July 12, 2007

Macular Degeneration a Predictor of an Early Death? New Meaning to the Eye as a Window.

A recent study involving 3654 people followed for eleven years sheds startling new light on the quotation "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness". Researchers found that the presence of mild macular degeneration before age 75 increased the risk of dying during the 11 year period by 50%. If one had advanced macular degeneration the risk of an early death was increased by a shocking 250%. Yes, in this study, advanced macular degeneration increased the likelihood of dying during the study by 2.5 times. The association in persons younger than 75 years remained similar after further adjustment for triglyceride level, fibrinogen level, educational level, and walking disability.

In my opinion, evidence is mounting that chronic inflammation as evidenced by subtle changes in ones eyes are a marker of systemic wide dysfunction that leads to heart disease and other problems which result in illness, premature disability and death. So much attention is being given to the latest high tech advance to treat late stage macular degeneration when our emphasis must be redirected to preventing these problems starting from childhood. Diet, exercise, maintaining proper lean body mass, and appropriate dietary supplements are my recommendation for ocular health and general wellbeing. Truly, the eye is a window to the inner workings of the body and beyond-"if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness", as confirmed by this recent report Visual Impairment, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Cataract, and Long-term Mortality Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125:917-924.

I recommend looking over the many posts on this site over the last year or so to find additional useful information to educate and encourage you in your efforts to maintain and optimize your health and wellbeing.

Michael A. Mong, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Eye Physician and Surgeon
Grapevine, Texas

Filed under Macular Degeneration, Articles, Educational Resources by Michael Mong, M.D.

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June 8, 2007

Amylin or Symlin the New “Wonder Drug” for diabetics.

Dr. Richard K. Bernstein, the author of Diabetes Solution, weighed in on the new drug Symlin or Amylin. In his words this might be a "Wonder Drug" for the diabetic. Learn what he has to say:

Filed under Diabetes, New Medication Developments, Educational Resources, Audio Programs by Michael Mong, M.D.

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May 16, 2007

Vitamin D and Macular Degeneration. Does low Vitamin D levels risk Macular Degeneration?

It appears that higher blood levels of Vitamin D can lessen the risk of early forms of macular degeneration. The findings were reported in the May 2007 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. This is a very important study and adds to the large body of research that points to the fact that Vitamin D is an essential compound, and low Vitamin D is related to many diseases. Of note, even modest increases in Vitamin D levels showed a protective affect, lowering the risk of macular degeneration by 36%. Most labs list the lower limits of normal for Vitamin D to be between 20 to 25 ng/mL. In this study patients in the lowest level of Vitamin D of less than 16.8 ng/mL had a relative risk of 1.0. Levels between 16.8-21.6 ng/mL had a risk of 0.97, not much difference. At levels of 21.6-27.24 the relative risk was 0.75 or a 25% decrease. From 27.24-33.65 the risk was 0.70, and greater than 35 the relative risk was 0.64 or a 36% decrease.

Now here is what I think is exciting and most significant. Many experts, such as those at the Vitamin D Council are suggesting that all of us should have our Vitamin D levels checked and maintain levels of at least 35 ng/ml and up to 50-80 ng/ml. These levels can not generally be obtained with diet alone and one usually needs supplementation to maintain these levels throughout the year. I would strongly recommend that anyone with macular degeneration have their Vitamin D level checked and work with their doctor to bring their level into the upper end of the normal range. I might also suggest that one might want to read a bit more about Vitamin D at the Weston A price Founation.

And now Vitamin D and Macular Degeneration

From: http://www.westonaprice.org/basicnutrition/vitamin-d-safety.html

Michael A. Mong, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Grapevine Texas

Filed under Uncategorized, Macular Degeneration, Nutrition, Supplements, Articles by Michael Mong, M.D.

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March 23, 2007

Next Teleseminar with Dr. Richard K. Bernstein on Tuesday March 27th at 7:00 Central

I will be hosting another in a series of teleseminars with Dr. Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., a leading expert in the field of diabetes controll and prevention. Please join us on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM Central for an information packed hour. Sign up to receive information via e-mail on how to join the call at http://www.askdrbernstein.com.

Michael Mong, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Grapevine, Texas

Filed under Uncategorized by Michael Mong, M.D.

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March 4, 2007

Inhaled Insulin Complications?-Listen to Richard K. Bernstein’s Comments from his Updated Diabetes Solution.

Dr. Richard K. Bernstein has just released his updated classic Diabetes Solution. Listen below to what Dr. Bernstein has to say in his new book about inhaled insulin. Learn what Dr. Bernstein sees as the potential drawbacks, complications, side effects, and possible best uses for the inhaled insulin Exubera. Dr. Bernstein reads from his new book on the topic. Hope you enjoy his insights as much as I have.

Michael A. Mong, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Grapevine, Texas