Visual performance in normal eyes can be affected by macular pigments such as lutein and zeaxanthin.  In a study published in the Journal of Food Science in December 2009, the investigators reported that these carotenoids can help to stave off glare and quicken the time a person’s eyes recover after being exposed to blinding flashes, such as oncoming headlights.  According to the lead author Billy Hammond PhD, professor of neuroscience at the University of Georgia, these two carotenoids play a role in how fast the brain processes information.  He also noted that people vary dramatically in how much of these pigments they have.  Dr Hammond notes that carotenoids are going to play an important role in the maturation of the visual system in babies and may play a crucial role in cognitive function also.  “The retina is a neural tissue and reflects neural tissue in other parts of the body like the brain,” he said.  This may play a role in future research in diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Dr Ashraf of the Atlanta Vision Institute adds, “that by supplementing your diet with these carotenoids may not only help with prevention of macular degeneration but may also improve cognitive function.”

Investigators in a Vancouver research institute noticed a 15% increased risk of cataract formation in patients taking Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI).  The researchers assessed data for nearly 19,000 people age 65 or older, all of whom also had cardiovascular disease. Their records were compared to about 190,000 controls.  The effect was strongest for three SSRIs: Luvox, Effexor, and Paxil.  The etiology maybe based on the fact that the crystalline lens has seratonin receptors and excess seratonin in the eye may the lens cloudy thereby leading to cataract formation.  Dr Ashraf, Medical Director of the Atlanta  Vision Institute, comments that patients currently or in the process of starting on oral SSRI antidepressant therapy may consider this minor risk of cataract formation.

A dangerous drinking game called “vodka eyeballing” is attracting public attention on YouTube. People need to be aware that anyone who pours vodka directly into his eye risks damaging the surface epithelial cells–often causing pain and infection.  The cornea is the clear outer part of the eye that focuses light and provides much of the optical power. Depending on the amount of alcohol and length of time it is in contact with the eye, epithelial cell loss could result in corneal ulcers or scarring, not to mention a great deal of pain. And if endothelial cells die off, vision recovery would be uncertain. “Eyeballers” do not even get a “quick high” as claimed, because the volume of vodka absorbed by the conjunctiva and cornea is too small to have that effect.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Atlanta LASIK surgeon Dr Ashraf strongly advises the public not to engage in “vodka eyeballing.”

Click Here to view Dr. Ashraf’s recent news interview about Vodka Eyeballing.