THE EYE AND THEQUEST FOR LONGEVITY: Conquering the Four Horsemen
By Dr. Latif Hamed, MD, FAAO, MBA
Former Tenured Professor of Ophthalmology, UF College of Medicine
Longevity has become a buzz word in popular medicine. How do we both prolong our time on earth (lifespan) and spend more of it in good health (health spani? The barriers to overcome are the 4 horsemen of chronic disease: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), cancer, neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson disease), and metabolic disease (e.g. diabetes). These diseases that represent the major causes of death also play a major role In eye disease. Therefore, the visual system benefits from activities that mitigate these conditions.
ASCVD, causing heart attacks etc, implies diseased vessels that feed the heart muscle, and by extrapolation also blood vessel problems throughout the body, Retinal and optic nerve strokes follow occlusion of the vessels. that supply those structures. Heart arrythmia can lead to blood clots that lodge on the brain or retina leading to strokes. ASCVD is the one horseman that we know how to prevent the best with lifestyle changes (exercise, diet) and medication (cholesterol lowering etc.).
Cancer can lodge in the eye from outside (metastasis from lungs, breast, skin), It can also arise from within the eye itself, such as retinoblastoma and melanoma. Whereas in the past, the affected eye had to be removed, we now can locally treat the cancer with radiation or surgery to save the eye. Because available treatments for cancer are still brutal, ear ty detection is the key.
Neurodegenerative disease has vast implications to vision: The eve itself is a derivative of the brain and 50% of brain cells are connected to the eye. We see with our brain (occiput and damage to that part may lead to blindness despite normal eyes, Alzheimer's can sometimes be detected through its alterations of certain visual signs;
Parkinsons may lead to eye movement disorders and double vision. Importantly, loss of vision (and hearing) can impact brain function and may lead to acceleration of Alzheimer's and dementia: therefore, optimizing vision and hearing is essential.
The leading metabolic disorder, diabetes, is a major cause of blindness. The retinas of uncontrolled diabetics develop bleeding and scar tissue, the nerves that control the eye muscles can stroke out leading to double vision, the optic nerve can develop a stroke, etc. This is one disease that we can truly conquer by modifying
The eye may also be sald to have its own 4 horsemen which include cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and metabolic diseases like diabetic retinopathy. We have conquered cataracts through innovation in machine technology and material and lens design. We have made major inroads in glaucoma treatment, now moving away from drops into slow-release intra ocular inserts, micro drainage devices, and lasers. We have developed magnificent treatments for wet (and soon dry) macular degeneration. And we now know better how to treat diabetic retinopathy through lasers and injectable drugs, and yet know better how to prevent it.
Alas, there is no stopping the time train and even a hundred years seems brief somehow. We are born, we live a while, then we die. This Is where sclence stops;
our physical reality is all there is. I will tip my hand. It is my belief that we are not mere shells: eat, move, Sleep, copulate, repeat. if you believe that your existence ends with death, it makes perfect sense to doggedly embark on a quest to lengthen your life, beyond which there Is nothing. But if you believe that there is an eternal component to our essence that continues beyond the entombment of our bodies, then your horizon is limitless.
Longevity to me is a transcendent term, to outdo and go beyond the bounds of your biological carbon-based body. to achieve escape velocity through a noble righteous life on Earth that propels your soul to heaven when blology fails you, to justify the reason that God commanded the angels to bow to Adam.
Latif Hamed MD is named in Best Doctors in America, America's Top Doctors, and is the tenured Professor and UF Shands Hospital (1989-1997) and medical director at the Florida Eve Specialist institute, located at 3230 SW 33rd Road, Ocala Florida. Dr Hamed has numerous owards and accolades, including Best of the Best Award and American Academy of Ophthalmology Honor Award.
He authored several books and over a hundred research articles in his field and has lectured widely nationally and internationally. For more information call Florida Eye Specialist Institute today at 352-237-0090.
Protect Your Ocular Longevity
Your eyes reflect your overall health. Regular eye exams can help detect and prevent diseases early—long before symptoms appear. At Florida Eye Specialist Institute, Dr. Hamed combines advanced technology with compassionate care to protect your sight and support lifelong wellness.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today. Call (352) 237-0090 or request an appointment online.
