Optometry

The Ocular Nutrition Society and the Optometric Retina Society held their highly anticipated joint meeting called, “Healthy Retina Through Behavioral Modification and Proper Nutrition.” As expected, it was a packed house and a fantastic program. More than 100 attendees were treated to top-notch education courses from ONS and ORS speakers. First off were Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO, and A. Paul Chous, OD, FAAO, discussing how nutrition plays a role in retinal health, especially with age...

This year at Academy 2012, the Ocular Nutrition Society, of which I am president, and the Optometric Retina Society are hosting a joint meeting called “Healthy Retina Through Behavioral Modification and Proper Nutrition.” Joseph J. Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO, an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., will discuss various techniques for measuring retinal function. He will share data that shows improved performance with better diet...

Medical foods are specially formulated and intended for the dietary management of a disorder, disease or condition with distinctive nutritional needs that cannot be met by normal diet alone. These criteria were defined in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 1988 Orphan Drug Act Amendments and are subject to the general food and safety labeling requirements of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. A clear distinction can be made between the regulatory classifications of medical foods...

In the first part of this article, I discussed some of the “hidden” science behind the effectiveness of omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). What many sources fail to realize is that the omega-6 EFAs are both pro- and anti-inflammatory, depending on the balance of other fatty acids. This is extremely important in the treatment of dry eye.  Omega-6 and dry eye syndrome Oral administration of specific omega-6 essential fatty acids that contain sufficient amounts of gamma-linole...

Over the past few years there has been a surge in professional publications and consumer media regarding the use of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) for human health. While there is excellent science to reinforce the use of the omega-3 EFAs, there is often a lack of understanding exactly what these fatty acids are and how they function in the body. This becomes more apparent when it comes to treating dry eye syndrome. It is important that the eye care professional understand the science of EF...

Performing surgical procedures always involves altering the patient’s physiology in some way. This is especially true when performing an ocular procedure. Normal physiological processes are put “on hold” while the procedure is performed, but the recovery phase requires an even more robust physiological status. This is where nutritional support in the pre- and post-surgical period can make a difference. The two areas of ocular surgery that seem to be affected most by a patient&r...

In this last edition of our series on diabetes, we’ll focus on the need to move. Exercise plays an important role in diabetes management. Preventing diabetes is about lifestyle change; this includes smart dietary habits and regular physical activity. Too many individuals do not view diabetes as the serious disease that it is. On average, it shortens life by almost 10 years and significantly reduces quality of life. Individuals with high-fat diets who consume far more calori...

We’ve looked at the issues with the diabetes epidemic, as well as different diets to support these folks. Now let’s take a look at some nutrients that you might consider as well. Few recommendations are ever made because ODs are not comfortable doing so. Here are some nutrients that have proven beneficial for the patient with diabetes. Omega-3 essential fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and ameliorate clinical depression in...

In my last blog, I discussed the problem with diabetes and the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association. Now, let’s look at some of the other diets that you might consider for patients with diabetes. The “no-carb” Atkins diet, which has been around since the 1960s, has gained worldwide attention as a way to eat a lot of food, not be hungry and still lose weight. The Atkins diet works on the theory that carbohydrates cause you to gain weight and, by eliminating or strictly limiting...

Diabetes has been diagnosed in 23.7 million Americans, and 57 million more have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. This disease costs our health care system more than $218 billion per year. New cases of diabetes are more prevalent in the age group 40 to 59 years — an increasing trend. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death and the leading cause of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74 years. Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year. Overall, the ri...