(Reuters Health) - In people who already have a genetic vulnerability, small-particle air pollution known as black carbon may raise the risk of developing glaucoma, a new study suggests. Researchers found that in older men with genetic variations that made them especially susceptible to oxidative stress, long-term exposure to black carbon, a pollutant linked to vehicle emissions and other products of combustion, was associated with higher pressures in the eye, according to the study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. “Oftentimes, when we think about glaucoma we think about risk factors like age and genetic predisposition and we don’t think about the environment,” said the study’s lead author, Jamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem, an MD/PhD candidate at the Harvard Medical School in Boston. “But one thing we’re starting to appreciate more is how the environment impacts health outcomes.” One area in which there hasn’t been a lot of research is the … [Read more...] about Small-particle air pollution may raise glaucoma risk in some
Risk factors of glaucoma
Cocoa Powder: Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits and Risks
iStock: nickpo What Is Cocoa Powder? Cocoa powder is the result of crushing cocoa beans and removing the cocoa butter. Cocoa beans are the seeds of the fruit of the cocoa tree—also called Theobroma cacao. In Greek, the genus name Theobroma translates to “food of the gods.” There are different varieties of cocoa beans, and the most common include the Forastero, Trinitario, and the Criollo. Forastero is native to the Amazon basin, and it accounts for nearly 80% to 85% of the world’s cocoa production. Criollo is a very high-quality and rare cocoa bean that is quite expensive and is used in luxury chocolate. It is native to South and Central America, and only accounts for about three percent to five percent of the world’s cocoa production. Last but not least, trinitario came into existence after a hurricane nearly destroyed the criollo crops of Trinidad in 1727. Whatever the variety, there are many potential cocoa powder health benefits. Cocoa powder is … [Read more...] about Cocoa Powder: Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits and Risks
Staying fit might cut glaucoma risk
(Reuters Health) - Meeting physical activity guidelines and being physically fit may reduce the risk of developing glaucoma by 40 percent to 50 percent, recent research suggests. Among nearly 10,000 people in a long-term study, even those who exercised less than the recommended 150 minutes per week had a lower risk of glaucoma than those who were completely sedentary, the study authors note in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. “Glaucoma is one of the most common eye disorders and causes of blindness, however, we don’t know much about how to prevent it,” said study coauthor Duck-chul Lee of Iowa State University in Ames. In glaucoma, the optic nerve becomes thinned. Current treatments aim to reduce intraocular, or inner-eye, pressure. Previous studies have noted that physical activity lowers that pressure. About half of Americans don’t meet the national physical guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity and two … [Read more...] about Staying fit might cut glaucoma risk
Oral omega-3 supplementation linked to a reduced risk of eye disease in young adults
Monday, July 02, 2018 by: Vicki Batts Tags: eye health, Fish Oil, food cures, longevity, natural remedies, nutrients, nutrition, omega 3, omega-3 fatty acids, prevention, supplements (Natural News) Omega-3 fatty acids are highly regarded for their health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health. But it turns out omega-3s have a lot more to offer and can be highly beneficial to a set of organs that are often overlooked: the eyes. Researchers from Australia have found that healthy, young adults who supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids exhibit a reduced risk of eye disease as they age. Keeping your peepers healthy as you get on in years is a top concern, especially since the number of people who are affected by age-related deterioration is on the rise. Millions of people are affected by some form of age-related vision impairment. How many cases of eye disease could be prevented with better nutrition? Omega-3 supplements support eye health long-term The … [Read more...] about Oral omega-3 supplementation linked to a reduced risk of eye disease in young adults
Lasik’s Risks Are Coming Into Sharper Focus
Sections SEARCH Skip to content Skip to site index Well Subscribe Log In Subscribe Log In Advertisement Supported by Some patients who undergo the eye surgery report a variety of side effects. They may persist for years, studies show. ByRoni Caryn Rabin June 11, 2018 Ever since he had Lasik surgery two years ago, Geobanni Ramirez sees everything in triplicate. The surgery he hoped would improve his vision left the 33-year-old graphic artist struggling with extreme light sensitivity, double vision and visual distortions that create halos around bright objects and turn headlights into blinding starbursts. His eyes are so dry and sore that he puts drops in every half-hour; sometimes they burn “like when you’re chopping onions.” His night vision is so poor that going out after dark is treacherous. But Mr. Ramirez says that as far as his surgeon is concerned, he is a success story. “My vision is considered … [Read more...] about Lasik’s Risks Are Coming Into Sharper Focus