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Can I have information regarding the use of Triesence (intravitreal Kenalog) injections for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration? My doctor started my treatment with Avastin in both eyes and then used Triesence in one eye (once only) but continued the 4-injection series in the other eye. [ 05/27/10 ]
There is evidence for the benefit of intravitreal Kenalog (triamcinolone) in combination with PDT (photodynamic therapy) for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. Currently, clinical trials are being conducted regarding the use of triple therapy (avastin, triamcinolone, and PDT) for choroidal neovascularization. You may want to ask your ophthalmologist why he or she used Triesence alone in one of your eyes. I have had dry macular degeneration for more than 4 years, and I take the AREDS formula as directed by my ophthalmologist. At this time, the disease progression appears stable. Approximately 5 years ago, I was treated by radiation for prostate cancer and my urologist does not want me to consume any zinc supplements because he says zinc has been associated with a recurrence of the aggressive form of the disease. My ophthalmologist says the zinc supplement is important for my eyes. I'm in a quandary. Can you offer any information? [ 05/26/10 ]
Your ophthalmologist is correct that zinc (in the AREDS dosage) has been proven to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. For patients with moderate dry AMD, the AREDS supplement decreased the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25% over a 5 year period, and decreased the risk of vision loss by 19%. However, if your urologist is concerned that the use of zinc may cause a recurrence of a life-threatening cancer, you may want to ask him or her about the specific evidence. Ultimately, if the medical evidence is contradictory, you will have to make your own choice regarding the use of zinc. I have early-stage macular degeneration and was told to take omega-3 supplements; however, I am allergic to fish. Does flaxseed oil have the same preventable ingredients in it and would it help prevent the progression of macular degeneration? [ 05/25/10 ]
The AREDS2 study, which is currently in progress, is studying the efficacy of omega-3 supplements in decreasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. The results of AREDS2 have not yet been published. There is no proven benefit at this time to using flaxseed oil in patients with AMD, nor is it currently being studied. Are there any vitamins, minerals or other supplements that would help to heal a macular hole? [ 05/24/10 ]
There is no evidence to support the use of vitamins or other supplements for the resolution of a macular hole. However, macular holes have been known to resolve spontaneously in some instances. Is it true that scientists in Australia have shown that vegetable oil in the diet (NOT fruit oils) causes macular degeneration? Why do companies use vegetable oils in manufacturing margarine, emulsifying sauces, mayonnaise, and other foods? Shouldn’t they switch to olive oil or other fruit oil to prevent much misery? [ 05/18/10 ]
I believe the report you are referring to speaks about a belief that the consumption of vegetable oil in the diet increases the risk of macular degeneration. There are, however, no published reports in the scientific databases, at present, in which detailed studies have been conducted to support this claim. As such, more research is needed from other independent groups before any definitive comments can be made concerning this issue. In the Chairman's Corner of your spring 2010 Macular Degeneration Research newsletter, Dr. Regan states that smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Are there any similar studies indicating a link between macular degeneration and smokeless forms of tobacco? [ 05/17/10 ]
After searching the scientific literature, I did not find any published reports specifically linking smokeless forms of tobacco to macular degeneration risk. However, it is important to point out, that the exact reason why smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration is not totally clear. Many believe the increased risk stems from the exposure of the eyes to the chemicals present in exhaled cigarette smoke, which in turn affect blood flow to the retina. Others point out that even with smokeless forms of tobacco one is still exposed to a number of toxic chemicals; however, the main difference is the route of exposure. For example, chemicals in smokeless tobacco would likely be absorbed into the bloodstream via the mouth. With this in mind, smokeless tobacco may alleviate the problem of exposure to toxins present in cigarette smoke, but it is quite possible that the toxins, once absorbed into the bloodstream, may still cause changes that contribute to increased risk of macular degeneration. My 37-year-old husband, who quit smoking 1 year ago, was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. His mother and two sisters, who are legally blind, were born with congenital cataracts and glaucoma. Could these conditions all be genetically related even though he has never shown signs of the other disorders? He drives semi-trucks for a living and his vision is critical. At such a young age, how long can we expect before the condition no longer allows him to pass eye exams for driving? Also, what steps can I take to prevent my son from developing this eye condition? [ 05/16/10 ]
Your husband is quite young to have age-related macular degeneration. However, there are many other causes of choroidal neovascularization (development of abnormal blood vessels that leak blood and fluid), including high myopia, eye infections, inflammatory disorders, and hereditary dystrophies. Without knowing more of your husband's history, and the specific type of macular degeneration that he has, I cannot speculate on any risks concerning your son. Current therapies for wet macular degeneration include anti-VEGF injections such as Lucentis and Avastin. With such treatments, many patients are able to preserve their central visual acuity. However, not all types of wet macular degeneration will respond equally well to these medications. Your husband's retinal specialist may be able to offer more insight into these excellent questions. Can the Avastin and Lucentis injections cause hallucinations, or is this symptom caused by the disease itself? My dad’s eye specialist said that his visual hallucinations are more frequent than normal. If the “visions” are scaring the patient and are very frequent is there a medication to treat the anxiety? What type of doctor should be contacted? His primary doctor suggested that my father contact an eye doctor, and the eye doctor said to contact a neurologist or psychologist. He already went to a neurologist and was told that his hallucinations were from his loss of sight related to macular degeneration. What do I do next? I am very confused and he needs help. [ 05/15/10 ]
Avastin and Lucentis injections have not been linked to visual hallucinations. In people with decreased vision due to a variety of causes (advanced macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc.), visual hallucinations may occur. This phenomenon is known as Charles Bonnet syndrome. If your father's hallucinations are related to anxiety, the best person to help manage his anxiety would be either his primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Search for a Question
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is a public service of the American Health Assistance Foundation, and should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Although we take efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice; all medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy. Some of the content in this section is adapted from other sources, which are clearly identified within each individual item of information. Last Reviewed On: 07/28/10 |
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