:

Are you at risk for glaucoma?, Glaucoma Research Foundation

Filed Under: Glaucoma Tagged With: Glaucoma, Risk

Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

December 16, 2011 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. That crystal clear lens slowly clouds over time as part of the natural aging process. We should all be so lucky to develop cataracts in our lifetime, as this would mean we have lived a long and healthy life.

Cataracts will gradually worsen over time and will eventually interfere with normal vision. This can make every day tasks, like driving (especially at night) and reading, incredibly difficult.

Causes of Cataracts

There are several causes of cataracts. They develop primarily because of normal aging, but also due to eye injuries and genetic disorders. These varying causes lead to different types of cataracts, which include:

• Nuclear Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the center of the eyes lens.

•  Cortical Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the edges of the lens.

• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the back of the lens.

•  Congenital Cataracts: This refers to cataracts you were born with.

For additional information on any specific form of cataracts, consult your eye doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

•  Blurred or blurry vision

•  Yellowing or clouding of the lens

•  Difficulty with night vision

•  Sensitivity to light and glare

•  Seeing “halos” around lights

•  Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

•  Fading or yellowing of colors

•  Double vision in a single eye

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.

Cataracts Treatment

While better lighting and stronger eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts in the short term, cataract surgery is the only truly effective treatment option available.

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a new artificial lens. The procedure is fairly safe, but carries a risk of infection and bleeding. Surgery also increases the risk of retinal detachment.

However, if your cataracts begin to affect your quality of life, inhibiting you from performing normal daily tasks, cataract surgery is usually the best choice for trying to regain your sight. So if you feel it may be time to consider cataract surgery, contact your eye doctor to discuss your options. You can also turn to Anne Arundel Eye Center for additional information.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about cataracts, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Led by Dr. Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Cataract MedicinePlus

Cataracts MayoClinic.com

Filed Under: Cataracts, Eye Care, Eye Disease, Eye Injury, Increased Risk Tagged With: Anne Arundel Eye Center, bleeding, blurred, blurry vision, born, Cataract, cataracts treatment, Cataracts: Causes, causes of cataracts, clouding, clouding of lens, congenital cataracts, contact lens prescription, cortical cataracts, crystal clear lens, daily tasks, detachment, diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care, Dr. Boles, driving, Eye, Eye Doctor, eye injuries, eyeglass, eyes lens, facebook, fading, genetic disorders, Glare, Glaucoma, Halos, healthy, infection, lifetime, light, long, mayoclinic.com, medical condition, medicineplus, natural aging process, Natural Lens, night, night vision, normal aging, normal vision, nuclear cataracts, Ophthalmic exams, Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, posterior subcapsular cataracts, prompt medical, reading, retinal, retinal detachment, Risk, Samuel Boles, sensitivity, Sight, signs, single eye, slowly clouds, specializing, Symptoms, symptoms and treatment, symptoms of cataracts, tasks, twitter, yellowing, youtube

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