Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Cataract & Prostate Cancer Treatment

Men who are being treated for prostate cancer with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) may be at higher risk for developing Cataracts according to a recent study. The side effects of ADT such as weight gain, insulin resistance and blood lipid level problems have been linked to Cataract formation. Although further prospective study is necessary to truly understand the findings researchers from Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Medicare database to analyze Cataract formation in prostate cancer patients.

Please feel free to contact Alabama Eye & Cataract Center to schedule an appointment and learn more about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants by calling us at 205.930.0930.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Lucentis for Diabetic Eye Disease

There is good news for those impacted by the effects of Diabetes. Recent reports have been favorable for the use of Lucentis Injections to treat a complication of Diabetic Retinopathy called diabetic Macular Edema (DME) a cause of significant vision loss in patients with diabetes. Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy in the form of DME who received the drug experienced rapid and sustained improvement in vision compared to those who received a placebo injection.

Diabetic Macular Edema or DME is the swelling of retina in people with diabetic eye disease called Diabetic Retinopathy, which causes damage to the blood vessels of retina. The DME patients suffers fluid leak from the damaged blood vessel to the central portion of retina, causing it to swell leading to blurred vision, severe vision loss and blindness.

Of the 26 million U.S. people with diabetes, a portion of up to 10 percent tends to develop DME during their lifetime, and up to 75,000 new cases of DME are estimated to develop each year. Currently, DME patients are treated with laser surgery that helps seal the leaky blood vessels to slow the leakage of fluid and reduce the amount of fluid in the retina.

Lucentis is approved for use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of “Wet” Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and for Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion. In 2011, Lucentis was approved for treatment of visual impairment due to DME in Europe.

The key to successful treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy is early detection and intervention. If you or someone you know has diabetes or is even prediabetic please feel free to schedule a Diabetic Eye Examination Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by phoning 205.930.0930.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Eye Injury Prevention Month in Birmingham

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center wish to announce that October has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. When most people go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning, the last thing they think about is protecting their eyes, but it should be first on their mind. It is a good idea to think about protecting your eyes from the extraordinary damage often caused by the most ordinary of activities.

Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. When using chemicals, always read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure spray nozzles point away from you and others before spraying. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, check for debris. Stones, twigs and other items can become dangerous projectiles shooting from the blades of a lawnmower, potentially injuring your eyes or those of innocent bystanders. Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear.