High-Sensitivity CRP: Systemic Inflammation and Glaucoma Neurodegeneration
For example, activated microglia are known to release TNF-α and IL-1β which can trigger retinal ganglion cell death. Studies in animal models and...
Eye Care Insights
Deep research and expert guides on maintaining your visual health.
ApoB, ApoA1, and Non-HDL Cholesterol: Refining Atherogenic Risk in Glaucoma Patients
For example, a recent expert consensus noted that “ApoB…represents the total concentration of atherogenic lipoprotein particles” and “more accurately...
Platelet Metrics (Mean Platelet Volume) and Microvascular Risk in Glaucoma
Platelets are small, disk-shaped cells in your blood that stop bleeding by clumping together to form clots. When your blood vessels or endothelium...
Uric Acid: Antioxidant Versus Pro-oxidant in Glaucoma
Studies of serum UA in glaucoma patients have yielded mixed results. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis (1,221 glaucoma patients vs. 1,342...
IGF-1, mTOR Signaling, and Neurodegeneration Across Eye and Brain
IGF-1 is a small protein hormone closely related to insulin. It is made in the liver (and in some tissues) under the influence of growth hormone. In...
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, HRV, and Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss
In this article, we explain what oxidative stress markers like F2-isoprostanes, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) are,...
Stacking Blood-Thinning Supplements: Cumulative Bleeding Risk in Glaucoma Patients
Garlic. Garlic (Allium sativum) contains allicin and related molecules that inhibit platelets in a dose-dependent way (). In practical terms, eating...
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in the Era of OTC Blood Thinners: Hyphema and IOP Spikes
SLT and ALT aim to improve fluid drainage from the eye to lower the pressure. In ALT, the argon laser causes visible burns and scarring on the...
SLT as First-Line Therapy: Who Benefits and When to Repeat
The pivotal LiGHT trial (Lancet 2019) compared first-line SLT to eye drops in newly diagnosed glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients () (). Over 3...
Neuroprotection Beyond Pressure: What’s Real, What’s Hype
A recent review reminds us that after decades of work, “only a handful of neuroprotective therapies have succeeded clinically” (). In other words,...
Dry Eye Can Fake Progression: Fix the Surface, Fix the Tests
Before declaring your glaucoma is getting worse, doctors must check and optimize the ocular surface. Treating the dryness and lids first will give...
Contact Lenses With Glaucoma: Timing Drops, Preservatives, and Comfort
Remove contacts before drops: Always take out your lenses before applying glaucoma eye drops. This keeps the lens from soaking up too much medicine...
Adherence That Sticks: Storage, Travel, and Tech Tools for Glaucoma Drops
The key to taking glaucoma drops regularly is tying them to habits you already do. For example, put your eye drops next to your toothbrush or coffee...
Vasospasm, Cold Hands, and Normal-Tension Glaucoma: The Raynaud’s Connection
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where cold or stress causes the small arteries in the fingers and toes to spasm and shut down blood flow (turning...
Exercise Smart: Aerobic vs Weightlifting, Valsalva, and Yoga Inversions
These spikes matter because sudden high IOP can strain the optic nerve and blood vessels in the eye. In fact, heavy straining has been linked to eye...
Sleep Posture Hacks: Head Elevation and Side-Sleeping Effects on Eye Pressure
When you lie on your side, gravity and blood flow tend to increase pressure in the dependent eye – the one on the pillow side. In other words, your...
The Nighttime Blood Pressure Dip: A Hidden Driver in Normal-Tension Glaucoma
OPP is like the eye’s blood “fuel”. When systemic blood pressure (the “pump”) falls or eye pressure (“back pressure”) rises, OPP drops. Decades of...
Measuring What Matters: Beyond Visual Fields to Functional Vision
Patient History and Questionnaires: Start by asking targeted questions every visit. Simple questions like “Do you have trouble reading or driving at...