Glaucoma,
a leading cause of blindness, is a condition where pressure 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
The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care
& Surgery Center,
or
facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.
The Eye Care & Surgery Center is an affiliate of Prism Vision
Group and is located at 592
Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren,
New Jersey 07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
