Statin Cholesterol Medications & Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
continues to be a leading cause of vision loss in seniors-especially those with
a family history or other risk factors such as smoking and other forms of
vascular disease. While we have progressed a very long way in the treatment of Wet AMD through the use of anti-VEGF
therapeutic injections such as Lucentis® and Eylea® , we are always hoping to
find additional medications, vitamins or supplements that might be useful in
preventing or delaying senior vision loss. There have been a number of clinical
studies and reports about whether the use of the cholesterol lowering
medications called “statins” are helpful in preventing or delaying AMD. Common
statins include Lipitor®, Crestor®, Zocor®, Mevacor® and Pravachol®. Unfortunately,
the most recent information we reviewed in a study reported in the Ophthalmology evaluated the association of statin use with progression of age-related macular degeneration
(AMD) and found that statin use was not statistically
significantly associated with the progression of AMD and showed no evidence of a beneficial
effect on slowing AMD progression.
As with many eye problems,
conditions and diseases, age related macular degeneration (AMD) can be best
addressed with early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
If you or some you know is concerned about age related macular degeneration (AMD) and has not had a comprehensive eye exam please call us at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google+ or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment. Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
