Heading Off Migraines

Migraine
In the U.S., more than 37 million people suffer from migraines, according to Migraine.com. Photo courtesy Shutterstock.

Do you or a loved one have chronic migraines? Don’t give up! Evidence-based treatment guidelines released by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society strongly endorse seven prescription beta-blockers and seizure drugs [see chart: Proof Positive] and one herbal preparation (butterbur) for preventing migraines and lessening symptoms when they do occur. And even Botox, better known for erasing age lines, got the thumbs-up in 2010.

Research also shows that managing common triggers (such as foods, stress, and bright lights), eating well, and getting enough sleep help prevent migraine pain. “But when the steps you can take without going to a doctor don’t work, prescription medicines are well worth exploring,” says Stephen D. Silberstein, M.D., of Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

The point is to do something: Migraines are often undertreated, says Dr. Silberstein. It is estimated that only about one-third of migraine sufferers who could benefit from preventive treatments currently use them.

Click here to review all the guidelines.

Proof Positive

Prevent migraines with regular doses of these Rx drugs:

Protecting Sight for Life

A woman having her eyes checked for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
A woman having her eyes checked for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Nearly 15 million Americans over 40 have an eye disease that blurs objects directly in front of them—including faces, roadways, and printed words. Not so long ago, few treatments existed for the troublesome condition that doctors call age-related macular degeneration or AMD. Groundbreaking research, however, is giving way to new therapies (and new hope) for slowing the disease, restoring lost vision, and overcoming vision limitations.

The following information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology provides the latest clinical advances and vision-saving measures for both forms of AMD: wet (characterized by damage and swelling from leaky blood vessels in the back of the eye) and dry (damage not associated with swelling).

Dry AMD

The most exciting new approaches for dry AMD (the most common form) include:

Wet AMD

About 10 percent of Americans with AMD have the wet form—the kind responsible for the most severe vision loss. Fortunately, new and highly effective therapies for wet AMD can dramatically reduce damage and stabilize vision with injectable drugs including:

“As ophthalmologists, we know all too well the devastating impact AMD can have on people,” said David W. Parke II, MD, CEO of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Fortunately, the past few years have been marked by significant improvement in understanding the causes of the disease, which in turn has led to better treatment options. Ophthalmologists can now endeavor to more effectively treat multiple forms of AMD and thereby provide new hope to our patients.”

AMD and Nutrition

Nutrition might hold one key to slowing the progress of AMD. The landmark study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that people at high risk for developing wet AMD or late-stage dry AMD who take a dietary supplement with specific, high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene along with zinc, can decrease by about 25 percent their risk of macular degeneration progressing to advanced stages. The daily supplements also reduced the risk of vision loss for those at risk by about 19 percent. Patients should talk with their ophthalmologist to learn if supplements are recommended for them. A second study, AREDS2, is now underway to evaluate whether adding the supplements lutein and zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA to the AREDS formula can provide further protection against late-stage AMD. (Results of this study are expected in 2013.) 
Other studies have shown that eating dark leafy greens as well as yellow, orange and other brightly-colored vegetables and fruits rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce risk for developing macular degeneration. Eating fish and seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids has also been linked to lower risk of AMD.

Hi Tech Devices and Low Vision Services

If vision loss does occur, a variety of adaptations and devices can enable continued ability to read, use a computer and perform almost all routine activities. Recent innovations in consumer electronics − including tablets, e-readers and smartphones − can supplement traditional low-vision aids. For many patients with moderate to severe visual impairment, low vision rehabilitation clinics can provide needed assistance in enhancing visual function.

Free Eye Exams

Ophthalmologists acknowledge that this is an exciting time for research and treatment options for AMD, however, they would like to remind people that the first line of defense to help prevent unnecessary vision loss from age-related eye diseases is an eye exam. EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older. Click here for more and to see if you qualify.