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.
