For Men Over 50, Odds of Eye Discomfort I... ( Use of antidepressants and other medi...)

For Men Over 50, Odds of Eye Discomfort Increases

Date:6/12/2009

Use of antidepressants and other medications raise risk, study says

FRIDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- Here's more bad news for men turning 50: After their half-century mark, about 4 percent of males develop dry eye disease, making it one of the most common eye conditions and reasons for seeing an eye doctor in the United States, researchers say.

Dry eye disease causes a persistent dryness, itching or burning sensation in the eyes, according to the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Some people with dry eye disease also say that it feels like they have sand or grit in their eye.

While research has shown the condition is more common among women, about 1.68 million men over age 50 in the United States have it, Debra A. Schaumberg of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and colleagues noted in the June issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Among men, increasing age, high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate) and the use of antidepressants increase the chances of developing dry eye disease, the study authors explained.

"It is an important public health problem, causing increased risk of ocular infections and bothersome symptoms of ocular discomfort, fatigue and visual disturbance that interfere with crucial activities, such as reading, working on a computer and driving a car," Schaumberg and colleagues wrote.

In the study, the researchers analyzed data on 25,444 men who participated in the Physicians' Health Study I and II, landmark studies begun in 1982. The men were asked if they had ever been diagnosed with dry eye disease and also whether they had symptoms, including dry or irritated eyes.

About 3 percent reported a previous diagnosis of dry eye, while 6.8 percent said they had constantly or often experienced at least one symptom such as dryness or irritation. About 2.2 percent reported both symptoms constantly o
'/>"/>

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. New study examines brain-gut relationship in those suffering with stomach pain or discomfort
2. Test for lung cancer looks for discomforting quiet among protective genes
3. Experts Offer Tips on Easing Mammogram Discomfort
4. Blinded by the Light? Vision Problems and Visual Discomfort Make Driving in the Dark Difficult, Uncomfortable for Most Americans
5. Study Finds More Than One in Two Women are Too Embarrassed to Discuss Vaginal Discomfort With Their Doctors
6. World Renowned Hand Surgeon Helps Patients Conquer Joint Discomfort Naturally
7. Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer significantly increases survival
8. Fat on chest and upper back increases risk of insulin resistance
9. Handling Stress Properly Increases Good Cholesterol
10. High alcohol consumption increases stroke risk among Chinese men
11. High alcohol consumption increases stroke risk, Tulane study says

Post Your Comments:

For Men Over 50, Odds of Eye Discomfort I...( Use of antidepressants and other medi...),Health