Glaucoma Risk in Migraine Sufferers

Did you know that if you suffer from migraines you are at greater risk for developing glaucoma? There are many risk factors that can influence the likelihood that you will develop glaucoma. These include factors such as high pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure or IOP, your family history-especially if your siblings have glaucoma, smoking, sleep apnea, diabetes and other vascular diseases, race-as patients of African-American heritage and Hispanic backgrounds are at greater risk and even the age of onset of menopause. Recently, researchers reported on a study where they found that patients who suffered from migraines had 1.68 times the risk of the average patient for developing glaucoma. When you visit us for your routine eye exam please share whether you have ever experienced a migraine and whether you currently have even an occasional migraine headache.

If you or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches it is important to have regular eye exams with glaucoma testing as migraines increase the risk of glaucoma! Schedule an eye exam at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.           

Glaucoma Risk & Cholesterol Medication

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, is a condition where pressure commonly builds up in the eye and affects the optic nerve. Recent research suggests that statins-cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease-also lower intraocular pressure and promote blood flow to the optic nerve, which may help lower glaucoma risk.

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston have reported on a study in JAMA Ophthalmology demonstrating that taking statins for five or more years is associated with lower risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Their study suggests that there are possible protective associations beyond cardiovascular conditions offered by long-term statin use. Statins may strengthen neuroprotective mechanisms that prevent degeneration of cells in the optic nerve. The results showed that use of statins for five years or longer, versus never using statins, are associated with a 21 percent lower chance of primary open-angle glaucoma and that elevated cholesterol levels may heighten glaucoma risk. They also cautioned that the findings do not mean that individuals with family histories of glaucoma should use statins or other cholesterol medications for glaucoma prevention. Randomized clinical trials will be needed to determine if a causal link exists between statin use and glaucoma prevention before physicians can recommend statins for lowering risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Particularly in elderly populations, statins have potential side effects, including risk of muscle damage and liver or kidney dysfunction.

If you or someone you know is concerned about your risk of glaucoma please schedule an eye exam and glaucoma testing at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.          

Five Tips to Avoid Toy-Related Eye Injuries

With the holiday shopping season now in full swing, we want you to keep in mind certain eye injury prevention safety guidelines when choosing the perfect gifts for the little ones in their lives. Some popular toy types are commonly associated with childhood eye injuries. These include air guns and other toys that shoot projectiles, high-powered lasers, and sports equipment.

We want to encourage parents to consider these tips when gifting toys to children this holiday season. 

• Beware of airsoft, BB guns, and other projectile toys. Every year we treat thousands of patients with serious eye injuries caused by seemingly safe toys. Avoid items with sharp, protruding or projectile parts such as airsoft guns, BB guns and other non-powder gun–related foreign objects can easily propel into the sensitive tissue of the eye.
• Never allow children to play with high-powered laser pointers. A number of reports in the United States and internationally show that children have sustained serious eye injuries by playing with high-powered lasers (between 1500 and 6000 milliwatts). Over the years, these lasers have become increasingly more powerful, with enough potential to cause severe retinal damage, with just seconds of laser exposure to the eye. The FDA advises the public to never aim or shine a laser pointer at anyone and to not buy laser pointers for children.
• Read labels for age recommendations before you buy. To select appropriate gifts suited for a child's age, look for and follow the age recommendations and instructions about proper assembly, use, and supervision.
• Don't just give presents. Make sure to be present. Always make sure an adult is supervising when children are playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause an eye injury.
• Know what to do (and what not to). If someone you know experiences an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist. As you wait for medical help, make sure to never to touch, rub, apply pressure, or try to remove any object stuck in the eye. If an eye injury occurs follow these important care and treatment guidelines.

Please take steps to shop and play responsibly this year. Following these tips can help make sure our little loved ones have healthy vision for many holiday seasons to come. If you have questions or need an appointment please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.          

Lipid Lowering Medication Can Help Diabetic Retinopathy

Did you know that medications used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood can help diabetic retinopathy? In two clinical studies, the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study and the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study, the medications Fenofibrate (TriCor, Lipofen, Triglide, Trilipix) and Statins (Lipitor, Crestor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor) have been found, to reduce the signs of blood vessel disease in the retina from diabetic retinopathy but also to actually reduce the need for certain treatments for diabetic retinopathy.  We are hoping that additional research becomes available that helps us help patients with diabetes avoid the sight threatening complications of this terribly common disease.

If you or someone you know has diabetes please be sure to have regular eye exams in order to avoid the potentially blinding vision loss from this disease. Schedule an eye exam at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.          

Common Drugs & Light Colored Eyes Increase UV-Related Eye Problems

Did you know that some common drugs and light colored eyes can actually increase your risk of UV related eye problems? Even for many people who are taking certain drugs and have light-colored eyes they are unaware of the increased risk of certain eye diseases and conditions.

Studies have shown that, in addition to skin cancers, accumulated ultraviolet exposure from the sun can heighten the risk of eye diseases such eye cancer and cataracts, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Intense UV exposure can also cause temporary blindness known as photokeratitis, while extended sun exposure is linked to growths such as pterygium, or surfer's eye. Consumer market research demonstrates that about half of the patients taking antibiotics containing tetracycline, or fluoroquinolones like Cipro, some birth control and estrogen pills and certain anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen Advil and naproxen sodium Aleve are unaware that these medications are “photosensitizing” and increase the risk of eye problems from UV rays. In addition, more than half-54 percent of Americans-have light-colored eyes-blue, green or hazel which are more susceptible to UV damage. While people with eyes of any color can develop UV-related eye diseases, light eyes and sun exposure are associated with an increased risk of rare eye cancers, such as iris and uveal melanomas.

While it is just common sense to wear UV eye protective sunglasses, those in the higher risk groups above should be particularly cautious about UV eye protection-particularly if you work or spend a great deal of time outdoors. To learn more call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.