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Aspirin and Macular Degeneration
In light of the latest studies regarding aspirin and wet AMD, what would you recommend to a patient who takes a daily baby aspirin for heart health (per doctor's orders), and whose Mother has AMD in both eyes? (The left eye is dry; the right eye had slight leakage a few years ago but after several injections that eye has remained dry). The patient is 61 and takes medication for hypertension, cholesterol & thyroid.
Thank you, Dr. Fazio, for your comprehensive response.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I would continue the baby aspirin, with close monitoring of your eyes. You should not smoke (smoking triples the risk of macular degeneration). You should have a dilated retinal exam with an ophthalmologist once or twice a year, and check an Amsler grid several times a week with each eye separately. If you notice any new distortion on the grid, you should see your ophthalmologist immediately. Also, maintain a healthy weight, eat fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, and avoid processed foods and limit meat consumption; chicken and fish are healthier choices.
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