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 aspirin as part of their overall care by their primary care or other
specialty physicians. Seniors are also well 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 gave
us good insight into the conclusions that overall, the types and size of
studies showing the positive benefits of aspirin use for cardiovascular health
were quite a bit better that the smaller limited studies showing a possible
adverse effect of aspirin use in relation to AMD. The benefits of aspirin usage
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 D’Ambrosio Eye
Care at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care,
Google+
or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.
D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout
greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479
Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite
119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton,
Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main
Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester,
Massachusetts 01609
