Glaucoma

The antioxidants found in beverages and foods that contain caffeine seem to protect people against the development of Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

In a study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry B researchers describe how coffee can be on the greatest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet.  Scientists do not know exactly how coffee helps to fight the free radicals that can be destructive to eye health and overall health.  At this point, they are speculating that caffeine is the agent responsible for coffee antioxidant properties.
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Glaucoma’s progress can be slowed as the result of taking the antioxidants vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine.

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science describes how reducing or reversing oxidation within the eyes may lead to the healing of the trabecular meshwork or outflow pathway in glaucoma patients.  As the name suggests, antioxidants (like vitamin C and N-acetyl cysteine, which is found in eggs) combat the natural process of oxidization.

According to the study, the free radicals that result from the oxidation process lead to the destruction of the trabecular meshwork, which can lead to increased ocular pressure and glaucoma.  (Issue: 49:1447-58, 2008)
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In addition to significantly compromising vision, glaucoma is a disease that also takes an emotional toll, according to a new study in the April issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

This study of 24 Chinese individuals with glaucoma showed that there are many fears associated with the disease including concerns about blindness and how the condition may effect other family members.  Many who were on medication, such as eye drops, were found to be self-administering them incorrectly.
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A genetic glitch may be responsible for incidents of cataracts in children.

According to a press release from Maine’s Jackson Laboratory, researchers have found that RNA granules, which are key components in the reproduction of genes, might be linked to eye development.  Problems with RNA granules can result in juvenile cataracts and glaucoma.  If there is a problem with a key gene, Tdrd7, the development of the lens of the eye will be compromised, leading to these potentially blinding conditions.
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A holistic perspective on health means that we recognize the interrelated nature of the body’s systems. It also means that we understand the connection between the eyes and seemingly unrelated conditions like sleep apnea and circulatory problems.

People who have sleep apnea are 75% more likely to have glaucoma than those without sleep conditions.
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Taking birth control pills may be linked to the development of open angle glaucoma (also known as chronic glaucoma).

A study published in the journal Eye (18 February, 2011) describes the findings of a study of nearly 80,000 women over 26 years.  The study sought to find the connection, if any, between the development of glaucoma and the women’s age at menarche, reproductive history, and taking oral contraceptives.
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Do Weight, Smoking, and Drinking Influence Chances of Developing Glaucoma?

A 2011 study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology seeks to determine how “lifestyle-related risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity” can influence the likelihood that people will develop  open-angle glaucoma.

Nearly 4000 people were part of this nearly 10 year long study. None had glaucoma at the outset, but at the end, 2.7% had developed the eye condition.
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