According to a new pre-print study accepted by The Lancet, rates of global blindness and vision impairment continue to increase. By the year 2050, the number may reach 900 million people.

Vision loss is a global problem. According to recent research led by Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University:

• 8 million people have a mild vision impairment
• 1 million people have a major vision impairment
• 3 million people are blind

Bourne and his team predict blindness and vision impairment will double in the next 30 years unless experts can take steps to address the issue.

“It is encouraging that age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs,” said Bourne. “We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages” (Medical Xpress).

Cataracts are Treatable with Cataract Surgery

One of the most common types of eye diseases is cataracts, the leading cause of degenerative vision loss among people older than 55. Some common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Clouded or blurry vision
• Double vision
• Fading of colors
• Appearance of halos
• Difficulty with night vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare

Cataract-related vision loss can be reversed through cataract surgery, a safe and simple procedure. Approximately three million Americans undergo cataract surgery annually, with a success rate of 98 percent or higher (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery). This means 95 percent of patients who select a standard artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) during cataract surgery experience completely restored vision.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

Three out of four cases of disease-related vision loss can be avoided through prevention and treatment. Many conditions can be treated with simple outpatient procedures. You can preserve your vision and prevent vision impairment by scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will provide you with a full evaluation of your eye health and discuss any necessary treatment options.

Eating a vegetarian diet could decrease the likelihood of cataracts, especially in overweight patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a dense, clouded area in the eye lens. In a healthy eye, the retina can easily convert light that comes through a clear lens. Over time, oxidative stress causes the protein in the lens to clump together and form a cataract. Many factors contribute to oxidative stress including UV rays, poor diet and environmental toxins.

Cataracts are a common vision concern, especially as people age. In the United States, more than 20.5 million people have a cataract.

Plant-Based Nutrition Can Fight Cataracts

A new study in Taiwan suggests a vegetarian diet could significantly reduce the risk of cataracts. Researchers examined data from the Tzu Chi Health study and found vegetarians had a 20 percent lower risk for cataracts compared to nonvegetarians.

This is not the first study concerning vegetarianism and cataracts. A 2011 study among health-conscious residents in Britain found a 20 percent, 30 percent and 40 percent reduction in cataract risk in fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans, respectively (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).

Because plant-based foods contain more antioxidants than animal-based foods, eating a vegetarian diet is more successful at reducing oxidative stress that causes cataracts.

The researchers also found many similarities among the vegetarians in the Tzu Chi Health Study. More of the vegetarians tended to be:

• Female
• Nondrinkers
• Nonsmokers
• Nondiabetic
• Nonhypertensive
• More physically active

The vegetarians also had lower:

• Body mass index
• Fasting glucose levels
• Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Eating to Reduce Cataract Risk

You do not need to become a vegetarian to have a healthier lifestyle and decrease your cataract risk. However, this study emphasizes the role diet can play in degenerative eye disease. Numerous studies show positive associations between high fruit and vegetable intake and eye health.

Here are some of the most important nutrients for eye health and some corresponding foods that contain high amounts:

• Vitamin A — Kale, spinach and carrots contain about 30 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin — Some of the best sources are spinach, swiss chard, kale, parsley, sweet corn, grapes and green peas.
• Vitamin C — Many fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin C, including bell peppers, kale, citrus fruits, broccoli and guavas.
• Vitamin E — Pumpkin seeds, beet greens, collard greens, spinach and red bell pepper score high in this nutrient.
• Zinc — The best sources of zinc are meat and dairy, but you can get the proper recommendation of zinc by eating wheat germ, beans, legumes, oatmeal, tofu and spinach.

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Call your eye doctor to make an appointment to evaluate your eye health. Annual comprehensive eye exams include screenings for cataracts and other common eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Make your vision a priority so you can enjoy clear eyesight for years to come.

Glaucoma patients have a tenfold greater risk of developing depression than the general population, according to a recent study in Mexico.

Glaucoma, nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight,” is one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss. The disease can be challenging to diagnose because it rarely causes symptoms until permanent eye damage occurs. Advanced glaucoma can be a psychological and financial burden and cause significant stress. According to a study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, the severity of patients’ glaucoma correlates with how depressed they feel. Glaucoma severity can also influence patient compliance with glaucoma treatment plans.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by optic nerve stress caused by spikes in inner eye pressure. More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, can develop without pain or symptoms, and it can cause irreversible vision loss or even blindness.

Depressed Glaucoma Patients Are Less Compliant

The study examined 111 patients with glaucoma, and about half of the patients were depressed. The researchers found a direct relationship between the worse eye’s glaucoma severity and the severity of depression. Patients who were depressed were 38 times more likely to not adhere to their treatment plan than patients who were not depressed.

Other risk factors for depression among the glaucoma patients studied were:

• Age
• Gender (females were at higher risk than males)
• Low income
• Living alone
• Substance abuse

Researchers suspect patients with the most severe glaucoma may fall into a dangerous pattern. The associated depression with severe glaucoma may cause these patients to resist taking medication and attending eye doctor appointments, thereby exacerbating glaucoma and depression.

The study suggests patients with glaucoma should create a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, psychiatrist and psychologist to produce the best outcome.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Are you familiar with the risk factors for glaucoma? You may be at increased risk for glaucoma if you:

• Are 60 or older
• Are diabetic
• Are severely nearsighted
• Have a family member who has glaucoma

Take a moment to complete this Glaucoma Risk Assessment for more information on whether you are at high risk for the disease.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam

Contact your ophthalmologist to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your ophthalmologist can perform a test to evaluate your inner eye pressure and let you know if you are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Optic nerve damage is permanent, so there is no cure for glaucoma. Therefore, it is imperative to detect the disease early and begin a glaucoma treatment plan. Early detection allows for immediate intervention to stop the progression of glaucoma. There are many treatments available to manage the condition, such as:

• Laser treatments
• Medication
• Traditional surgery
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

Do your eyes feel strained or irritated lately? More patients are making eye appointments during the pandemic due to increased screen time and subsequent dry eye syndrome.

Definition of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects 4.88 million Americans. It results when the tear glands do not make sufficient tears to moisten the eyes. Untreated dry eye can cause significant discomfort and vision problems, so if your eyes feel dry, visit an eye doctor as soon as possible for relief.

Dry Eye Cases Increasing in the United States

Eye doctors are citing increased numbers of patients during the pandemic. COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing measures have forced much of the American workforce and school systems to go remote, and eye health is suffering. Staring at computer and smartphone screens all day can decrease blink rate by 33 percent and cause eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eye (Medical Xpress).

It is essential to seek treatment for dry eye because it can lead to severe vision complications, including:

1. Surface damage to the eyes. Severe dry eye can result in inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and loss of vision.
2. Eye infections. Natural tears protect the eyes from infection. Inadequate tear production can put the eyes at risk for invasion from germs and bacteria.
3. Decreased quality of life. Dry eye can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading and driving.

Women are More Susceptible to Dry Eye than Men

Of the almost five million Americans with dry eye syndrome, three million are women. The unequal distribution of dry eye among women is due to hormonal factors like pregnancy, birth control and menopause. Because women are more prone to dry eye syndrome, it is imperative that they schedule regular eye exams.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

How do you know if you have dry eye? Typical symptoms include:

• Red eyes
• Stinging or burning of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• A scratchy feeling in the eye

Natural Treatments for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, call your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. In the meantime, you can try some of these natural treatments:

1. Take regular breaks from computers, tablets and phones. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something at least 20 feet away to reset your eyes.
2. Position your computer screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes as wide.
3. Use a humidifier in your work area.
4. Quit smoking or avoid areas where people smoke.
5. Try over-the-counter rewetting drops.

A new study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reveals ocular hypertension can have a protective effect against glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss.

What is Glaucoma?

More than three million Americans have glaucoma, a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and early intervention are necessary to protect the optic nerve and minimize eye damage.

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. In this type, the channels that drain the eye’s fluid become gradually obstructed, causing the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) to rise. In angle-closure glaucoma, fluid builds up suddenly and causes dangerous pressure spikes.

Open-angle glaucoma has few symptoms, so it is essential to detect glaucoma in the early stages to prevent irreversible eye damage. Once symptoms are present, vision loss has already occurred.

Ocular Hypertension

For patients with glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure is quite dangerous. However, according to a new study from LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence and the University of Copenhagen, some glaucoma patients do not have this same sensitivity: those with ocular hypertension.

Why do patients with ocular hypertension not have the optic nerve damage that is glaucoma? After all, ocular hypertension is when intraocular pressure is higher than “normal.”

The study suggests patients with ocular hypertension possess “increased antioxidant capacity and higher levels of anti-inflammatory, omega-3-derived chemical messengers involved in sustaining cell function in their plasma compared to patients with normal-tension glaucoma and age-matched controls.”

An increased amount of omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers seems to lower oxidative stress in the eye and prevent the optic nerve from deteriorating.

This new research could result in innovative glaucoma treatments. “The study opens avenues of therapeutic exploration highlighting the significance of the omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers’ antioxidant capacity as a potential diagnostic biomarker and as a novel treatment to prevent glaucomatous neurodegeneration,” notes Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, Boyd Professor, Ernest C. and Ivette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degeneration, and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical Xpress).

Facts about Glaucoma

The results of this study are promising, but the fact remains that glaucoma is a complex disease that can affect any person at any age. It is important to be aware of your own risk for glaucoma. Some risk factors include:

• Being 60 or older
• Being African American, Asian or Hispanic
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having a pre-existing medical condition like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or sickle-cell anemia
• Having thin corneas

Call Your Ophthalmologist

The best way to protect your eyesight is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams. During the exam, your eye doctor can test your intraocular pressure and determine whether you have ocular hypertension or are at risk for glaucoma.

Call today to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam offers a window into your overall health, and it is an important part of preventive care.

A new study from the Centre for Eye Research Australia suggests natural treatments like vitamin B3 could protect optic nerve damage that causes glaucoma and blindness. The results of this world-first clinical trial were published in Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve of the eye. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the front of the eye and increases inner eye pressure. This elevated pressure damages the optic nerve. There is no cure for glaucoma, but a comprehensive eye exam can detect glaucoma early to prevent vision loss.

Professor Jonathan Crowston and Dr. Flora Hui of Centre for Eye Research Australia conducted a recent study on patients with glaucoma. The researchers gave glaucoma patients high doses of vitamin B3 every day for 12 weeks, in addition to the patients’ daily medication to lower eye pressure. After the study, patients showed significant improvement in their vision.

“For the first time, we have shown that daily high doses of vitamin B3 can lead to early and significant improvements in patients who are also receiving traditional treatments to lower eye pressure,” Dr. Hui said.  “As a safe therapy that is well tolerated by patients, vitamin B3 has potential as a clinical supplement to support patients who are receiving glaucoma treatment” (Medical Express).

Dr. Hui is optimistic that vitamin B3 can protect optic nerve cells from damage and help repair cells that have already begun to deteriorate. She compares taking daily vitamin B3 to lubricating a car engine with oil to help it run smoothly.

The next goal, Dr. Hui explained, is to conduct a larger trial to evaluate whether patients can continue to improve and slow the progression of glaucoma over time.

Should I Start Taking Vitamin B3?

Before you begin taking vitamin B3, talk to your eye doctor. Even a supplement can have side effects and risks. Your ophthalmologist can suggest natural glaucoma treatments that are best for your condition and will not interfere with your current medication. Always ask your doctor before beginning any new supplement or medicine.

Know Your Glaucoma Risk

There is no way to prevent glaucoma, and everyone can be at risk for the disease. Do you know your risk for glaucoma? Take the Glaucoma Risk Assessment to determine whether you are at elevated risk for the disease.

Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam to get tested for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Most eye exams take less than an hour, but they offer the lifetime benefit of healthy vision. Call your eye doctor today get on the schedule.

A new study suggests a diet rich in plant-based fats and proteins and low in carbohydrates could reduce the risk for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and affects more than 60.5 million people globally. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of the disease and is associated with abnormally high eye pressure due to a reduced ability of the eye to regulate fluid drainage.

According to new research from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing plant-based proteins and fats can lower the risk of POAG with early central vision loss by 20 percent.

Plant-Based Diet Helps Prevent POAG

Researchers analyzed data from more than 185,000 participants of three cohort studies between 1976 and 2017. The researchers hypothesized that substituting protein and fat for carbohydrates would help maintain optic nerve function.

The participants answered health-related questions and completed food frequency questionnaires every two to four years. The team looked for patterns in carbohydrate intake across plant-based and animal-based fats and proteins, as well as other sources.

Plant-based sources gave more favorable results in preventing POAG than animal-based sources for a low-carbohydrate diet.

Diet Cannot Reverse Glaucoma

Dr. Louis R. Pasquale, co-corresponding author and deputy chair for ophthalmology research for the Mount Sinai Health System, said, “It’s important to note that a low-carbohydrate diet won’t stop glaucoma progression if you already have it, but it may be a means to preventing glaucoma in high-risk groups. If more patients in these high-risk categories—including those with a family history of glaucoma—adhered to this diet, there might be fewer cases of vision loss.”

Dr. Pasquale asserts a low carbohydrate diet is therapeutic for many other conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, more research is necessary as this was the first study looking at how diet relates to POAG development, and it was an observational study and not a clinical trial.

What is Your Glaucoma Risk?

Did you know certain individuals are at increased risk for glaucoma? Here are some of the risk factors for glaucoma:

• Family history of glaucoma
• 45 years of age or older
• History of elevated inner eye pressure
• African American
• Diabetes
• Nearsighted
• Farsighted
• History of steroid use

Take a moment to complete the Glaucoma Risk Assessment to determine if you are at elevated risk for glaucoma.

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

There is no cure for POAG, but your eye doctor can detect glaucoma early if you stay current with your annual comprehensive eye exams.

Glaucoma rarely presents symptoms in the early stages, so schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss your vision health. Make annual eye exams a part of your preventive care so you can enjoy clear vision for years to come.

If you had to cancel your eye procedure or eye exam due to COVID-19, you should reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. Delaying annual eye exams can result in later diagnoses of glaucoma, which causes blindness, and cataracts, which can be easily treated by undergoing cataract surgery.

A recent U.S. study revealed that during the initial months of the pandemic, of all medical service lines, ophthalmology had the greatest patient volume loss. In an analysis of more than 2 million patient visits and encounters from 228 hospitals in 40 states, the study, released by Strata Decision Technology, showed ophthalmology lost 81 percent of patient volume year-over-year when comparing two-week volumes in March and April 2020 versus the same period in 2019.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. About 3.6 million cataract surgeries take place annually. The study found cataract surgery volume decreased by 97 percent, the largest reduction of any surgical procedure. Glaucoma procedures dropped by 88 percent for inpatient and outpatient procedures.

Many Americans have also had their comprehensive eye exams canceled in the past several months. If you missed an eye exam and have had to reschedule, it is important to keep the rescheduled appointment. Millions of patients will be calling to make appointments for comprehensive eye exams this month, so it will only get more difficult to see your eye doctor.

What Can I Do While I am Waiting for Surgery?

If you are waiting for your eye procedure to be rescheduled, you may have to ask for help from family members and friends, while taking precautions to protect against COVID-19. It is easier for loved ones to help you if you provide them with specific requests. You may want to ask people to help you with:

• Shopping
• House cleaning
• Lawn and yard care
• Driving you to and from your eye appointments and doctor appointments

Call your eye doctor today to reschedule your eye procedure or eye exam.

COVID-19 has had far-reaching impacts on our lives, with medical procedures and surgeries deemed “elective” postponed in order to slow the virus’s spread. In reality, these procedures are far from optional: delaying medical interventions can result in increased health problems, such as deteriorating vision.

Increased Patient Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19

In recent weeks, we have resumed elective cases and implemented a number of protocols to ensure your safety as you take charge of your health and schedule procedures at our ambulatory surgery centers. These measures include:

• Screening everyone who enters the center for COVID-19 symptoms
• Taking the temperature of every person who enters the center
• Requiring masks for all employees and patients
• Enforcing social distancing guidelines
• Requesting patient escorts remain in the car until patient is ready to go home
• Increasing cleaning of high-touch surfaces throughout the day
• Providing hand sanitizer and tissues

Learn more about all of the steps we are taking to keep you safe.

Patients Feel Safe at our Centers

Patients who have already returned to the centers have first-hand experience of the new protocols in action. Their feedback has been extremely positive, with reactions like:

“During this COVID-19 time, I was especially nervous about my procedure but was immediately greeted by the friendliest nurse around. She was very courteous and kept asking if I was fine. She prepared me for the procedure by carefully doing everything that needed to be done and listened to me. The rest of the staff was also very professional and took great care of my needs. Thank you all for a great experience that I hopefully won’t have to repeat for a while.” – San Antonio, April 2020

“Even during these crazy times, I was treated with the utmost respect, courtesy, and care. My doctor and her amazing team took the necessary steps to make sure I wasn’t put at greater risk during my procedure. They ensured all my questions were answered, and I was 100% ready going into and out of the procedure.” – Escondido, April 2020

“Sanitary, safe, NICE and COMPASSIONATE staff!! Thank you SO MUCH to all of my nurses throughout the entire experience!” – Lakeside, AZ, May 2020

Safely Schedule a Procedure

With increased safety measures in place, there has never been a better time to schedule cataract surgery. Stop putting it off and call your ophthalmologist today to take the first step toward improving your sight!