 |
|
Glaucoma medications may be associated with reduced risk of death over 4-year period
February 09, 2010Glaucoma patients who take medication for the condition appear to have a reduced likelihood of death, according to a report in the February issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Glaucoma (a common condition that consists of elevated pressure in the eye, and that can lead to loss of vision) usually affects older adults, who are at risk for co-existing medical conditions that can negatively affect their survival, according to background information in the article. "In recent years, numerous studies have assessed whether glaucoma is associated with mortality," the authors write. "Few studies, however, have considered whether the medications commonly used to treat glaucoma may affect the association between glaucoma and death."
Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S., and colleagues at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, conducted a study evaluating the relationship between glaucoma medication use and death in 21,506 individuals age 40 or older (average age 60) with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma from January 2003 to December 2007 who were enrolled in a large managed care network. Glaucoma medication use was defined as filling one or more prescriptions for a 30-day or more supply of the drug during the study period. Deaths were reported by family members, employers or health care professionals and other demographic information was noted at the beginning of the study.
More than half of the patients had suspected glaucoma, the others had one or more types of glaucoma. "During the study period, 6,049 beneficiaries (28.1 percent) filled one or more prescriptions for a glaucoma medication; 2,021 individuals (9.4 percent) underwent glaucoma surgery," the authors write.
Of the 21,506 patients, 237 (1.1 percent) died during the study. When compared to those with no glaucoma medication use, those using any class of glaucoma medication had a 74 percent reduced risk of death. "This association was observed for use of a single agent alone, such as a topical beta-antagonist or a prostaglandin analogue, and for use of different combinations of drug classes," the authors write.
"Additional studies are needed to determine whether this result is best explained by a protective effect of the medications themselves or by other confounding factors, such as access to care or providers' prescribing patterns," the authors conclude. "Future investigations should explore this association further because these findings may have important clinical implications."
JAMA and Archives Journals
More than half of the patients had suspected glaucoma, the others had one or more types of glaucoma. "During the study period, 6,049 beneficiaries (28.1 percent) filled one or more prescriptions for a glaucoma medication; 2,021 individuals (9.4 percent) underwent glaucoma surgery," the authors write.
Of the 21,506 patients, 237 (1.1 percent) died during the study. When compared to those with no glaucoma medication use, those using any class of glaucoma medication had a 74 percent reduced risk of death. "This association was observed for use of a single agent alone, such as a topical beta-antagonist or a prostaglandin analogue, and for use of different combinations of drug classes," the authors write.
"Additional studies are needed to determine whether this result is best explained by a protective effect of the medications themselves or by other confounding factors, such as access to care or providers' prescribing patterns," the authors conclude. "Future investigations should explore this association further because these findings may have important clinical implications."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Glaucoma Current Events and Glaucoma News RSSK-State professor finds link between low oxygen levels in body and cancer-aiding protein
What began as research into how diabetics could possibly preserve their eyesight has led to findings that could prolong the vision of children afflicted with retinoblastoma.
Untreated poor vision in elderly linked to dementia, University of Michigan study shows
Elderly people with visual disorders that are left untreated are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease -- the most common form of dementia, according to a University of Michigan Health System study.
New evidence that green tea may help fight glaucoma and other eye diseases
Scientists have confirmed that the healthful substances found in green tea - renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties - do penetrate into tissues of the eye.
Millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system developed
A 9 cubic millimeter solar-powered sensor system developed at the University of Michigan is the smallest that can harvest energy from its surroundings to operate nearly perpetually.
Double agent: Glial cells can protect or kill neurons, vision
Scientists have identified a double agent in the eye that, once triggered, can morph from neuron protector to neuron killer. The discovery has significant health implications since the neurons killed through this process results in vision loss and blindness.
UK Study Advances New Target for CNS Drug Development
A breakthrough discovery by scientists at the University of Kentucky could someday lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases of the brain, spinal cord and the eye.
Seeing a diagnosis: How an eye test could aid Alzheimer's detection
A simple and inexpensive eye test could aid detection and diagnosis of major neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's at an earlier stage than is currently possible, according to new research by UCL scientists.
Study explains why light worsens migraine headaches
Ask anyone who suffers from migraine headaches what they do when they're having an attack, and you're likely to hear "go into a dark room." And although it's long been known that light makes migraines worse, the reason why has been unclear.
1930s drug slows tumor growth
Drugs sometimes have beneficial side effects. A glaucoma treatment causes luscious eyelashes. A blood pressure drug also aids those with a rare genetic disease.
Cataract surgery helps AMD patients; steroid improves DME; online eye health forum
This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) reports on a national study that finds cataract surgery is likely to benefit patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at all stages of the disease, on a clinical trial showing that the steroid triamcinolone may be effective in advanced diabetic macular edema (DME) patients when standard treatment fails, and on the public's use of two Academy-sponsored online eye health forums.
More Glaucoma Current Events and Glaucoma News Articles
 |
A Patient's Guide to Glaucoma by Young H Kwon (Author), John H Fingert (Author), Emily C Greenlee (Author) The Patient's Guide to Glaucoma is a very useful educational resource. The authors have done an excellent job of covering the pertinent aspects of glaucoma from the patient's perspective. It provides more complete explanations of aspects of glaucoma care than any other presently available resource. It will be very helpful to patients who want more information about medications, laser, trabeculectomy, tube-shunt surgery, and many other subjects. John S. Cohen, MD Director, Glaucoma Service Cincinnati Eye Institute, Volunteer Clinical Professor University of Cincinnati Drs. Kwon, Greenlee and Fingert are to be congratulated for creating this outstanding educational program on glaucoma. These materials provide an excellent overview of the disease and its treatment.... |
 |
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM) Glaucoma: The Essential Treatments and Advances That Could Save Your Sight (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...) by Gregory K. Harmon (Author), Nancy Intrator (Author), Catherine Wang (Contributor), Kitty Carlisle Hart (Contributor) An insidious disease, glaucoma is often misunderstood and is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Helps to dispel the myths surrounding the disease and inform readers as to the truth about glaucoma. Divided into three accessible sections, the book takes readers through the most common methods of treatment, and explores cutting-edge research and crucial new information on the effects of nutrition, exercise, and herbal medicine on glaucoma. |
 |
Glaucoma Volume 2: Surgical Management: Expert Consult - Online and Print by Tarek M. Shaarawy MD MSc (Author), Mark B. Sherwood FRCP FRCOphth (Author), Roger A. Hitchings FRCP FRCOphth (Author), Jonathan G. Crowston MD PhD (Author) Recent dramatic advances in diagnosis, as well as medical and surgical treatment, mean that you can offer your glaucoma patients more timely and effective interventions. Volume Two of this brand-new clinical reference focuses on the surgical management of glaucoma, covering the latest in laser therapy, trabeculectomy, and more. You'll get the comprehensive, expert guidance you need to make optimal use of these new approaches.online and in print! Presents world-class expertise through advice from leading specialists across six continents. Covers hot topics such as peripheral iridectomy, trabulectomy technique, non-penetrating glaucoma surgeries, and more. Highlights nuances of glaucoma presentation in 700 high-quality images and photographs that help you visualize key... |
 |
Native Remedies Vizu-All Plus for Eye and Capillary Health (50ml) by Native Remedies Vizu-All Plus is a 100% safe, non-addictive natural herbal remedy formulated by our team of natural health experts. Vizu-All Plus can be used consistently to safely support visual health and encourage circulation to the eyes while promoting overall systemic and immune system health. Vizu-All Plus supports the healthy functioning of the eye, thereby helping to maintain routine visual health both day and night, as well as encouraging blood flow to the optical nerve and surrounding tissues. Vizu-All Plus can make all the difference, without compromising health and without serious side effects. Use Vizu-All Plus to promote visual health and support the eye and surrounding tissues; support strength of blood capillaries in the eye; help lessen common problems associated with night vision and... |
|
Glaucoma Forum by Intl Glaucoma Assn/Woodcote Hs Publication dealing with original research in all aspects of the biology, management and technology of the goat and sheep. Includes the fields of anatomy, taxonomy, growth, systematics, physiology, reproduction, lactation, metabolism, genetics, infectious diseases, and parasitic diseases, | |
 |
Becker-Shaffer's Diagnosis and Therapy of the Glaucomas (Becker-Shaffers) by Robert L. Stamper MD (Author), Marc F. Lieberman MD (Author), Michael V. Drake MD (Author) Authored by three prominent specialists in the field, this text provides comprehensive coverage of diagnostic and treatment modalities for optimal glaucoma management. Revised throughout, this new edition presents the latest guidance in clinical examination, randomized trials, medical treatment, laser therapy, and surgical procedures. Hundreds of illustrations-with many classic black and white figures from the previous editions supplemented with new color images-depict the features of glaucomas and step-by-step procedures for their management, while expanded use of highlighted boxes, lists, and summary tables make the material easy to access. Evidence-based and updated information on all aspects of the glaucomas-including physiology, genetics, interventional trials, and new surgical... |
 |
Understanding Glaucoma (Educational Use) There are an estimated three million Americans with glaucoma, a condition that if left untreated can often lead to blindness. The real tragedy is that half of these people don't even know they have the disease - although testing for it is quick, easy and painless - and they probably won't know until it's too late. To be sure, understanding glaucoma has come a long way over the past 20 years. What we thought we knew about it has evolved a great deal, and our knowledge of how to identify and treat it has grown in sophistication and effectiveness as well. But, the sad fact is that many people still don't get tested in time to prevent it, and when they are diagnosed, they often allow themselves to ignore their condition and descend into blindness. As such, this episode is designed to not only... |
 |
Glaucoma: A Patient's Guide to the Disease by Graham E. Trope (Author) Primary or chronic open angle glaucoma is a painless condition usually associated with high pressure in the eye. It affects approximately four per cent of all people over the age of fifty. Untreated, glaucoma is a major cause of blindness worldwide. The second edition of Glaucoma: A Patient's Guide to the Disease, published in 2001, offered essential information about glaucoma and its treatment, presented in a simple question and answer format to allow patients to participate actively in the decision-making process along the road to successful maintenance of their vision. The third edition adds to and augments the previous edition by introducing important updates on new medical and surgical treatments and information on the latest techniques used to diagnose and follow... |
 |
Glaucoma Directed By: (c) Information Television Network |
 |
Rich Diesslins Funny General - Editorial Cartoons - Eye Doctor - Glaucoma Test - Greeting Cards-12 Greeting Cards with envelopes by 3dRose LLC Eye Doctor - Glaucoma Test Greeting Card is measuring 5.5w x 5.5h. Greeting Cards are sold in sets of 6 or 12. Give these fun cards to your frieds and family as gift cards, thank you notes, invitations or for any other occasion. Greeting Cards are blank inside and come with white envelopes. |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |