Aspirin can cause rapid loss of vision
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists-pharmacists from the Australian University once again brought conclusive evidence that long-term use of the same medication can lead to an unfavorable result. Recent studies have shown that aspirin, which in the post-Soviet space was prescribed by doctors for many diseases, with continued continuous use can lead to sudden loss of vision. In a special group of risk are female representatives over 50 years of age.
Thanks to a recent study, the researchers found that large doses of aspirin (according to some data, to prevent the formation of blood clots can be prescribed from 300 mg / day) can cause a disease that affects the retina of the eye. Macular degeneration is one of the most common diseases of modern people over fifty. During the development of macular degeneration, the main impact falls on that part of the retina, which is responsible for the central vision of the person. This disease is also called macular degeneration, to which the most prone are elderly women and people with a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Physicians distinguish two forms of macular degeneration that can develop in the elderly: wet and dry. Dry is more common and less dangerous, in the initial stage on the retina of the eye a light coating with a yellowish tint is formed, which is capable of destroying the photoreceptors. Wet form of macular degeneration manifests itself in the fact that behind the retina of the eye new small blood vessels begin to appear.
With long-term use, aspirin can cause a flaccular form of the disease that is more dangerous for the body. The study conducted by scientists from Sydney, was that for fifteen years under the supervision of physicians were more than two thousand people aged 50 years. Once in three years they all underwent a thorough vision test, the results of which were documented at the university. Initial data reported that 230 participants at least once a week took a fairly large dose of aspirin prescribed by their treating physicians.
Fifteen years after the beginning of the experiment, the researchers were able to take the final analysis, the last time to check the participants' vision and compare the results. It turned out that the wet form of macular degeneration developed rapidly in 10% of people who regularly took aspirin, and only 2% among those who did not take the drug.
It is important that the risk of the disease increases only after 12-15 years after the start of regular use of aspirin. The medicine can be dangerous only if it is very long and constant use. In any case, it is not recommended to interrupt the treatment on their own, refusing the medication prescribed by the doctor. Without additional consultation, the rejection of aspirin can cause complications of cardiovascular disease, which can be more dangerous for the elderly than blindness.
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