A common form of treatment for cholesterol is the use of statins, which are a medication to help lower LDL cholesterol. Statins work by blocking the substance that your body needs to produce cholesterol. Additionally, they help your body reabsorb cholesterol, which has formed plaques along the lining of your arteries.
New research suggests that cholesterol-lowering statins may have an additional benefit, and it has nothing to do with your heart.
Common statins help restore vision
New research has found that common statins may help restore vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common and leading eye problem, which contributes to blindness.
The findings come from researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School and the University of Crete who have already completed clinical trials in the investigation of statins as a means to restore vision.
The researchers found treating AMD with atorvastatin (80mg) was not only associated with a drop in LDL cholesterol, but patients also experienced improvements in vision. The findings further evidence that cholesterol and vision problems share a relationship, and reveal a possible new form of treatment for both conditions.
Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye and vision problem that comes with age. Anyone can develop age-related macular degeneration, but it doesn’t necessarily have to become a normal part of aging. AMD is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and commonly affects seniors over the age of 60. Seniors should be regularly undergoing eye exams in order to monitor their vision and make necessary adjustments to their lifestyle as well, including wearing prescription glasses.
Lead researcher Joan W. Miller noted that statins have the potential to remove lipid debris, which could be responsible for vision problems in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
The researchers are hopeful that their findings will go on to help the millions of patients who are affected by AMD.
Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration
As evident from the name, AMD worsens with age, and although you can’t control the aging process, there are other aspects that you can control to help lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration as well as prevent its onset. Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration include:
- Don’t smoke or stop smoking.
- Consume plenty of dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale.
- Take multivitamins, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Consume more fish.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat fruits and nuts daily.
- Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Protect your eyes from the sun and wear sunglasses.
- Get your eyes checked regularly.
By following these tips, you can better protect yourself against age-related macular degeneration, which doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging.
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Sources:
http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/cholesterol-lowering-drugs-can-be-used-to-treat-blindness-ag0216/
http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/statins/art-20045772
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/age-related-macular-degeneration-overview
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd-prevention.htm