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Prednisone and macular degeneration

Posted , 6 users are following.

ricky23486
ricky23486

In conversation about PMR and Prednisone I was told that I might want to consider taking something in order to prevent the onset of macular degeneration which is linked to  Prednisone.  I know that cataracts are a side effect of Prednisone but no one had mentioned macular degeneration.  Your thoughts anyone?

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • donna60512
    donna60512 ricky23486

    Posted

    I have never heard of anything about prednisone causing the onset of Macular Degineration.  That would be hugely scary.  I have a very rare eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa which takes a person's peripheral vision and night vision.  If I were to get MD, I would be blind since that takes the central vision.  I havae never heard of Eye Safe.  What do you know about this?  I am going to see my retinal specialist next week.  I have seen him once since the onset of PMR.  He said the only danger was of glaucoma from pressure building up and cataracts.  I have had cataract surgery, so do not have to worry about that.  My pressure was normal when I last saw him.  He didn't seem overly concerned.  If anyone has anything to add to this, I would be very interested.  I have spent the last 45 years since my RP diagnosis taking very good care of my eyes.  Thank you, Donna

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga ricky23486

    Posted

    I can't find anything, except an article talking about how inflammation can be implicated in macular degeneration and prednisone mentioned as an anti-inflammatory.  Didn't read article closely.

    • ricky23486
      ricky23486 Anhaga

      Posted

      I have started looking this up and first of all found that the product contains   vitamins and is now being prescribed as a suppplement by opthalmologists here as a preventative for Age related Macular Degeneration.  The causes of  AMD  appear to be linked to inflammation as Anhaga notes.  I havn't found anything yet about a link to prednisone.    

    • donna60512
      donna60512 ricky23486

      Posted

      Based upon what Eileen has written and Annaga, I am going to stay awy from anything that claims to prevent AMD.  I have read many claims about various different treatments for my eye disease and they have been proven to not work.  I will continue to follow my retina specialists recommendations.  
    • ricky23486
      ricky23486 donna60512

      Posted

      of course claims need to be investigated .....I quite agree with you.  That's why I brought the subject up.   

  • EileenH
    EileenH ricky23486

    Posted

    I've certainly never heard of it - sounds like a way for someone to make money to me.

    However, The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration page on the National Eye Institute (nei.nih) site gives a detailed expalantion of the results of the study and what it means for the patient.

    The supplement was NOT shown to prevent AMD - it slows the progression once it has started. Which suggests that if you haven't already got it - it won't do much. Unless perhaps you are at an increased risk of devekloping AMD.

    This paper,  The role of anti-inflammatory agents in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment Y Wang, et al

    suggests that corticosteroids may form an alternative treatment in AMD - which suggests that they are an option for use in amd - not cause it.

    • ricky23486
      ricky23486 EileenH

      Posted

      Thank you for this.  I am relieved  that according to this paper steroids are not thought to  cause AMD .  At my next appointment I will raise the subject with the ophthalmologist.
    • EileenH
      EileenH ricky23486

      Posted

      He may think you are at risk of AMD or is seeing signs of it. But I doubt it is due to prednisone. Be interesting to hear what he says.
  • snapperblue
    snapperblue ricky23486

    Posted

    My parents both had macular degeneration and I was just dignosed with the early signs.  The supplement I take has three active ingredients (not all do): meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. (I don't think we can recommend specific products on the forum, but I can give the brand name to anyone who sends me a private message.)

    These three ingredients have been shown to slow the progression but, as others have said, there is no evidence they prevent macular degeneration from developing. MD is very common in people over 85 and is responsible for most vision loss over 65.   Personally, with my family history, I'd have taken this earlier if I had known about it.  I order it on Amazon from the UK where it is cheaper than in the US.  

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