At Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City, Dr. John Henahan is committed to reducing the number of people losing vision or becoming legally blind from macular degeneration (AMD). Please read this important information and discuss it with your doctor if your regularly take aspirin.

Discussing the new study, HealthDay (1/6, Mozes) reports, “Daily aspirin use among seniors may double their risk of developing” the “wet” form of “age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a significant cause of blindness in seniors,” according to a study published in the January issue of the journal Ophthalmology. In fact, “daily aspirin use was associated with the onset of late-stage” wet AMD, “and to a lesser degree, the onset of early ‘dry’ AMD — even after the researchers took into account age and a history of heart disease, which in itself is a risk factor for AMD.”

Specifically, “late-stage ‘wet’ AMD was 2.22 times more likely among daily aspirin users (95% CI 1.61 to 3.05) in a” study population of 4,691 European seniors, MedPage Today  (1/6, Phend) reports.

Medscape  (1/6, Keller) explains, “More frequent aspirin use was associated with more severe levels of AMD. One third of the individuals with wet AMD consumed aspirin daily compared with only 16% of control participants.” Medscape adds, “Limitations of the study include its cross-sectional and retrospective nature, with the possibility of recall error about aspirin use and possible confounders,” such as the fact that aspirin is found in many over-the-counter drugs that study participants might not have recognized as containing it. “In addition, there were no data on the doses of aspirin or the use of other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs” taken by study participants.

According to Dr. Henahan, the most recent data suggests a strong link between wet AMD and frequent Aspirin use.  ”I do NOT recommend that anyone discontinue aspirin use without consulting their physician or cardiologist” says Dr. Henahan.  ”The benefits of aspirin therapy must be balanced with the increased risk of wet AMD.  Consulting with your physician can help you decide what to do.”

If you or a loved one is concerned about the health of your eyes and live in the Peachtree City area, feel free to contact our office if you would like an appointment.  You may also call us at 770-487-0667.

Dry Macular Degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss in Americans over age 65, according to Dr. John Henahan of Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City.  ”When I was director of low vision services at LSU Eye Center (in New Orleans), macular degeneration was the cause of vision impairment in more than 90% of my patients.”  The condition afflicts 10 to 15 million Americans.

To date, dry macular degeneration has been untreatable, so prevention is a primary focus. Perhaps that will change with stem cell therapy.  Bloomberg News reports “Advanced Cell Technology Inc. (ACT) is to test a therapy made from stem cells in patients with” age-related “macular degeneration (AMD). “Doctors will inject retinal cells made from stem cells into the eyes of 12 people with the dry form of macular degeneration.”

The Los Angeles Times reported that the “Phase I/II trial…would primarily test the safety of the cells and whether they are well-tolerated by patients.” Researchers “hope that these patients can be helped by the company’s retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which would theoretically replace the ones that have been destroyed by the disease. The RPE cells have restored vision in rats and mice with an animal version of the disease.”

The Worcester Telegram reported that “the trial is the second human study for” ACT. Back “in November, the company received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to test its cells in patients with Stargardt’s Disease, a form of juvenile macular degeneration.”

While this clinical trial brings hope for the millions who suffer from this condition or may suffer in the future, the best strategy is still one of prevention.  According to Dr. Henahan, use of UV protective sunglasses, fish oil, lutein and a multivitamin should be a mainstay of preventive efforts.  Additionally, smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration, so smoking cessation should be a top priority as well.  Finally, regular eye exams with a dilated retinal evaluation is critical, especially for patients over the age of 45.

If you or a family member are at risk for AMD, contact Spectrum Eyecare and Dr. Henahan in Peachtree City for a complete eye examination.  We will take the time to thoroughly examine your eyes and discuss the best ways to ensure a lifetime of healthy vision.

#1 Protect the future of your vision.  Vision loss is a leading cause of disability in older Americans.  By simply having an eye examination periodically, you can ensure that any eye health issues can be addressed before the problem becomes irreversible.  Remember, even if you don’t have vision insurance, a medically focused eye exam can usually be billed through your medical insurance. Proper nutrition is also a foundation for a lifetime of good vision.

#2 Wear Sunglasses. Quality polarized sunglasses with UV protection can cut the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and even reduce the risk of skin cancers around the eyes.  Additionally, up to 30% of auto accidents are associated with glare induced vision impairment.  Polarized sunglasses are far more effective at cutting dangerous glare than tinted lenses alone when driving.  Polarized sunglasses are available with and without prescription lenses.

#3 Stop sleeping in your Contact Lenses. Study after study have shown that sleeping in contact lenses is the number one risk factor for serious complications from contact lenses including a potentially blinding eye infection called a corneal ulcer.  Even if your contact lenses are approved for extended wear, it is much safer to remove them at night.

#4 Throw Away those Contact Lenses (and that Contact Lens Case). After extended wear, keeping contact lenses for too long is the major risk for the aforementioned eye infections.  Most contact lenses are meant to be thrown away every two – four weeks.  As your contact lens ages, it is less able to provide enough oxygen to the surface of the eye.  This oxygen starvation can damage the surface of the eye.  Also, have you looked at your contact lens case lately?  Older cases are breeding grounds for bacteria.  Each time you buy a new bottle of solution, get a new case (some companies even bundle cases with large solution bottles).

#5 Resolve to give up your reading glasses. Are you a reading glasses addict? Do you have pairs spread around the house, car and office?  Always running around looking for a pair when your phone rings, when you need to read a menu, recipe or  to check your Facebook status?  There is a better way.  With a new generation of High-definition bifocal contact lenses and eyeglasses you can have good vision all the time; far away, close up and in between.  Imagine, no more taking on and off readers all day.

Whatever else you may do, Dr. Henahan recommends you resolve to see the best in yourself, others and the world around you.  Now that is a resolution we can all agree on!

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowship trained doctor of optometry practicing and living in Peachtree City with his wife and two sons.  You may call his office at 770 487-0667 or visit him on the web at www.speceye.com.

According to a recent post by Andrew Weil, MD multiple studies have again reiterated the importance of a nutrition and healthy diet in reducing the risk of Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older Americans.  ”Dr. Weil has been a real pioneer in integrative medicine”, according to Dr. John Henahan at Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City. “I have long worked to integrate nutrition counseling and judicious use of supplements to reduce the risk of eye disease and improve symptoms of various eye conditions”, continues Dr. Henahan.

“Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research have found that the combination of a low-glycemic diet combined with vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain quality of life and reduce health care costs due to sight-robbing eye diseases.”, reports Dr. Weil in his recent post.  A low glycemic diet has many other health benefits (Learn more). Omega-3 fatty acids, especially those found in fish oil have recently been reported to reduce the risk of macular degeneration markedly.  They also reduce dry eye symptoms in about 70% of patients.

Dr. Weil favors additional lifestyle and dietary changes to help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.  These include smoking cessation, sunglasses, and a diet rich in Vitamins, C, E as well as lutein and zinc.  According to Dr. Weil’s website, “Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, potatoes and broccoli. You can get vitamin E from soybeans, greens, fish, wheat germ, nuts and seeds.Dietary sources of zinc are legumes (peas, dried beans, garbanzos/chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lentils and soy products) and whole grains. The carotenoid pigment lutein is found naturally in spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce and peas. Other protective compounds are the red and purple pigments found in berries and other fruit. Eat berries, especially blueberries, often. You can also get these pigments into your diet with supplements of bilberry, grape seed extract or pine bark extract. My recommendations for daily vitamin E are to take 400-800 IU of natural mixed tocopherols, or at least 80 mg of natural mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols. People under 40 should take 400 IUs a day; people over 40, 800 IUs.”

At Spectrum Eyecare, Dr. Henahan favors a preventive approach to macular degeneration.  ”You must act as soon as the earliest signs of macular pigment loss are apparent, which often occurs in the forties and fifties.  If you wait until macular degeneration is apparent, then it is too late to prevent it.  If your doctor is not looking carefully for signs of early macular pigment loss, called drusen, then you may be missing an opportunity to prevent this devestating condition.”, reports Dr. Henahan.  ”Look for health care professionals that want to partner with you to help you stay well, not wait until your eye is sick.”

Large-scale study shows omega-3 fatty acids may lessen AMD severity

At Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City, Dr. John Henahan has long been an advocate for use of high quality fish oil in treating dry eye.  Now a new study from National Institutes of Health researchers found that those reporting the highest intake of omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) had the lowest reported rating of Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) severity.

J.R. Chang, MD, and colleagues reported that “dietary DHA/EPA (the key components of fish oil) was inversely related to AMD score in energy-adjusted comparisons of participants reporting highest vs. lowest quintile intake.”  In other words, those with the highest level of fish oil intake had the lowest risk of AMD.

There were 4,203 patients in the study; they had a baseline mean age of 73 years; and 57% of the patients were women. All patients had good visual function at baseline, but the majority had risk factors for progression to advanced AMD, according to the poster.

“This is the strongest evidence yet that we can help reduce the severity or possibly even prevent macular degeneration in at risk patients with a strong nutritional program that includes fish oil, lutein and other vitamins”, according to Dr. Henahan.

“Historically, I have been recommending smoking cessation, polarized sunglasses, a multi-vitamin and 20mg of natural lutein per day.  But now I will be adding fish oil to my recommendations.  The great thing about fish oil is that it appears to have so many collateral benefits, such as reducing symptoms of dry eye, improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. However, those taking blood thinners (such as coumadin) should consult their physician before beginning fish oil”, continued Dr. Henahan.

When looking at fish oil supplements, it is important to shop very, very carefully.  Lower quality fish oils have increased contaminants such as lead or mercury and lower levels of the key omega-3′s called EPA and DHA.  Look for at least 40% of these components in each capsule.

At Spectrum Eyecare, Dr. Henahan takes the time to truly understand how he can work with patients to prevent the most serious eye diseases, especially through the use of nutritional supplements and other non-drug interventions.  Of course, he uses prescription medications when indicated, so you can be sure that you will get the best of both traditional and natural medicine to provide a lifetime of great vision.  If you would like to have Dr. Henahan evaluate you, please contact us by clicking here or calling 770-487-0667. Dr. Henahan is in the Peachtree City office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as two Saturday’s per month.

The Washington Post on March 16 reported that, according to the Nutrition Business Journal, people in the US “spent an estimated $10 billion on” vitamin and mineral supplements in 2008.

This is despite the fact that “recent studies undertaken to assess their benefits have delivered a flurry of disappointing results.The supplements failed to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.” These studies have caused many to question the benefit of supplements.

However, in the case of eye disease, “people who have at least moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, may be able to limit further damage by taking a daily supplement that contains vitamins C, E and beta carotene.”

“Lutein and Zeaxanthin are likely to be even more important in slowing the progression (or even preventing the development) of AMD.”, according to John Henahan, OD, FAAO optometrist at Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City.  Getting enough lutein in your diet, through dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collard greens or cooked spinach is ideal, but for most of us that just isn’t going to happen regularly.  That is where a high quality lutein/zeaxanthin supplement can come in handy.  Dr. Henahan recommends a 20mg per day dose of lutein.  ”Lutein supplements are widely available in stores”, according to Dr. Henahan.  ”Just be sure that you choose the naturally occurring FloraGlo version which is derived from marigold flowers.”, he continues.

If you or a family member are at risk for AMD, contact Spectrum Eyecare and Dr. Henahan in Peachtree City for a complete eye examination.  We will take the time to thoroughly examine your eyes and discuss the best ways to ensure a lifetime of healthy vision!

I see great, why should I have an eye exam?

Even if you have perfect vision, most organizations, like the American Optometric Association feel that an adult should have an eye exam at least every 3 years.  Once you reach your 40’s exams are recommended a minimum of every two years.  Those 50 years of age or older should have an eye exam annually, as should people who wear corrective lenses and/or have a family history of eye disease.  Diabetics must have an exam with dilated pupils and special photographs annually (see below for more on diabetes and the eye).

The reason that even those of us with perfect vision should still have periodic eye exams is that many eye diseases have no symptoms early in their course.

Glaucoma, for example, is often called the “sneak thief of sight” because millions are suffering from this condition with no symptoms.  It is not until one has lost 80% or more of their vision that symptoms develop.  Unfortunately, any vision you have lost cannot be recovered.  That makes early diagnosis essential in the treatment of this disease.

Other conditions like Macular Degeneration (AMD) can sometimes be prevented or at least delayed. Often the precursor to this condition can be seen 20 years before AMD begins to affect vision.  With appropriate nutritional therapy, research shows that we can reduce the likelihood of a person developing AMD by up to 30% or more.

I have diabetes, what should I do to protect my eyes?

Diabetes is the number one cause of vision loss in Americans under age 65, and number 2 across all ages groups.  While most people think of diabetes as a blood sugar disease, in the eye we are concerned about changes to blood vessels that can result in hemorrhaging (bleeding) inside the eye.  This results in damage to the retina (which can be thought of as similar to the film in a camera).  This damage can result in permanently blurred vision or even total blindness if left untreated.  Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve good vision for life.  Annual eye exams with special photographs of the retina are imperative in preserving sight for people with diabetes.

I’m in my 40’s why can’t I see up close anymore?

We all lose the ability to focus up close.  This process begins in our twenties, and typically becomes a noticeable problem in our early to mid 40’s.  This loss of focusing, called presbyopia, diminishes our ability to see clearly up close through our distance prescription. Presbyopia is a natural process, it is also a progressive process, so we tend to have greater and greater difficulty with near tasks as we move through our 40’s and into our early 50’s.  By our early to mid-50’s, the progression stops, but we never regain our ability to focus up close.

This often means a transition to bifocal glasses (often called progressive lenses) or necessitates the need for reading glasses over our contact lenses.  The good news is that with the new digitally surfaced, HD style progressive lenses, it is easier than ever to make a successful transition to multifocal glasses.  At Spectrum Eyecare, we are even having good success with people who were previously unable to use this type of eyeglasses lens.

I wear contacts and replace them online, why should I bother with an annual exam?

Contact lenses (CL) are a prescription device that when cared for appropriately are very safe.

However, as we age our eyes change, often requiring a change in the type of contact lens worn, solutions used or the replacement schedule of the lenses.  That is why all contact lens prescriptions have an expiration date.  Since CL use increases the risk of dry eye, abnormal blood vessel growth and serious eye infections it is critical to have regular, annual checks of your eyes and contacts.  This is true regardless of your age.  However, our eyes become less resilient as we age requiring even greater care in monitoring the health of our eyes as we age.

At many leading practices, including Spectrum Eyecare, it is understood that you can get your contacts from many sources, so CL’s are priced very competitively with mail order and big box retailers.  The important thing is to have an annual exam and to replace your contacts as advised by your eye doctor.

Is it safe to sleep in my contacts?

Sleeping in contact lenses is the single greatest cause of complications among those who wear lenses.  Even in the safest materials, contact lens over-wear causes at least a tenfold increase in eye infection and other dangerous complications.  Teaching and reinforcing the dangers of contact lens over-wear is one of Dr. Henahan’s top priorities.

What type of contact lens is best for me?

For most, soft disposable lenses represent the best balance of comfort, easy care, clear vision and safety.  For some people, disposable lenses are not an option due to the nature of their prescription, but other lens options do exist which allow us to fit almost any child in contacts. Advances in bifocal contact lens technology have been slow, so most people struggle to succeed with this type of lens, despite what the TV commercials want you to believe.

What about LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery is an excellent option for many people with glasses or contacts who wish to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts.  However, one must be at least 18 years of age to undergo LASIK.  Furthermore, it is important that the prescription is not changing.

It is also important to understand that LASIK does nothing to prevent the loss of focusing capability that afflicts those of us in our 40’s.

NEXT MONTH:  Eye FAQ’s for Seniors

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowship trained doctor of optometry practicing and living right here in Peachtree City with his wife and two sons.  You may call his office at (770) 487-0667 or visit him on the web at www.speceye.com.

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