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March 22, 2024
New Mexico’s Legal & Financial Weekly
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Research Suggests An Eye-Heart Connection
Vol. 10.104 No. 12
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f you are like the majority of Americans, heart disease and eye disease run in your family. So you should know that a growing body of research suggests that eye and heart health are related. The latest study suggests that people with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are at significant risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. About AMD
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AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in people over 65 years old. There are two types of AMD. The type called dry AMD happens when the central area of the retina called the macula becomes damaged from the formation of small yellow cholesterol deposits under the retina. These deposits deprive the retina of blood and oxygen, leading to vision loss. The type of deposits the researchers believe are linked to heart disease are called subretinal drusenoid deposits. The new study adds to the list of several health conditions an eye exam may help detect. The Eye as a Window into Heart Health Blood vessels and nerves in the eyes are reflective of the rest of the body. That’s why medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes are sometimes first diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam.
stroke. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults Here’s what ophthalmologists want you to know about protecting both receive a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, and every year or two after age 65. your eye and heart health: 1. Eat well. A heart-healthy diet full of leafy greens and colorful fruits is also Eye Exams Can Save Lives. good for the eyes. Studies show foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower risk of certain eye diseases, EyeCare America Can Help including macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye. There could be good news for individuals age 65 or older who are concerned 2. Exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam: You may be exercise a day. For eye health, the science shows regular exercise can protect eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the your vision and, if you already have an eye disease, it can help you manage American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible it better. patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved 3. Know your family history. Early detection is key. Many leading causes of one qualifies, visit EyeCare America. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by blindness run in the family, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided Know your family history and share it with your ophthalmologist at your by Alcon and Regeneron. next eye exam. Learn More 4. Get routine eye exams. Seeing an ophthalmologist could do more than save your eyesight, it can also save your life. When David Hibler, Sr. went For more information, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america. to get his eyes checked, his ophthalmologist detected signs of a blood clot. Thanks to a thorough eye exam, Hibler got treated and avoided a potential -(NAPSI)