Questions & Answers

I believe you are referring to the Lipshitz telescopic eye implant –LMI, developed in Chennai, India by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz. Though the device has not been widely tested in the U.S., there is a review published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (volume 34, issue 1, pgs. 87-94), which says based on preliminary testing of the device, “the surgery and visual recovery were quick, and the improvement in quality of life was significant.”

This treatment may not be of benefit to all patients with macular degeneration; therefore, it is difficult to conclude whether or not the procedure is satisfactory overall if the number of patients that have been tested is low. This is quite a new technique that has not been used widely in the U.S., thus it is expected that present opinion regarding its success may vary from specialist to specialist.

VitEyes AREDS formula plus lutein is said to contain no yeast, wheat gluten, lactose, soy protein, etc. You can find more information about this supplement on their website. Click on the tab for “supplement facts” and you can find all of the included ingredients listed there. It would also be prudent to contact them personally with your questions.

Plaquenil use above a certain dosage can cause retinal toxicity. Risk factors for Plaquenil retinopathy include a daily dose of greater than 6.5mg/kg (ideal body weight), longer than 10 years of use, liver dysfunction, and kidney dysfunction. Early findings of Plaquenil toxicity include changes in the retinal pigment epithelium of the macula, which can appear similar to early macular degeneration. Both diseases can result in a decrease in visual acuity. It is recommended that patients using long-term Plaquenil be monitored with a dilated eye exam and visual field test every 6 months if they are at high risk, or annually if they are low risk. If any sign of Plaquenil toxicity is noted, the drug should be discontinued in order to prevent progression of the retinopathy.

There is no known link between Cialis and macular degeneration. Cialis is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that has been reported to cause mild and transient blurred vision, blue-tinged vision and altered light perception. However, there is no evidence describing any association between Cialis use and macular degeneration.

Niacin acts as a vasodilator. Therefore, there has been interest in niacin's potential in the treatment of retinal diseases associated with decreased blood flow and ocular ischemia. However, niacin in large doses has been associated with a type of cystoid macular edema (CME) that can result in decreased vision. This type of CME, which does not leak during a fluoroscein angiography test, is not directly related to wet macular degeneration, but can certainly contribute to vision loss when superimposed on macular degeneration.

Formaldehyde has not been associated with macular degeneration; however, as you mentioned, external exposure to formaldehyde vapors can cause eye irritation and tearing.

Though the glasses may be somewhat annoying, they are most effective if worn at all times during daylight, even though it is believed that the most damaging sun rays occur between 10 and 4. One should be sure to make sure the glasses are approved for use while driving. Although the lenses can reduce glare and improve contrast, one must be sure that they don't impede the ability to distinguish between colors on traffic signals.

It is also relevant to note that if the sunglasses seem too bothersome, there are other options available such as visor hats. The sun glasses are also available in different styles including clip-ons, wrap-arounds, etc.

Yes, it is believed that smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke in any form is bad when it comes to risk of developing macular degeneration. As such, exposure to heavy second-hand smoking is thought to possibly contribute or impact development of macular degeneration.

To my knowledge, marijuana use has yet to be studied with regard to its impact on macular degeneration.