Glaucoma,
a leading cause of blindness, is a condition where pressure commonly builds up
in the eye and affects the optic nerve. Recent research suggests that
statins-cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed to treat and prevent cardiovascular
disease-also lower intraocular pressure and promote blood flow to the optic
nerve, which may help lower glaucoma risk.
Researchers
from Brigham
and Women's Hospital in Boston have reported on a study in JAMA
Ophthalmology demonstrating that taking statins
for five or more years is associated with lower risk of primary open-angle
glaucoma. Their study suggests that there are possible protective associations
beyond cardiovascular conditions offered by long-term statin use. Statins may
strengthen neuroprotective mechanisms that prevent degeneration of cells in the
optic nerve. The results showed that use of statins for five years or longer,
versus never using statins, are associated with a 21 percent lower chance of
primary open-angle glaucoma and that elevated cholesterol levels may heighten
glaucoma risk. They also cautioned that the findings do not mean that individuals
with family histories of glaucoma should use statins or other cholesterol
medications for glaucoma prevention. Randomized clinical trials will
be needed to determine if a causal link exists between statin use and glaucoma
prevention before physicians can recommend statins for lowering risk of primary
open-angle glaucoma. Particularly in elderly populations, statins have
potential side effects, including risk of muscle damage and liver or kidney
dysfunction.
If
you or someone you know are concerned about your glaucoma risks please schedule
an eye exam and glaucoma testing at
D’Ambrosio
Eye Care at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio
Eye Care,
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.
