Download What are the Effects of Topical N-Acetylcarnosine

Article ID: WMC003214
ISSN 2046-1690
What are the Effects of Topical N-Acetylcarnosine
[eye drops] on Cataract-Inhibited Vision in an
Elderly Subject? - A Case Report
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Bill Misner,
Dr., PhD, American Holistic College of Nutrition PhD Emeritus/Retired, 1140 West Glass Avenue, Spokane, Wa.
99205 USA, 99205 - United States of America
Submitting Author:
Dr. Bill Misner,
Dr., PhD, American Holistic College of Nutrition PhD Emeritus/Retired, 1140 West Glass Avenue, Spokane, Wa.
99205 USA, 99205 - United States of America
Article ID: WMC003214
Article Type: Case Report
Submitted on:04-Apr-2012, 02:17:53 AM GMT
Published on: 04-Apr-2012, 04:15:51 PM GMT
Article URL: http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3214
Subject Categories:ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Keywords:Effects of Topical N-Acetylcarnosine, Cataract-Inhibited Vision
How to cite the article:Misner B. What are the Effects of Topical N-Acetylcarnosine [eye drops] on
Cataract-Inhibited Vision in an Elderly Subject? - A Case Report . WebmedCentral ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
2012;3(4):WMC003214
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Source(s) of Funding:
The author funded this project.
Competing Interests:
The author of this case report was the subject of this case report and presents no competing interests.
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What are the effects of topical N-Acetylcarnosine
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What are the Effects of Topical N-Acetylcarnosine
[eye drops] on Cataract-Inhibited Vision in an
Elderly Subject? - A Case Report
Author(s): Misner B
Abstract
Introduction: Cataract onset has a limited prognosis
presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Mild cataract-inhibited vision is typically managed by
Doctors of Optometry with prescription eyeglasses to
manage clouding of the lens or glare. If cataracts
progress, surgical correction may be recommended.
Case: A 72-year-old male presented with mild R>L
cataract-inhibited vision requiring prescription
eyeglasses. This patient was simultaneously
examined in two separate eyewear clinics (by Doctors
of Optometry) both before and after the patient
self-administered 90-days solution N-Acetylcarnosine
eye drops. At follow up, this patient's vision was so
improved that both Optometrists concluded that new
eyeglass prescriptions with lower lens strengths were
necessary.
Conclusion: The effects of N-Acetylcarnosine
eye-drops in this subject may be associated with
reducing the prescription-strength of his eyeglasses.
Introduction
This case report discusses changes determined by
prescription eye examinations conducted by separate
Doctors of Optometry following a protocol consisting of
self-administered N-Acetylcarnosine eye drops to
reduce cataract-inhibited vision in a male age-72y
patient. Most people after age-60 increase the risk to
develop mild cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens. Half
the population ages 65-74, and 70% over 75 present
cataract-inhibited visions. A standard eye examination
uses a slit lamp machine to diagnose cataracts (1-2).
The Optometrist can visually confirm that the lens of a
patient’s eye appears cloudy well before the patient
notices visual field loss. Cataract progression is slow
at first, but later results in the patient’s consciously
noticing blurred vision in an affected eye or both eyes.
External factors, such as an eye injury, poor dietary
habits, diabetes, smoking, medications
[corticosteroids], and exposure to excess sunlight
have been associated with cataract progression (2).
However, if a cataract is not inhibitive or overtly
WebmedCentral > Case Report
bothersome, it is managed with prescription
eyeglasses, the use of UV-protective eyewear
outdoors, avoiding exposure to all toxic substances,
and an antioxidant-rich diet (3). If a patient cannot
perform normal activities: driving, reading, or looking
at computer or video screens with prescription
eyewear, the treatment typically recommended is a
corrective surgery. Nevertheless, one researcher
reported some patients treated with topical
N-Acetylcarnosine (1%) eye-drops daily for 6-months
demonstrated significant improvement in visual acuity
(ranging from 7-100%) and glare sensitivity (ranging
from 27-100%) (4). Dr. Mark Babizhayev (and
colleagues) published considerable evidence
demonstrating that patients’ self-administered
N-Acetylcarnosine eye drops may reduce or reverse
cataract-inhibited vision in patients (5-23).
Methods
The subject, a 72-year male, complained of R>L
onsets of blurred vision with glare issues distorting
vision. Two Optometrists determined mild onset R>L
cataract formation during a routine eye exam. Visual
Acuity, Ocular Motility, Refractive Error, and Binocular
Slit-Lamp Examination were employed to define a
corrective eyeglass prescription. Prescription reading
glasses were ordered and the patient commenced
using
self-administered
over-the-counter
N-Acetylcarnosine [1%] eye drops 4-times daily, 1-2
drops per eye for 90-consecutive days. After
eye-drops were administered, the patient rested in a
supine position for 5-10 minutes to permit complete
absorption. At the end of this 90-day treatment
protocol, the patient returned for follow-up eye exams
to determine changes in his vision either progression
or regression. The patient, upon return for the 2nd eye
exam, reported that his original prescription
eyeglasses were too strong for optimal visual clarity.
Discussion
What is a cataract and how is it treated based on
progression and severity? The American Optometric
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Association states: "A cataract is a cloudy or opaque
area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending
upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal
vision. Most cataracts develop in persons over age 55,
but they occasionally occur in infants and young
children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but
one eye may have somewhat worse vision than the
other. There is no way to prevent the development of
cataracts and currently the only way to treat them is to
surgically remove the natural lens in the eye. When
vision has decreased to the point where the patient
can no longer easily and safely perform daily activities,
then cataract surgery should be considered. Cataract
surgery is a procedure used to remove the natural lens
in the eye when it becomes clouded, and replace it
with an artificial lens in order to restore clear vision.
Cataract surgery is indicated when the cataract
impairs vision to the extent that it interferes with
normal daily activities. Cataract extraction is one of the
most frequently performed surgical procedures in the
world (24)”
The initial prescription eye exams performed by two
clinics’ Doctors of Optometry concluded that the
formations of this patient’s cataracts were mild and
surgery was not recommended. Thus, treating cataract
progression by topical N-Acetylcarnosine (1%)
eye-drops presented a treatment option, and if
effective, it could be evaluated by follow-up eye
examinations. Two separate clinics’ Doctors of
Optometry performed eye examinations on this
72-year male subject both before he self-administered
a 90-days topical N-Acetylcarnosine eye-drops
protocol, and immediately after to determine effects (if
any) on the patient’s need for prescription eyeglasses
[Table I & Table II].
Conclusion
Both Doctors of Optometry 2nd eye examinations
agreed that this patient had significant improvements
in visual SPHERE (indicating the reduced lens power,
measured in diopters, prescribed to correct
farsightedness (+) ranging from 12.5-25%, and
improvement in visual CYCLINDER (a plus sign for
farsighted astigmatism) ranging from 16.6-25%.
However, Doctor of Optometry #1 prescribed a
reduced ADD (magnifying power) from 2.25-1.75,
while Doctor of Optometry #2 recommended not
changing in ADD (magnifying power) from the original
1.50-prescription. Both Doctors of Optometry
concluded that 90-days after their initial eye
examination that this 72-year male required new
prescription eyeglasses indicating a 12.5-25%
WebmedCentral > Case Report
improvement in vision so-indicated by objective
change in SPHERE and CYLINDER measures. While
this case report is positive concerning one subject
followed for 90-days, it may be stated that NO firm
conclusion can be reached from the results of any
single case study. Whether or not this
self-administered N-Acetylcarnosine eye drops
protocol may provide benefits for other patients with
similar symptoms depends upon the individual patient.
This conservative protocol, however, may be
considered prior to invasive procedures pursued in
patients diagnosed with mild post-cataract
complications.
Acknowledgement(s)
The total costs for 8-each 2-ml containers of
N-Aceytlcarnosine eye drops, 6 pairs of prescription
eyeglasses, 4-each prescription eye glass
examinations was funded by the author with no
expectation of remuneration from Doctors of
Optometry or manufacturers of N-Acetylcarnosine
used in this case report.
References
1. Zigler Jr. JS, Datiles III MB. Pathogenesis of
cataracts. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's
Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins; 2011:chap 72B.
2. Harding J. The epidemiology of cataract. In: Harding
J, editor. Cataract biochemistry, Epidemiology and
Pharmacology. Madras: Chapman and Hall; 1991. p.
83.
3. Howes FW. Indications for lens surgery/indications
for application of different lens surgery techniques. In:
Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St.
Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 5.4.
4. Babizhayev MA, Deyev AI, Yermakova VN,
Semiletov YA, Davydova NG, Doroshenko VS,
Zhukotskii AV, Goldman IM. Efficacy of
N-acetylcarnosine in the treatment of cataracts. Drugs
R D. 2002;3(2):87-103.
5. Babizhayev MA, Savel'yeva EL, Moskvina SN,
Yegorov YE. Telomere length is a biomarker of
cumulative oxidative stress, biologic age, and an
independent predictor of survival and therapeutic
treatment requirement associated with smoking
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6. Babizhayev MA. Current ocular drug delivery
challenges for N-acetylcarnosine: novel patented
routes and modes of delivery, design for enhancement
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of therapeutic activity and drug delivery relationships.
Recent Pat Drug Deliv Formul. 2009 Nov;3(3):229-65.
7. Babizhayev MA, Burke L, Micans P, Richer SP.
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8. Babizhayev MA, Micans P, Guiotto A, Kasus-Jacobi
A. N-acetylcarnosine lubricant eyedrops possess
all-in-one universal antioxidant protective effects of
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16. Babizhayev MA. Analysis of lipid peroxidation and
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NL, Savel'yeva EL, Alimbarova LM, Barinskii IP. 3D
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Fall;7(3):186-98.
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24. The American Optometric Association @
http://www.aoa.org/x4639.xml
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Illustrations
Illustration 1
Table 1
Initial Prescription Eye Examinations
O.D. #1
RX
OD
OS
SPHERE
+1.50
+0.50
CYLINDER
AXIS
-0.90
090
ADD
2.25
2.25
AXIS
090
095
ADD
1.50
1.50
O.D. #2
RX – O.D.#2
OD
OS
SPHERE
+1.50
+0.50
WebmedCentral > Case Report
CYLINDER
-0.75
-0.50
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Illustration 2
Table 2
Prescription Eye Examinations [90-Days Post-Eye-Drops Protocol]
O.D. #1
RX
OD
OS
Difference
Percents Vision
Improved 90-days
O.D. Response
SPHERE
+1.00
+0.75
+0.25
12.5%
CYLINDER
AXIS
-0.75
+0.15
16.6%
090
No Change
None
ADD
1.75
1.75
-0.50
22.2%
Wrote new eyeglass prescription to accommodate improved
vision replacing original eyeglass prescription.
O.D.#2
RX
OD
OS
Difference
Percents Vision
Improved
O.D. Response
WebmedCentral > Case Report
SPHERE
+1.00
+0.50
-0.50
25%
CYLINDER
-0.50
-0.50
+0.25
25%
AXIS
090
095
No Change
None
ADD
1.50
1.50
No Change
None
Wrote new eyeglass prescription to accommodate improved
vision replacing original eyeglass prescription.
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