Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most frequent eye infection in AIDS patients, and can lead to blindness if untreated. Ganciclovir (Cytovene) and foscarnet (Foscavir) are the only approved drugs to treat it, and many may not be cured. Vitamin A deficiency causes xerophthalmia (severely dry eyes) in 10 million people yearly worldwide. This vitamin deficiency is the leading cause of blindness in children in developing countries. Vitamin supplements can reduce death by 30%. The leading causes of blindness in Western countries are unoperated cataracts, glaucoma and retinal degeneration in older people. There is a high rate of unoperated cataracts in young blacks and the elderly. Optic neuritis, concentrated in patients ages 15 to 45 years, has symptoms of visual loss and pain when the eyes are moved. The usual treatment, steroid therapy, may increase risk for future attacks and not cause much improvement. New instruments allow corneal surgery without damage to nearby tissues. Improvements in cataract surgery allow faster recovery and fewer complications.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be involved in diabetic retinopathy. This disease of the retina is caused by the formation of new blood vessels, which is possibly induced by low oxygen levels. Intensive blood sugar control may reduce the incidence of diabetic retinopathy and slow its progression in those who have it. Diabetic patients may be given aspirin to lower their increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis. Research has shown that aspirin does not adversely affect the retina. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve associated with increased pressure inside the eye. Dorzolamide is a glaucoma drug that blocks the formation of new fluid and latanoprost may effectively treat glaucoma by increasing the flow of fluid out of the eye. HIV-infected patients have a high risk of cytomegalovirus infection of the retina, which is treated with ganciclovir or foscarnet. Photorefractive keratectomy changes the shape of the cornea and can restore 20/40 vision to 95% of those who have the procedure.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
Two genes have been discovered that may play a role in open-angle glaucoma. Two drugs were also approved for the treatment of this condition: brimonidine tartrate and latanoprost. Trachoma is a serious cause of blindness throughout the world. A single dose of azithromycin may be as effective as 6 weeks of topical tetracycline, which would make the eradication of this disease possible. Age-related macular degeneration is common in the elderly and research has shown that cigarette smoking may increase the risk. Ganciclovir implants and the drug cidofovir were approved for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: