How common is vision impairment?

Photo of child with vision impairment drawing on an easelVision impairment is not very common among children. To learn just how common it is, CDC is tracking the number of children with vision impairment in a five-county area in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. This activity is part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program (MADDSP). In 1996, an estimated 1.4 per 1,000 8-year-olds in metro Atlanta, or about 1 in 715, had vision impairment. In 2000, the prevalence was an estimated 1.2 per 1,000, or about 1 in 833, 8-year-olds. About one half (2000) to two thirds (1996) of children with vision impairment also had one or more other developmental disabilities tracked by MADDSP.
CDC also studied how many children in metropolitan Atlanta were legally blind in the mid-1980s. This project was done as part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Study (MADDS), which studied how common certain disabilities were in 10-year-old children. We found that nearly 7 of every 10,000 children 10 years of age had legal blindness. Two-thirds of the children also had another disability, such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy.

Vision impairment is more common in older people than in children.. A 2002 report by the National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America estimates that more than 1 million people ages 40 years or older in the United States are blind (best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse or a visual field of less than 20 degrees). Another 2.4 million are visually impaired (best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse). The report states that the number of adults with vision impairment likely will double over the next 30 years.

What causes vision impairment? Can it be prevented?

Vision impairment can be caused by damage to the eye itself that affects its ability to receive or process visual information. Impairment can also be due to the eye being shaped incorrectly, which can make it harder to focus on things. Vision impairment can also occur if the brain does not process visual information correctly. Vision impairment can occur anytime during a person’s life, even before birth.

CDC studied the causes of low vision and blindness in 3- to 10-year old children in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. We found that most of the causes happened before the child was born or before they were 1 month old. The most common cause was retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which refers to abnormal blood vessel growth or scarring of the retina of the eye. Children who are born very early or who have very low birth weight are most at risk of having this condition. ROP usually gets better on its own before severe damage can occur, and if not, it can often be treated. However, a small percentage of children with ROP have a severe form and will have low vision or blindness. Other common causes of vision impairment found in the CDC study were albinism (a genetic condition that results in decreased skin pigmentation and affects parts of the eye), hydrocephalus (a condition in which there is too much fluid in the brain), congenital cytomegalovirus (a viral infection that occurs before a baby is born), and birth asphyxia (where a baby does not get enough oxygen before or during birth).

The most common causes of vision impairment among adults in the United States are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes in which the blood vessels in the retina break down, leak, or become blocked, leading to vision impairment. Age-related macular degeneration affects the part of the retina that is responsible for sharp central vision. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, which is normally clear. Glaucoma is increased fluid and pressure within the eye that leads to enlargement of the eyeball. The risk of vision loss from many of these conditions can often be reduced if the condition is found early and treated.

If you would like to learn more about a specific genetic condition that you think could cause vision impairment, you can go to the National Library of Medicine’s Genetics Home Reference Web site. Information on each genetic condition includes symptoms, how common it is, related genes, treatments, and links to resources where you can learn more about the condition. The Genetics Home Reference also can help you learn more about genetics, including genetic testing, genetic counseling, and gene therapy.

You can search for CDC guidelines on preventing vision impairment by visiting the “CDC Recommends: The Prevention Guidelines System” Web site. The guidelines include information about vision problems caused by diabetes, infections, eye injuries caused by fireworks, and other topics.

Healthy People 2010 is a national effort to promote health and prevent disease. It includes goals related to vision impairment, such as preventing eye injuries, increasing the number of people who have their eyes examined, decreasing the number of children under 17 years old who are blind or visually impaired, decreasing the number of people who lose their vision due to diabetes, and others. The National Eye Institute (NEI) has created a Web site named “Healthy Vision 2010″ that provides more information about the vision-related goals in Healthy People 2010.

Full article and more information at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddvi.htm

Financial Aid for Eye Care

Many state and national resources regularly provide aid to people with vision problems. The National Eye Institute, which supports eye research, does not help individuals pay for eye care. However, if you are in need of financial aid to assess or treat an eye problem, you might contact one or more of the following programs.

You may also contact a social worker at a local hospital or other community agency. Social workers often are knowledgeable about community resources that can help people facing financial and medical problems.
Eye Exams and Surgery

* EyeCare America, a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Provides comprehensive eye exams and care for up to one year, often at no out-of-pocket expense to eligible callers through its seniors and Diabetes EyeCare Programs. Its Glaucoma EyeCare Program provides a glaucoma eye exam. The EyeCare America Children’s EyeCare Program educates parents and primary care providers about the importance of early childhood (newborn through 36 months of age) eye care. Telephone: 1-800-222-EYES (3937). Website: http://eyecareamerica.org.
* VISION USA, coordinated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), provides free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Telephone: 1-800-766-4466. Website: http://www.aoa.org/x5607.xml.
* Lions Clubs International provides financial assistance to individuals for eye care through local clubs. A local club can be found by using the “club locator” button found on their website at http://www.LionsClubs.org.
* Mission Cataract USA, coordinated by the Volunteer Eye Surgeons’ Association, is a program providing free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Surgeries are scheduled annually on one day, usually in May. Telephone: 1-800-343-7265. Website: http://www.missioncataractUSA.org.
* Knights Templar Eye Foundation provides assistance for eye surgery for people who are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources. Mailing address: 1000 East State Parkway, Suite I, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Telephone: (847) 490-3838. Website: http://www.knightstemplar.org/ktef/ktef-faq.htm#contact.
* InfantSEE® is a public health program designed to ensure early detection of eye conditions in babies. Member optometrists provide a free comprehensive infant eye assessment to children younger than one year. Telephone: 1-888-396-3937. Website: http://www.infantsee.org.

Eyeglasses

* Sight for Students, a Vision Service Plan (VSP) program provides eye exams and glasses to children 18 years and younger whose families cannot afford vision care. Telephone: 1-888-290-4964. Website: http://www.sightforstudents.org/.
* New Eyes for the Needy provides vouchers for the purchase of new prescription eyeglasses. Mailing address: 549 Millburn Avenue, P.O. Box 332, Short Hills, NJ 07078-0332. Telephone: (973) 376-4903. E-mail: neweyesfortheneedy@verizon.net. Website: http://www.neweyesfortheneedy.org.

Prescription Drugs

* The Medicine Program assists people to enroll in one or more of the many patient assistance programs that provide prescription medicine free-of-charge to those in need. Patients must meet the sponsor’s criteria. The program is conducted in cooperation with the patient’s doctor. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4182, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902-4182. Telephone: 1-866-694-3893. E-mail: help@themedicineprogram.com. Website: http://www.themedicineprogram.com.
* Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Telephone: 1-888-477-2669. Website: https://www.pparx.org.

Government Programs

* Medicare Benefit for Eye Exams
For People with Diabetes — People with Medicare who have diabetes can get a dilated eye exam to check for diabetic eye disease. Your doctor will decide how often you need this exam.
For People at Risk for Glaucoma — Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss. People at high risk for glaucoma include those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, or African Americans age 50 or older. Medicare will pay for an eye exam to check for glaucoma once every 12 months.
Patients must pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible. Telephone: 1-800-633-4227. Website: http://www.medicare.gov.
* State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
For little or no cost, this insurance pays for doctor visits, prescription medicines, hospitalizations, and much more for children 18 years and younger. Most states also cover the cost of dental care, eye care, and medical equipment. Telephone: 1-877-543-7669. Insure Kids Now! Website: http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.asp.

Source: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid.asp

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is the Federal government’s lead agency for vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments and plays a key role in reducing visual impairment and blindness.

From The Eye Digest published by University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary

Several vitamins, minerals (green leafy vegetable ingredients) and herbs have used in an attempt to treat or prevent the development of cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Although anecdotal evidence abounds, the lack of large scale controlled trials make definite recommendations difficult. This is not surprising since most of the aging eye diseases progress slowly and a multitude of factors (genetic and environmental) affect their development and progression, so that it becomes very difficult to isolate the influence of a specific vitamin or mineral on this process. On this page we discuss the nutrients that over time have been suggested to play a possible role.
In the absence of specific contraindications and side effects, most physicians seem it reasonable to use these nutrients as an adjunct to specific medical therapy – i.e. “can’t hurt and might help” approach. Perhaps the most reasonable recommendation would be to increase the dietary intake of green leafy vegetables (for Carotenoids) and fruits & vegetables like carrots and cantaloupe which have reddish pigment (for beta-Carotene). There is a risk however. Patients affected by these diseases are willing to grasp at any straw in desperation, because in advanced disease medical therapy seems to offer so little hope. This is especially true for macular degeneration and glaucoma. Therefore, despite claims of cure with expensive alternative treatments, refrain from unreasonable expectations is prudent.
Tips for the Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions
There is concern about eating green leafy vegetables if you are on Warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner. Warfarin reduces the ability of blood to clot by blocking Vitamin K; however, large amounts of Vitamin K can overcome the effects of warfarin. Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K. According to the National Stroke Association, patients taking Warfarin do not need to avoid foods that are high in vitamin K– rather, they should avoid against abruptly changing the amount of vitamin K-rich foods consumed since the changes in vitamin K intake can alter the effect of warfarin, making warfarin ineffective (too much vitamin K in the diet) or causing bleeding (too little vitamin K in the diet). If you eat a relatively constant amount of green vegetables then Warfarin levels would be unlikely to fluctuate.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-Carotene (pro-Vitamin A) and Carotenoids (Lutein & Zeaxanthin) are strong antioxidants i.e. they protect the eye against free radical damage. It seems reasonable to assume that strengthening of the eye defences by increasing the intake of these vitamins would be helpful in preventing the chronic AgingEye diseases. Recent well designed and controlled studies seem to support this assumption. Lycopene (a different type of carotenoid found in tomatoes) protects against prostate cancer and heart disease – therefore the protective effect of these vitamins is not just restricted to the eye.
Nutritional supplements and Macular Degeneration
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major study sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI). In the study, scientists looked at the effects of zinc and antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E & beta carotene i.e. provitamin-A), on patients with cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein was not part of this study because during the planning stages in the early 1990s, lutein and zeaxanthin were not commercially available.
The study reported a beneficial effect of antioxidants + zinc in patients who have moderate to advanced macular degeneration (i.e. those who have extensive intermediate size drusen or at least 1 large drusen or geographic atrophy in 1 or both eyes, or visual acuity worse than 20/32 attributable to macular degeneration). The study showed that treatment with antioxidants + zinc reduced the risk of progression of moderate macular degeneration to advanced macular degeneration by 25%. (see graph). Vitamin supplements do not provide as much benefit to patients with minimal macular degeneration. These nutritional supplements do not prevent the development of macular degeneration, nor can one recover vision already lost to macular degeneration. In this study, nutritional supplements do not seem to prevent cataracts, or to keep them from getting worse over time, although other studies have shown such a beneficial affects. The dose of vitamin C used was about 5 times what the general population receives from diet alone. The dose of vitamin E was about 13 times the recommended daily allowance and the dose of zinc was about 5 times the recommended daily allowance. These levels of zinc and vitamins C and E generally can be obtained only by supplementation.
While most patients in the study experienced no serious side effects from the doses of zinc and antioxidants used, a few taking zinc alone had urinary tract problems that required hospitalization. Some patients taking large doses of antioxidants experienced some yellowing of the skin. The long-term effects of taking large doses of these supplements are still unknown.
If you have intermediate (or advanced macular degeneration in one eye only), talk to your physician about taking nutritional supplements. Your doctor can help you determine if they may be beneficial-and safe-for you, and what types and doses of supplements to take. The doses used in the study were: Vitamin C 500 mg, Vitamin E 400 IU, Beta-carotene 15 mg, Zinc 80 mg, as zinc oxide, Copper 2 mg, as cupric oxide (copper should be taken with zinc, because high-dose zinc is associated with copper deficiency). Ophthalmologists and others prescribing the AREDS formula to their patients should recognize that this is not a multivitamin; if the patient needs additional vitamins (e.g., B vitamins or vitamin D), other products must be used. To know more about the NEI macular degeneration study read or print the NIH News Release about this study or view the video.
It is very important to talk with your physician before taking large-dose supplements, and to follow the dosage recommendations carefully. Megadoses of vitamins have well defined health risks. Some supplements may interfere with each other or other medications. Smokers and ex-smokers probably should not take beta-carotene, as studies have shown a link between beta-carotene use and lung cancer among smokers.
An estimated 8 million persons at least 55 years old in the United States have intermediate or advanced macular degeneration. Of these 8 million, 1.3 million would develop advanced macular degeneration if no treatment were given to reduce their risk. If all of these people at risk received supplements such as those used in AREDS, more than 300 000 of them would avoid advanced macular degeneration and any associated vision loss during the next 5 years.

AgingEye Times recommendation: We urge clinicians to be cautious when advising patients with macular degeneration regarding the benefits of ocular vitamin/mineral supplements. These nutrients are not a cure for macular degeneration, nor will they restore vision already lost from the disease, but they may help some people at high risk for developing advanced macular degeneration keep their vision. Based on data from AREDS, persons older than 55 years should have dilated eye examinations to determine their risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. Patients who have moderately advanced macular degeneration and are not current or past smokers, should consider taking a supplement of antioxidants plus zinc. In patients who have early macular degeneration, it seems reasonable to defer consideration of supplementation. If patients with early macular degeneration choose to take the supplements, then they must understand that their decision to do so is not supported by a demonstrated benefit and any presumed beneficial effect on preventing the progression of macular degeneration is mere speculation. Approximately 80% of Americans older than age 70 will fall in the low-risk group of early or no macular degeneration.
All patients should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and in particular they should be informed by they clinician on the dietary sources rich in these carotenoids. We further recommend patients to wear UV protective lenses and a hat or cap when outdoors and suggest they see their primary care physician to treat any hypertension, hypercholesterolemia or potentially compromising vascular disease.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin role in Eye Disease Prevention
The macula is yellow in color due to the presence of pigment, which is composed of two dietary carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. By absorbing blue-light, lutein and zeaxanthin pigments protect the photoreceptor cells of the retina from light damage. In addition, lutein & zeaxanthin are antioxidants, able to prevent free-radical damage to the macula. If the macula has more lutein and zeaxanthin, the protection against light damage is also greater. The macular pigment can be increased in by either increasing the intake of foods that are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, such as dark-green leafy vegetable, or by supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin.
While the assumption that increasing the intake of lutein or zeaxanthin may protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration has a strong scientific basis, a causative relationship has yet to be unequivocally demonstrated in rigorous controlled studies. Given the evidence to date, the advice to increase the intake of lutein & zeaxanthin seems reasonable
A number of studies intended to examine trends in a population suggest a link between lutein and decreased risk of eye disease:
● In 1994, a National Eye Institute (NEI)-supported study indicated that consumption of
foods rich in carotenoids — particularly green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, kale,
and spinach — was associated with a reduced risk of developing macular degeneration.
● In 1999, data from the Nurses Health Study showed a reduced likelihood of cataract
surgery with increasing intakes of lutein and another carotenoid –zeaxanthin.
● In 1999, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found a trend toward a lower risk of
cataract extraction with higher intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin.
● In 1999, a follow-up to an NEI-supported population-based study — called the Beaver
Dam Study — concluded that people with diets higher in lutein and zeaxanthin had a lower
risk of developing cataract.
● In 2001, data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported
that higher intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin among people ages 40-59 may be associated
with a reduced risk of advanced macular degeneration.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin were not part of this AREDS (macular degeneration study) because during the planning stages in the early 1990s, lutein and zeaxanthin were not commercially available. Therefore, the recently released results of the macular degeneration study could not advice on lutein. At present the National Eye Institute is conducting a clinical trial to determine the role of lutein on eye health.
It seems reasonable to conclude that the trends and available evidence to date supports a beneficial affect for lutein in preventing eye diseases. The Lutein Information Bureau website has extensive information on lutein.

Nutritional supplements and Cataracts
Compared with nonusers, the risk for cataract is 60% lower among persons who use multivitamins or any supplement containing vitamin C or E for more than 10 years. Use of vitamins for shorter duration is not associated with reduced risk for cataract (Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118:1556-63). Vitamin C reduces the risk of cortical cataracts in women aged 60 years or less & carotenoids reduce the risk of posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) in women who have never smoked (Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:540-9). A recent research report also suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin (the only carotenoids found in the lens) may retard aging of the lens (Arch Ophthalmol 2002;120:1732-7). Higher intakes of protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin (i.e. vitamin B-complex) are associated with reduced prevalence of nuclear cataract (Ophthalmology 2000;107:450-6).
The combined weight of the evidence suggests that long-term use of vitamin supplements (containing vitamin-C, E and carotenoids) may be of value in delaying cataract development.
Years ago, Nobel laureate Linus Pauling advocated megadoses (1,000 to 2,000 mg per day) of Vitamin C to fend off colds and prevent cancer. Studies have found no benefit from such massive doses of vitamin C, but a different line of research suggests that just a little extra might be a good thing for women’s eyes. Any protective effect of vitamin C probably occurs well above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 75 mg/day for women, about the amount in an orange (Women who smoke need more vitamin C 110 mg/day).
Research by the Nutrition and Vision Project (NVP), a cooperative effort of Harvard and Tufts University scientists, has found that women who consume higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin C may lower their risk for more than one type of cataract (Harv Womens Health Watch 2002;9:1). Boosting the vitamin C intake from both food and supplements to around 500 mg/day is probably a good idea, however discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have an increased risk for kidney stones.

Since it can be challenging to know if and how much of these nutrients your diet is providing, the American Optometric Association, has set up an Online Dietary Risk Assessment Quiz. Their assessment quiz is adapted from the National Cancer Institute’s Diet History Questionnaire, which uses nutrient intake data from both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota’s Nutrition Data System for Research.
The National Cancer Institute recommends five fruits and vegetables daily (read or print the “High Five” brochure).

Herbs and Aging Eye Diseases

The use of herbal supplements in the US has become increasingly popular in recent years. In a survey conducted in 1999, about 49% of adult Americans were estimated to have used herbal products during the previous year (Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics 2002:27;391-401). Contributing to their increased use is the perception that herbs are safer, gentler and represent a more ‘natural’ way of curing disease than conventional drugs, which are viewed as chemicals.
These medications fall into the category of alternative/complementary medicines and, as such, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the same scrutiny as conventional drugs. There is no pre-marketing review and post-marketing surveillance requirements for herbal supplements in the US. Their regulation by the FDA is restricted as a result of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) passed by US Congress in 1994. These products are freely available to consumers as over-the-counter (OTC) items. The FDA has now established standards to ensure that dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are not adulterated with contaminants or impurities, and are labeled to accurately to reflect the ingredients in the product (News Release). There is still no requirement to show that dietary supplements are safe or effective.
As the use of herbal supplements in the US continues to grow under the prevailing scenario, some concerns have become apparent regarding the safety of these products. Of particular safety concern is potential interactions of these products with conventional drugs. It has been documented that as many as 31% of the patients who use herbal supplements do so in conjunction with prescribed drugs and about 70% of these patients do not regularly report the use of these products to their health care providers (Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics 2002:27;391-401). Of most concern is the bleeding tendency when herbs like Gingko are taken along with aspirin or other blood thinner.

● Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Bilberry has a long history of use for various eye conditions. The active components, flavonoid anthocyanosides, are potent antioxidants with a particular affinity for the eye and vascular tissues. Interest in bilberry was first aroused during World War II when British Royal Air Force pilots reported improved night visual acuity on bombing raids after consuming bilberries. Subsequent claims have been made that the administration of bilberry extracts results in improved night visual acuity, quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. In a report of 50 patients with age-related cataracts, a combination of bilberry and vitamin E delayed the progression of cataracts (Head K. Altern Med Rev 2001;6:141-166).
Bilberry has been used in the treatment of glaucoma as well.

● Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract is freely available and popular. An extract of Ginkgo leaves is commonly used for conditions associated with cerebral and peripheral ischaemia (e.g. dementia, impotency, claudication). Gingko has several biological actions which combine to make it a potentially useful agent in the treatment of glaucoma: improvement of central and peripheral blood flow, reduction of vasospasm, reduction of serum viscosity, antioxidant activity, platelet activating factor inhibitory activity, inhibition of apoptosis, and inhibition of excitotoxicity. The effect of Ginkgo biloba extract as a potential antiglaucoma therapy is undergoing scrutiny.
Bleeding may occur inside the eye in patients taking Gingko (N Engl J Med 1997 10;336:1108). One of its components, ginkgolide B, is a potent inhibitor of platelet-activating factor, which is essential for the induction of arachidonate-independent platelet aggregation. Bledding complications in the brain have also been reported.
A recent research article suggests that Ginkgo biloba extract (40 mg, orally, administered three times daily for 4 weeks) improves preexisting visual field damage in some patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma (Ophthalmology 2003;110:359-362). Visual field improvement theoretically could result from improved retinal ganglion cell function or improved cognitive abilities. Either of these effects could occur secondary to improved blood flow to the eye, the brain, or both to a neuroprotective effect of Gingko Biloba. Further studies are needed to determine by what mechanisms Gingko may benefit patients with glaucoma.

● Coleus Forskohlii
The triterpene forskolin from the plant Coleus forskohlii stimulates the enzyme adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase then stimulates the ciliary epithelium to produce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which in turn decreases eye pressure by decreasing aqueous humor inflow.
Results of studies using topical forskolin applications to decrease eye pressure have been mixed. To date, human studies on forskolin’s effect on eye pressure have been limited to healthy volunteers. Several studies have found it effective at lowering eye pressure and decreasing aqueous outflow in healthy volunteers.

● Salvia Miltiorrhiza
Salvia miltiorrhiza is a commonly used botanical in Chinese medicine. Injected intravenously, this botanical appears to improve microcirculation of the retinal ganglion cells.
In a human study, 121 patients with mid- or late-stage glaucoma with medication-controlled eye pressure received daily intramuscular injections of a 2 g/mL solution of Salvia miltiorrhiza alone or in combination with other Chinese herbs (four different groups). The results suggest a possible benefit from this herbal treatment. Double-blind evaluations of oral administration of Salvia seem warranted.

Wine and Macular Degeneration
Researchers reported in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society that people who drink wine in moderation may be less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This finding was based on an analysis of data collected between 1971 and 1975 for the National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES-1) from 3,072 adults 45 to 74 years of age with eye-related changes that indicated AMD.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) believes that it would be premature to make any recommendations based on this single study. While this is an interesting finding that bears further investigation, the authors warn that the study should not be used to “draw inferences about a cause and effect relationship.” It also should be noted that later studies have found no such relationship between AMD and wine drinking, and that the findings reported are of borderline significance.
The NEI agreed with the author’s concerns about the reliability of the data indicating the amount of alcohol consumed, as these data are often subject to recall bias. In addition, the study did not completely take into account possible confounding factors, especially smoking. Many studies show that smoking is a risk factor for AMD. Since there is generally more smoking among alcohol users, smoking status should be taken into account in the analyses. NEI questioned, too, the reliability of the diagnosis of AMD in those surveyed. The methods used now to diagnose AMD in large studies have been improved and are quite different than those used in the early 1970’s.

Full text and more at: http://www.agingeye.net/visionbasics/nutritionandvision.php