Everyday drug increases AMD risk 71%

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in America. It affects almost 20 million older adults. [Click here](1770d7/ct0_0/1/ms?sid=TV2%3A5gKUH13NU) to view this message in your browser | [Click here](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3A5gKUH13NU) to stop receiving our messages [] [] Al Sears, MD 11905 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 [] March 27, 2024 [] Reader, Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in America. It affects almost 20 million older adults. It’s a devastating condition that destroys your quality of life. You lose your ability to read, play sports, drive – and even recognize the faces of loved ones. But worst of all is the loss of independence that inevitably comes with an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) diagnosis. AMD sufferers also tend to enter care homes significantly earlier than those without the disorder. When doctors talk about preventing AMD, they’ll tell you to stay out of the sun and lower your cholesterol. As a regular reader, you know how awful this advice is! I help my patients prevent AMD safely. In a moment, I’ll tell you about a breakthrough medical test that can accurately predict your risk of developing AMD so you can act now. I’ll also share how you can stop AMD in its tracks. But first, let’s look at an often-ignored cause of this debilitating condition. I’m talking about two common medications you may already have in your medicine chest. Are these 2 vision-damaging drugs hiding in your medicine chest? Certain drugs can increase your risk of AMD and make the condition worse if you already have it. - Blood pressure medications. In the landmark Beaver Dam vision study, researchers tracked the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in more than 5,000 residents. They found that vasodilators – a hypertension medication that opens blood vessels – increase the risk of developing early AMD by 72%.1 The study also found that the use of beta blockers was tied to a 71% increased risk of wet macular degeneration, a more severe form of AMD. - Diabetes drugs. Certain oral diabetes medications are photosensitizing. In other words, they make your eyes more susceptible to damage from sunlight, which increases your risk of AMD. Patients taking two diabetes drugs, Avandia and Actos, have 3 to 6 times increased risk of developing diabetic macular edema.2 I consider Big Pharma meds to be a “last resort.” Click on these links for safe, natural alternatives to [blood pressure](1770d7/ct1_0/1/lu?sid=TV2%3A5gKUH13NU) and [diabetes](1770d7/ct2_0/1/lu?sid=TV2%3A5gKUH13NU) medications. Take the ignored test that can save your vision To protect your eyes, I recommend getting an exam called a macular pigment optical density, or MOPD. This test made early detection of AMD a reality. And that means you now have the power to prevent this devastating disease. The MOPD test checks how thick your pigment density is. Thick density protects your eyes. But thin pigment density means you’re in danger of getting AMD. If your MPOD test shows you have low-density pigment, you can take steps to address it. And you can do so without expensive prescription drugs or procedures. All you need is a simple adjustment to your diet. You see, our modern diet is the main cause of low MPOD. In recent decades, we’ve more than doubled the percentage of carbohydrates we consume. And that spells BIG trouble for your vision. One study from Tufts University found that people eating the most sugary carbs increased their risk of age- AMD by up to 42%.3 A second study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found an association between a diet full of carb-rich processed foods and AMD. Using data on 66 different kinds of foods, researchers identified two distinct eating patterns. One they labeled “Prudent” or healthy. The other, which included high levels of processed foods, grains, and other sugars was identified as “Western.” The incidence of late-stage AMD vision loss was three times higher in the group that ate a Western diet.4 3 simple steps to prevent AMD - Go super-low carb. Your body’s requirement for carbs is zero. This means no grains, including so-called “healthy” whole grains, no processed sugars, and no foods from a box or bag. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, peas, and corn. Also, beware of hidden carbs. These include cashews, pistachios, almonds, bananas, apples, pears, grapes, and oranges. - Eat more healthy fats. A study at the National Institutes of Health looked at the link between nutrition and AMD in more than 4,500 people. They found those who consumed the healthiest omega-3 fats from oily fish had the lowest rates of the disease.5 But it’s hard to get what you need from food. I recommend supplementing with 600 mg to 1,000 mg of omega-3s from squid oil daily. - Supplement with nature’s top two eyesight savers. The best nutrients for improving vision and protecting your eye health are lutein and zeaxanthin. In fact, your eyes can’t function without them. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the pigment density in the macula and therefore lower the risk of macular degeneration. Your best food sources for lutein and zeaxanthin are dark, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens. But it’s not easy getting enough of your food. I recommend supplementing with 20 mg of lutein and 1 mg of zeaxanthin. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS --------------------------------------------------------------- References: - Klein R, et al. “Vasodilators and blood pressure lowering medications and age-related macular degeneration: The Beaver Dam Eye Study.” Ophthalmology. 2014 Aug; 121(8): 1604–1611. - Idris I, et al. “Association between thiazolidinedione treatment and risk of macular edema among patients with type 2 diabetes.” Arch Intern Med. 2012 Jul 9;172(13):1005-11. - Chiu C, et al. “Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.” Am J Clin Nutr. July 2007; 86(1):180-188. - “Diet patterns and the incidence of age-related macular degeneration in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.” - Age-related Eye Disease Research Group. “Risk factors associated with AMD.” Ophthalmology. 2000;107(12): 2224–2232. alsearsmd@send.alsearsmd.com [Preferences | Unsubscribe](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3A5gKUH13NU) 11905 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411, United States