Does
Taking Aspirin Make Macular Degeneration Worse?
Most seniors and other people who suffer from
vascular, heart, blood clotting problems or even arthritis are well aware of
the benefits of taking a daily aspirin. In fact many people have been
prescribed low dose aspirin as part of their overall care by their primary care
or other specialty physicians. Seniors are also aware that age related macular
degeneration (AMD) continues to be a leading cause of vision loss. Until
recently there was some confusion and disagreement regarding whether it was
safe or even risky for those who have AMD to take aspirin as it could increase
bleeding risk in the retina and worsen AMD. A very careful review of
information was reported in the journal Retina and provided insight concluding that the clinical
studies showing the positive benefits of aspirin for cardiovascular health were
quite a bit better that the limited studies showing a possible adverse effect
of aspirin use in relation to AMD. The benefits of low dose aspirin include
preserving the duration and quality of life by decreasing stroke and heart
attack risk. These benefits seem to far outweigh the theoretical risks of
possibly exacerbating wet AMD, which we can now control reasonably well with
anti-VEGF injection therapy with Eylea®, Lucentis® and other available
medications.
If you or someone you know takes aspirin and
has or has been recently diagnosed with age related macular degeneration (AMD)
it appears safe and beneficial to follow your physicians prescribing
instructions and not worry about any increased risk of worsening AMD. If you
have questions or need to schedule an eye exam please call Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center,
Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. and Alabama Eye
& Cataract Center, P.C. are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located
at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and
staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
