Research has recently accelerated as the first baby boomers have entered late middle age, the years when macular degeneration typically strikes. Estimates show as many as 6.3 million Americans could suffer from the condition by 2030.

The disease comes in two forms, called "wet" and "dry." About 70 percent of patients have the dry form, a thinning of the macular tissues and changes in its pigmentation. The rest have the wet condition, with bleeding in and around the retina, opaque deposits and scar tissue.

Much about the condition, its causes, treatment and prevention, remains a mystery. Smoking is certainly linked to the wet form of the disease.

Dietary factors
Some research has associated macular degeneration with high levels of saturated fat, low carotenid pigments and other dietary substances. Dr. Matthew Benz, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Baylor College of Medicine, recommends a diet of fresh fruit and dark green, leafy vegetables (like collards and spinach). But, Benz also warns patients against commercial products that claim to prevent or cure the condition.

"There are many purported treatments and cures with no science behind them," Benz said. "People should be very skeptical of all these claims."

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Question from : Chantelle

My 4 year old son was diagnosed with amblyopia due to ametropia 3 weeks ago. His precription is +7.75 R eye +2.25 L eye, he recieved glasses and has been wearing a patch 4 hours every night. His Doctor wants to put him in contact lenses, how successful are they compared to glasses and are they a better treatment option.

Dr. Webber:

They are both equally good, but your son will probably like the contacts more since they will not be in his way. Optically, he MUST have correction on every waking hour and the patch is very important. You may want to consider seeing an Optometrist that specializes in Vision Therapy as well.

Question from : Katrina Woods

I am 29, and I was born with a left lazy eye as well as congenitial cataract Im I destined to be this way or is there truly a corrective solution and about how costly would the solution be?

Dr. Webber:

That cataract can be removed and if the eye is turned, it can also be surgically corrected. However, the best visual acuity would not be determined until the cataract is removed. If the eye is Amblyopic, which means it has reduced visual abilities, then which you may look better, you may not have great vision in that eye. See an eye doctor for his opinion.

A new study has revealed that a compound called leutine that is found in eggs helps to ward off muscular degeneration, which is one of the major causes of blindness.

American biochemist and nutrition researcher Donald McNamara said that leutine is a plant chemical found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks, that helps protect the eye against damage from ultraviolet rays and other light as well.

A study of people who ate six eggs a week over a period of three months measured an increase in the amount of macular pigment density, which means that leutine accumulates in the eye, thus preventing macular degeneration. McNamara went on to explain that leutine from egg yolks is more easily absorbed by the body than most other sources. "You get almost three times more into the blood stream from eggs than from spinach and other vegetables," concluded McNamara.

The Times of India

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Approximately 18.2 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Of those, 13 million have been diagnosed, and the remaining 5.2 million are estimated to have type 2 but not know it.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are nearly 300 million people with diabetes worldwide.

Diabetes causes more blindness in people under age 65 than any other disease.

While type 1 diabetes is a result of genetics, type 2 can be delayed or prevented with weight reduction, exercise programs and dietary changes.

Walking 30 minutes daily and shedding excess pounds can cut the risk of diabetes by 58%, according to the U.S. Department of Human Services.

For more information:
American Diabetes Association
1-800-DIABETES
http://diabetes.org/

Early treatment keeps eyes safe, patients own bone marrow cells can cure blindness and much more.