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Hypothyroidism

A study of 600 men with recent a diagnosis of glaucoma were shown to be twice as likely to have hypothyroidism than a similar portion of the population without the eye disease.  Researchers at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Birmingham, Alabama assert that there seems to be a convincing correlation be correlation between glaucoma and an under-active thyroid.

When this study was published the authors were not ready to state whether thyroid replacement therapy would help fend off glaucoma.
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Scientists have found a new way to screen patients for common eye diseases using LED technology.  An article in Review of Scientific Instruments describes the new system which uses six different wavelengths of light to illuminate the eyeball.

Using light-absorbing compounds already present in the eye, researchers are finding a way to capture better diagnostic images by working with the way different pigments appear in multispectral images.  One advantage of this new diagnostic procedure is its speed – it can capture images quickly enough to avoid distortion caused by natural eye movements.
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Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has initiated a voluntary recall of its 1-Day Acuvue TruEye contact lenses made of narafilcon A. According the Associated Press, these lenses were only distributed in Japan and parts of Asia and Europe, according to the AP; 100,000 boxes in total have been recalled.  No consumers in either the U.S. or Canada should be effected (the North American lenses are made of narafilcon B).

The recall is bases on a limited number of user complaints related to a stinging sensation felt when the lenses were placed on the eye.  According to Johnson and Johnson  the problem stems from a malfunctioning manufacturing line in Ireland.
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We believe strongly in the healing power of antioxidants, specifically in how they can help maintain and improve eye health.

You may have heard about a 2007 analysis of data related to antioxidants that said taking antioxidant supplements increases one’s mortality risk.  A new analysis of available data shows that the previous study published in Journal of the American Medical Association that said the caused a 16% increase in mortality was incorrect.

In fact, 36%  of the trials showed a positive outcome or that the antioxidant supplements were beneficial, 60% showed antioxidants had no effect, and only 4% published a negative outcome.
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Retinitis Pigmentosa (pigmentosis) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the retina that can cause a profound loss of vision. Various hereditary patterns have been reported. This disease affects 1 out of 3700 people.

A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmologyshowed that taking 15,000 IU of Vitamin A per day can slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.  On the other hand, this same study showed that taking Vitamin E supplements actually accelerated vision decline.
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Getting back to school can mean getting back on the playing field for many kids.  A new study published in the journal Pediatrics highlights the need to take conservative approaches to head injuries and concussions.  The younger the child, the longer the recovery period should be.  New guidelines include such advice as:
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