Questions & Answers

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The EyePromise supplement is based on the AREDS II formulation of eye vitamins, which is currently being studied in clinical trials. The original AREDS formulation was shown in clinical trials to have a beneficial effect in reducing the rate of progression of dry age-related macular degeneration to the wet form of the disease. The results of the AREDS II study are still pending, and the efficacy of the EyePromise supplement will be better understood when those results are released.

Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure has not been proven to directly affect the development or progression of macular degeneration. The cornea and lens absorb most of the UV rays that enter the eye. However, studies on the effect of sunlight exposure on macular degeneration have been mixed, and some studies indicate that sunlight exposure can increase the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration. Sunlight contains multiple forms of light rays in addition to UV rays. In addition, sunlight exposure can worsen cataracts, which also contribute to decreased vision especially in macular degeneration patients. Therefore, wearing a hat or sunglasses would be recommended.