WebMD Blogs
Icon

Eye On Vision

Dr. Lloyd's blog has now been retired. We appreciate all the wisdom and support Dr. Lloyd has brought to the WebMD community throughout the years. Continue to get the latest information about vision by visiting the Eye Health Center. Talk with others about vision on the Eye & Vision Health: Member Discussion message board.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Need One More Good Reason to Quit?
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

1,519,086 people can't be wrong!

That's the number of brand new Medicare enrollees that were randomized to a population study designed to identify factors that lead to the development of macular degeneration. These were everyday people of all types with all kinds of health issues.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults. It affects millions of Americans but early treatment can preserve eyesight. More and more attention is now being paid to preventing ARMD.

I'll try not to bore you with the numbers (there are plenty of them), but when the health records of these 1,519,086 Seniors were analyzed, ARMD was statistically more common in:

  • Females
  • Caucasians
  • Diabetics
  • Heart-attack survivors
  • Hypertensives
  • Smokers
The statistical connection between heart attacks, smoking, and ARMD was significant. Future studies will be necessary to control for other lifestyle variables, but it is likely that the smoking+ARMD link will only strengthen.

Short of breath and blind in 2027? Quit kidding yourself and take action today! Most insurance plans will pay for smoking cessation treatments. Innovative medical and behavioral therapies can help you permanently end your addiction to nicotine.

SOURCE: Duan Y, Mo J, Klein R: Age-related macular degeneration is associated with incident myocardial infarction among elderly Americans. (in press) Ophthalmology 2007.

Related Topics:

Technorati Tags: , ,

Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 3:05 PM

Email This EMail This Discussion Discuss with others Link Link to this post

The opinions expressed in the WebMD Blogs are of the author and the author alone. They do not reflect the opinions of WebMD and they have not been reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance or objectivity. WebMD Blogs are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on WebMD. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.