Skip to main content

Nitrates May Help Lower Glaucoma Risk, Study Finds

By Dr. Kevin -


A recent American Journal of Ophthalmology study reveals a potential protective role of chronic oral nitrate use against open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Analyzing real-world data, researchers found that long-term nitrate use was associated with a significantly lower risk of OAG and primary open-angle glaucoma at three and five years, but had no effect at one year. This suggests nitrates may influence glaucoma pathogenesis beyond IOP reduction.A study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that people who regularly take oral nitrates (like nitroglycerin) for heart disease had a lower risk of developing open-angle glaucoma (OAG) after three and five years, though not after just one year. They also needed glaucoma medications less often during that time.

Researchers looked at data from over 30,000 patients with heart disease. Those taking nitrates had slightly lower rates of glaucoma compared to those who didn’t. However, nitrate use didn’t seem to affect the risk of ocular hypertension (OHT), a related condition.

The study suggests nitrates might help protect the optic nerve by improving blood flow and reducing stress on nerve cells. But since it’s an observational study, more research is needed to prove if nitrates actually prevent glaucoma or slow its progress.




Comments

Post a Comment

Leave a Comment or Question:

Popular posts from this blog

IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS APPEARS BETTER THAN LASIK OR PRK FOR MODERATE TO HIGH MYOPIC PATIENTS

By Dr. Kevin -
Image
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab007679.html The results of this review suggest that the implantable lens (ICL) is are safer than excimer laser (the laser used in PRK and LASIK) surgical correction for moderate to high myopia in the range of -6.0 to -20.0 D and ICL is preferred by patients. ICL surgery resulted in better corrected visual acuity, better contrast sensitivity, and improved patient satisfaction. ICL may also be considered in cases where the patient has more moderate near-sightedness (in the range of -3.00 to -6.00). My personal experience with ICL gives me a high level of confidence in this procedure and the surgeon with whom I co-manage. All patients I have seen have been 20/20 or better. One patient was in the -6.00 range and the others in the -10 range! I see very little side effects. For more information, feel free to our office at 480-812-2211.
Read more

RINSING YOUR CONTACT LENS CASE IS NOT ENOUGH

By Dr. Kevin -
Image
Removal of biofilm from contact lens storage cases -- Wu et al., 10.1167/iovs.10-5796 -- Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science It has been conventional wisdom amongst eye doctors that most infections related to contact lenses actually originate from the contact lens storage case. I usually recommend rinsing the case after use and filling with fresh solution. However, it appears that thoroughly rubbing the inside of the case with clean fingers helps remove most of the biofilm on which the bacteria grow. I also usually recommend replacing one's case on a regular basis. I am surprised how many new patients come into my office with grimy, dirty contact lens cases. According to this study: "digital rubbing and rinsing, and/or wiping the lens cases with tissue are recommended. Air-drying and recapping the lens case lids after use without any additional cleaning methods or the use of antimicrobial cases should be discouraged."
Read more