Does
Taking Aspirin Make Macular Degeneration Worse?
Most seniors and other people who suffer from
vascular, heart, blood clotting problems or even arthritis are well aware of
the benefits of taking a daily aspirin. In fact many people have been prescribed
aspirin as part of their overall care by their primary care or other specialty
physicians. Seniors are also well aware that age related macular degeneration
(AMD) continues to be a leading cause of vision loss. Until recently there was
some confusion and disagreement regarding whether it was safe or even risky for
those who have AMD to take aspirin as it could increase bleeding risk in the
retina and worsen AMD. A very careful review of information was reported in the
journal Retina and gave us good insight into the conclusions that
overall, the types and size of studies showing the positive benefits of aspirin
use for cardiovascular health were quite a bit better that the smaller limited
studies showing a possible adverse effect of aspirin use in relation to AMD.
The benefits of aspirin usage include preserving the duration and quality of
life by decreasing stroke and heart attack risk. These benefits seem to far
outweigh the theoretical risks of possibly exacerbating wet AMD, which we can
now control reasonably well with anti-VEGF injection therapy with Eylea®,
Lucentis® and other available medications.
If you or someone you know takes aspirin and
has or has been recently diagnosed with age related macular degeneration (AMD)
it appears safe and beneficial to follow your physicians prescribing
instructions and not worry about any increased risk of worsening AMD. If you
have questions or need to schedule an eye exam please call The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of
Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are
a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League
City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and
2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.
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