Vitamins may help eye condition dry macular degeneration
DEAR DR. GOTT: Two months ago, you wrote about dry macular degeneration, and I have to disagree with your comment that there is no treatment. Eight years ago, I was told by the leading retina expert in my area that I was going blind due to the condition. I immediately moved my office to my home, figuring I would not be able to drive.
A close friend of mine who is an optometrist suggested I try a multivitamin specifically designed for the eyes. He read of a discovery that was producing good results. Well, the results were astounding. Although I still have the condition, my right eye tests 20/30 and my left tests 20/40. I lead a normal life.
The multivitamin only helps the dry form of the condition. Unfortunately, the eye industry does not accept this multivitamin, probably because they can't make any money with the treatment.
The product, put out by ScienceBased Health, is Ocula RX. Their phone number is 888-433-4726. Perhaps this will help some of your readers and will offer yet another option to their recovery.
DEAR READER: Long-standing tests have linked lower-than-normal levels of zinc and vitamin E serum with the development of age-related macular degeneration.
In my original column, I said there is no current treatment available to reverse dry macular degeneration. I also went on to say that most eye specialists recommend high doses of antioxidants and zinc to reduce its progression and recommended patients speak with their physicians about adding the supplements. In doing so, I believe I covered the issue of vitamins. However, I am grateful you offered an alternative option.
Eyes are precious. I am extremely pleased you have been able to lead a normal life and halt the progression of this devastating condition. I recommend other readers so diagnosed speak with their ophthalmologists about the possibility of vitamin therapy.
DEAR DR. GOTT: Have you ever heard of dystonia? My 39-year-old son was a trumpet player but can't play anymore. He also has trouble drinking from a straw and singing. He has an upcoming appointment at a teaching hospital with physicians who only seen dystonia patients.
DEAR READER: Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. One, a group or all muscles can be affected. While there is no cure, there is ongoing research and therapy that includes botulinum toxin injections (BOTOX), oral medications, physical therapy and more to reduce or eliminate the muscle spasms and associated pain. While the condition doesn't disappear, symptoms may be completely controlled with these new developments.
You are on the right course seeing a team of physicians who work exclusively on patients with the disorder. Let me know what happens.
