Health News Archives: KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT YOU EAT SCIENTISTS LINK OBESITY, NUTRITION TO EYE HEALTH - THE NEW LOOK OF LOVE PLASTIC SURGERY ATTRACTING COUPLES
Health News
KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT YOU EAT
SCIENTISTS LINK OBESITY, NUTRITION TO EYE HEALTH
Dr. Bruce Myers of Focus Surgical in Boca Ratonexamines Baby Boomer
Jennifer D'Arcy Who's DevelopingCataracts
Cataracts, Glaucoma More Common in
Florida than Rest of Country
(Boca Raton, FL) Some say if you live long enough, it's likely you'll develop a cataract (One in seven Americans have one.) And as South Florida baby boomers march steadily into their 50s and 60s, ophthalmologists expect the numbers to jump.
Nearly everyone over 75-years-old, and 42-percent of Americans between 52 and 64-years-old, will experience some cloudiness in the eye lens- or cataract, says Dr. Bruce Myers, Chief Eye Surgeon at Focus Surgical in Boca Raton. ìThe good news- we can treat cataracts and can restore vision in nearly all cases. What's even better- we have scientific evidence that patients can delay onset by altering their lifestyle.
New evidence suggests the protective, antioxidant-rich nutrition found in fruits, vegetables and certain grains can delay cataract formation, according to scientists at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA). The study found women with the highest intakes of vitamins C and E, riboflavin, folate, beta carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin had a lower prevalence of cloudiness in certain lens areas than women with the lowest intakes of those nutrients.
Cataracts are the world's leading cause of blindness. So it's not only very important to give added weight to what you eat, says Dr. Myers, but to place added importance on your weight in general.
That's because new research also shows obesity may increase the risk of cataracts, according to researchers at the San Francisco Department of Public Health in California and the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. The risk rises in proportion to body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight in relation to height. Although it is not clear how obesity may contribute to them, research suggests poor blood sugar control or elevated levels of inflammatory compounds (found in the bodiesí of overweight individuals) may play a role.
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Jennifer Darcy, a 57-year-old Boca Raton office manager, is serious about her eye health. After her 65-year-old husband, Michael, required treatment for both cataracts and glaucoma, she went to Dr. Myers for screenings.
I couldn't believe I'm developing cataracts, says Jennifer, I thought I was too young. Now, I'm just trying as best I can to slow them down- I'm watching my weight and eating foods like fish, carrots and fruits they say can help.
Other ways to delay cataracts: Cut back on salt- a recent study found people whose diets were highest in salt had twice the risk of developing them. Smoking has also been long-linked to eye disease. And exposure to ultraviolet light is thought to hasten the development of cataracts, according to a study of 838 Chesapeake Bay professional fishermen. So before heading into the Florida sun, grab UV absorbing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world- accounting for almost 20 million cases worldwide and at least 40,000 cases in the U.S. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed operation, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 1.4 million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year- and more than 90-percent of people treated regain useful vision.
The most common cataract symptoms include: cloudy or blurry vision, double vision, problems to adjusting to changes in light, poor night vision, and the need for frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. Experts recommend annual eye health examinations. Dr. Bruce Myers at Focus Surgical in Boca Raton is offering free glaucoma and cataract screenings with an appointment. Call 561-391-9661.
By Jennifer Lipkin
THE NEW LOOK OF LOVE
PLASTIC SURGERY ATTRACTING COUPLES
Dr. Bruce Myers of Focus Surgical in Boca Raton
prepares to give Seth Botox while fiance, Nina, watches.
Men and women of all ages are now finding common
ground when it comes to plastic surgery
(Boca Raton, FL) Despite the age-old battle of the sexes, men and women of all ages are now finding common ground when it comes to plastic surgery, according to a recent survey from The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). 36-percent of surgeons surveyed say they have performed his and her treatments in the past year. As for the cosmetic procedure that's ruling the roost- Itis eyelid surgery, according to the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS).
The eyes are the first feature to age on both men and women, says Dr. Bruce Myers, Chief Eye and Facial Plastic Surgeon at Focus Surgical in Boca Raton. And as cosmetic procedures for men are becoming increasingly acceptable and easy- there's virtually no recovery time- men figure why not try them too.
Men like Scotti- a 61-year-old Boca Raton real estate investor who asked that we not use his real name. Scott needed upper eyelid surgery to eliminate the heaviness tiring his eyes. His wife, Barbara, a 48-year-old psychotherapist, suggested some additional procedures might make him look less tired as well.
I suggested he have Dr. Myers also do his lower lids, I thought it would be more flattering. And I'd been getting Botox- I thought my husband could try some between his eyes and that it would be fun to do it together.
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Scott was thrilled with the results. And Barbara was right- she loved having her husband join the age-defying fight alongside her.
We have couples come in together for Botox, for Radiance facial filler, for ThermaLift- non-invasive facelifts- and so on, says Dr. Myers. Another new trend seems to be more families, friends and coworkers having procedures together.
No surprise, 25-percent of surgeons in the AAFPRS survey reported seeing more mother/daughter duos receiving lifts and tucks. 31-percent have seen patients who received the surgery as a gift.
