Glaucoma

A small study on glaucoma patients found that relaxation music temporarily improved certain measurements associated with this eye disease. Specifically, daily intraocular pressure was significantly reduced, and best corrected visual acuity improved. Also, short-term mental state was improved.

The beneficial effects of certain types of music are well-documented. Soothing music that helps the listener relax has been found to reduce indicators of stress, such as faster recovery from a stressor, the
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Yoga is generally considered a perfect exercise for overall health; however, head-down positions may be harmful to glaucoma patients. A small study at a yoga studio found that positions that put the head downward increased intraocular pressure. The positions studied were Adho Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Halasana and Viparita Kirani.

Intraocular pressure is associated with glaucoma, a serious and degenerative eye disease.  During a standard eye exam, this pressure is often used as a screening.
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Myopic macular degeneration is not commonly known in the U.S. even though it is the 7th highest ranking cause of legal blindness. In other parts of the world, such as Japan and China, it is the second highest cause of legal blindness. In addition, people of Jewish and middle eastern extraction are greater risk of developing the condition.

What is It?
Myopic macular degeneration (MMD) arises primarily from genetic abnormalities. 30% of all cases were present at birth; 60% of all cases develop before the child is 13. It often continues to worsen, becoming quite severe myopia by the late teens or early 20s and by 60, 50% of MMD patients are legally blind.

The condition is caused
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Electronics have become primary obsessions in our personal and work lives. This has lead to nearly everyone becoming susceptible to Computer Vision Syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, double vision, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue and/or and head, neck and shoulder pain.

Additionally, heavy computer use has been associated with glaucoma¹ Electronics screens emit blue light that can damage the retina, leading to macular degeneration.² Close-up work is associated with myopia (nearsightedness).³

How Prevalent Is Computer Eye Syndrome?

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Clinical trials are underway for an implantable device that delivers medication directly to the eyes of people with age-related macular degeneration. Current treatment involves eye injections every four-to-eight weeks, which is difficult to comply with and can create complications. The new technology is a tiny device that is put into the eye and lasts up to 2 years, reducing or eliminating the need for the injections. The devices are being developed by Cumberland, Rhode Island-based Neurotech.
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A new study has found that higher levels of mercury in the blood are linked to a greater chance of developing the eye disease glaucoma. Additionally, low levels of manganese (a chemical element) were associated with lower incidence of glaucoma.

This cross-sectional population-based study was published online on August 6th 2015 in JAMA Ophthalmology. The researchers looked a blood or urine metallic element levels, as well as eye disease in 2,680 Korean adults.

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Past studies looking for an association between glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease have been inconclusive. However, a recent 2015 large study of 7770 Alzheimer’s patients found such an association, specifically with women.

The study appeared in the July 2015 issue of Eye, and it was based on a study of ethnic Chinese in Asia. Each Alzheimer’s patient was matched randomly with controls of the same age and gender. They looked at who had a previous diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been linked to supplementing more than 800 mg of calcium per day. The link was strongest in the elderly, who suffer from AMD the most. The research was a cross-sectional study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. The RDA for calcium (CA) for adults is 1,000 mg; 1200 mg for women over 50. However, changes to the recommended total daily intake of CA have not been suggested.

This research was conducted at the University of California, SF, and appeared in JAMA Ophthalmology April 2015. It was based on surveys of calcium supplementation and AMD. In the past, the researchers had a similar finding with
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Medical marijuana, or cannabis, is being legalized in more and more American states. For more than 40 years, the effect of medical marijuana on glaucoma has been studied. As cannabis becomes more accessible — and legal — glaucoma patients are becoming more interested in how this drug could help with their condition.

Medical marijuana has been shown in studies to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. The National Eye Institute found that although medical marijuana lowered IOP after taking the drug, the pressure is decreased for only 3 to 4 hours. This is considered
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Several different types of glaucoma are the leading cause of blindness in the US¹, and yet many cases of glaucoma begin without symptoms. Half of the 3 million-plus Americans who have glaucoma have been diagnosed.² Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is especially prevalent in persons over age 60. Everyone should have regular eye exams throughout their lives to screen for glaucoma, especially a dilated eye exam. Glaucoma tends to run in families, but anyone can get it.
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