Macular Degeneration and Acetyl-L-carnitine

Macular Degeneration is a condition in which the central part of the back of the eye loses blood circulation.  It is considered a natural aging process.  There is a breakdown of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular region.  As the disease progresses, central vision diminishes.  It is believed that this breakdown may be due to a lack of nutrients being supplied to the region. Additional studies have found a genetic link to this disease.  Treatment can range from better nutritional management, sometimes to include a tablet containing the primary minerals and vitamins that are found lacking in many macular degenerated patients.

According to the American Health Assistance Foundation, macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans 60 years of age and older. The disease may destroy your sharp, fine-detail, “straight ahead” vision required to do tasks such as reading and driving. Acetyl-L-carnitine alone or in combination with other nutritional supplements may reduce the risk of a person developing macular degeneration. Speak to your doctor before using acetyl-L-carnitine supplements for any health problems.

Acetyl-L-carnitine, one of the many forms of carnitine, is found naturally in your body. The nutrient transports fatty acids to cells’ mitochondria for the generation of metabolic energy. The antioxidant property of acetyl-L-carnitine may protect the eye’s retina from free radical damage. Free radicals are the damaging compounds in your body that may even cause cell death.

A study conducted by Italian researchers and published in May 2005 in “Ophthalmologica” found that supplementation with a proprietary blend of 200 mg acetyl-L-carnitine, 780 mg omega-3 fatty acids and 20 mg coenzyme Q10 daily may improve and subsequently stabilize visual functions in patients affected by early age-related macular degeneration. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 12 months in 106 patients with macular degeneration. According to researchers, this combination of nutrients may also improve the area of the eye’s fundus covered by drusen, yellow or white deposits in the retina of the eye

Metabolic therapy, a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and acetyl-L-carnitine may be the first choice for treating age-related macular degeneration, according to a Hungarian study published in December 2007. According to researchers, both clinical visual field and visual acuity in people with macular degeneration may show improvement after three or four days of treatment with this metabolic therapy. The efficacy of this combination of nutrients has been proved clinically.

Acetyl-L-carnitine supplements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and purity. Over-the-counter acetyl-L-carnitine supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. A study published in June-July 2011 in “Revue Neurologique” found that acetyl-L-carnitine treatment may cause side effects such as diarrhea and fish odor syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with an offensive body odor.

At Laser Locators we carry the top name surgical and diagnostic ophthalmic equipment manufacturers you can trust, like Acon, Nidek, Lumenis and more for preforming all of your precise ophthalmic procedures. Contact us at www.laserlocators.com  or call 1-877-924-2020 and let one of our expert equipment locators help you today.

LASIK is more than just seeing better- it’s choosing better as well

Refractive surgical procedures have increased significantly in the past few years. The most recent surveys from the American Academy of Ophthalmology report that there were approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures performed in 2010, up more than 50,000 from 2009. As refractive and laser vision correction procedures continue to rise, choosing with the proper doctor is essential to achieving the best results for improving your vision. With procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery so popular, quality vision correction requires exact precision from a surgeon who is educated and knowledgeable of the latest technology.

Thanks to recent developments in laser correction technology, LASIK and refractive eye surgeons are able to significantly reduce the risks and side effects of procedures to a minimal amount. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK surgery complications now occur in less than 5{0730eed075b45d9e50c00d6cd42dd08773e0164f29a45151808bf89051290974} of all cases. But in order to maintain such a high degree of success, surgeons must pursue continued education in techniques and procedures in addition to their normal patient care. Patients should be sure to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who is active in the ophthalmologic community isrs.org(International Society of Refractive Surgery) and who has a strict attention to detail, patient safety and health.

Another important step to take in your search for the right eye doctor is taking time to meet a surgeon and his or her staff while researching their credentials before undergoing any procedure. Through individualized and personal attention of each patient’s needs, while maintain open communication, is the best way to achieve the right results for each individual.

For more information on the latest ophthalmic equipment to help your practice expand contact us atlaserlocators.com and let one of our industry experts help

Cataract Surgery- A growing business

Over time, glasses and contacts may no longer work as well to help you see clearly. Contacting an ophthalmologist should always be the first step after noticing any vision changes or impairments. A thorough eye exam can determine the problem and what vision correction surgeries are recommended. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed, safest and most successful surgeries in the United States that is covered by insurance.

Many people don’t even recognize the early signs of cataracts, they just know they do not see as good anymore.  Some patients begin having early cataract symptoms as early as 40. However, cataracts may also develop in those much younger than 40. Most insurance plans pay for cataract surgery procedures using standard lenses, subject to deductibles and co-pays.

Intraocular lens or Smart Lens such as ReSTOR® or CrystaLens®, replace the old lens in an eye. Ultrasound energy is used to remove cataracts. An instrument called a phaco probe is used to remove the natural lens before being replaced with an artificial lens. These premium lenses can almost eliminate the need to wear glasses, both for reading and distance vision.

 

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and takes just minutes to perform. The advanced technology has grown leaps and bounds and is being performed more and more each year. Most people notice an immediate improvement in their vision following surgery. People resume normal activities the day after surgery. In fact with the new technologies, your dependence on glasses can be greatly reduced or nearly eliminated.