Eye Didn't Know!

You want to take my temperature where?

Did you know? A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology demonstrated that the temperature of the surface of the eye correlated with the blood flow in the back of the eye. It is believed that decreased blood flow to the optic nerve may be a risk factor for developing glaucoma, so a decreased surface temperature may indicate poor blood flow, which may be a risk factor for glaucoma.

Did you also know? In the past five years most ophthalmologists have routinely started to measure corneal thickness in glaucoma suspects, as thin corneas have been shown to increase one's risk for glaucoma. (we are not sure why!)

Smoke Your Way to Vision Loss

Did you know? A ten year study of 3,654 Australians has shown that current smokers have four times the risk of advanced macular degeneration compared to non-smokers! Smokers who had low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) or low fish intake had an even higher risk. Read more here.

(image courtesy wikipedia commons)

Did you also know? Many doctors prescribe vitamins to prevent macular degeneration, but fail to inquire about smoking habits. The risk of vision loss from smoking is an order of magnitude higher than the risk from a diet low in antioxidants, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin.

The ultimate eye pressure gauge

Did you know? Researchers in Germany say they have developed a sensor which can be integrated into an intraocular lens to continuously monitor the pressure within the eye.

Patients with glaucoma suffer damage to the optic nerve and possible vision loss when the pressure exceeds a safe level. The standard of care today is to check the eye pressure at the ophthalmologist's office, which might occur once every three, six, or twelve months. This obviously does not give a complete picture of the eye pressure within the eye.

Most patients with glaucoma eventually need cataract surgery. A lens implant containing a sensor to continuously monitor pressure, transmitting it to an external receiver, would provide us with a wealth of information.

This device is in trials and could be available within three years. Read more here.

Did you also know?
A similar device could be implanted in a major artery to continously monitor blood pressure!

More Macular Degeneration-Nutrition News

Did you know? There's clearly more to the macular degeneration/nutrition link than what is on the radar screen of most ophthalmologists. A new study showed that vitamins B6, B12, and folate may be protective. A group of over 5000 women at risk for heart disease was randomized to placebo or Vitamin B6, B12 and folate. After seven years, the group taking the vitamins had 41% less visually significant macular degeneration.

Did you also know? The study was designed to assess whether these vitamins would lower heart disease (by lowering homocysteine levels). There was NO difference in heart disease in the two groups!