Sunglasses . . . More Important to the Health of Your Eyes Than You May Think

While a lot of people consider sunglasses a fashion accessory, the real benefit of donning your shades is protection from the sun's harmful rays.

While a lot of people consider sunglasses a fashion accessory, the real benefit of donning your shades is protection from the sun's harmful rays. Over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light should be of particular concern to the aging population because it is one of the primary risk factors for a disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

The macula is responsible for our ability to see with enough detail to read, drive, watch television, perceive colors and perform other activities that require focused, straight-ahead vision. AMD causes damage to this area of the eye.

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of patients with AMD have the "wet"
type, which can lead rapidly to severe and permanent loss of central vision. Wet AMD is the number one cause of untreatable blindness in people over age 60. Wet AMD results from the rapid growth of abnormal blood vessels, resulting in lesions in the eye that can lead to visual impairment and blindness.

The symptoms of wet AMD often occur suddenly and grow worse in a short period of time. The classic early warning sign reported by patients with wet AMD is a visual distortion in which straight lines appear to be crooked or wavy. As the disease progresses, details are seen less clearly or not at all, and central vision is increasingly distorted and/or blurred. Eventually, a small blind spot can develop in the center of vision and grow in size until central vision is permanently lost.

While there is not yet a cure for wet AMD, there are a few approved therapies available to treat the disease, and more treatments under investigation. One of the investigational therapies is made by Alcon, Inc., the world's leading eye care company. Alcon has been conducting retinal research for more than 15 years and is seen as a trusted partner by eye care professionals. Their new candidate treatment for wet AMD, Retaane 15 mg (anecortave acetate for depot suspension), belongs to a new class of compounds called angiostatic cortisenes. Unlike other treatments for wet AMD, angiostatic cortisenes treat the disease by stopping lesion growth regardless of the cause; this activity helps prevent further damage to the retina and preserve vision.

In addition, Retaane does not use an injection or laser surgery to treat the disease - these methods increase the risk of damage to the retina, which can lead to blindness. It is administered onto the outer surface of the back of the eye using a specially designed, curved instrument and requires less frequent administration (once every six months) compared to some other investigational treatments, which are administered as often as nine to 12 times a year. Once approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Retaane will be available to consumers mid-2005.

"When approved, I believe treatment with Retaane for people with wet AMD could be a breakthrough for the disease,"
said Jason S. Slakter, M.D., of the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York. "The drug has the potential to provide safe and effective long-term therapy for people with this disease. Also, because it works differently than other approved or investigational drugs currently in development for wet AMD, its profile may be superior for long-term treatment."

The U.S. population age 65 and older is expected to increase from 34 million to 70 million by the year 2030. As the population ages and the nation's largest generation - the Baby Boomers - enter their later years, many experts fear that macular degeneration will reach epidemic proportions because the primary risk factor for macular degeneration is advancing age. As many as one-third of people over age 75, and 47 percent of people age 85 and older, likely will develop the disease.

If you experience any AMD symptoms - slightly blurred central vision, not seeing details clearly, or straight lines that appear to be crooked or wavy - see your eye care professional. The National Eye Institute has recommended that all people age 55 or older have an annual dilated eye exam to test for warning signs of macular degeneration. This test can be performed by your eye care professional.

What can you do, starting this season, to avoid this devastating disease? For one, wear your sunglasses. Exposing your eyes to UV light for extended periods of time can increase your risk of developing AMD. Secondly, quit smoking. Smokers are at greater risk for AMD, and also may experience more rapid progression of the disease than nonsmokers. Thirdly, eat your vegetables. You have heard it before, but here is another good reason - there is evidence that antioxidant vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc may be important nutrients for preventing and/or lessening the severity of AMD. Lastly, and most importantly, see your eye care professional regularly. Now more than ever, you need to take an active role when it comes to your health care. Make your eye health a priority.

For more information, please contact the Retaane News Bureau at (312) 856-8888.

Courtesy of ARA Content
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