Can A Daily Aspirin Cause Blindness?
Wednesday, November 21, 2012 4:04 PM
By Nick Tate
Aspirin has been touted as a wonder drug, with many studies showing a daily dose can lower the risks of heart disease and cancer. But new research suggests aspirin’s risks may outweigh its benefits for some seniors by posing a threat to their vision.
A major European study found that daily aspirin among older people doubles the risk of an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a debilitating eye disease that is a leading cause of blindness. The link was strongest for the so-called “wet” form of AMD, and was less pronounced for the more common, less serious “dry” AMD variety, according to the study published in the journal Ophthalmology.
Although the scientists stress that more research is needed, lead researcher Dr. Paulus de Jong said the findings are a cause for concern for millions of seniors who routinely take over-the-counter aspirin for pain, inflammation, blood-clot management, and to reduce their risk of heart disease or other health conditions.
Experts say the findings throw cold water on the idea that even healthy individuals should take a daily aspirin to boost their health and longevity.
“If you look at the big picture, you really have to balance the risks and benefits,” of aspirin, notes Stephanie Haridopolos, M.D., a board-certified family practitioner in Melbourne, Fla. “Should everyone be taking an aspirin for prevention [of heart disease and cancer] or not? I say ‘No,’ you really have to talk to your doctor and discuss the risks and benefits of aspirin to see what’s right for you.”
If you have wet AMD or are at risk for it, you should probably not take daily aspirin.
Dr. Haridopolos adds, however, that the new study should not prompt doctors to stop recommending aspirin for patients with cardiovascular risks that may pose a greater health threat than AMD.
“It’s not good to have good vision if you’re going to have a heart attack,” she notes. But doctors and patients need to weigh the options and consider individual health conditions before making a decision about aspirin.
“I looked at the studies looking at wet [AMD], and aspirin is a risk for bleeding in the retina and causing loss of sight quickly,” she explains. “So my patients with wet [AMD] aren’t allowed to be on aspirin or any other [blood-thinning] anti-coagulants. But for patients with heart disease, aspirin can be [beneficial].”
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