Charles Bahn: How Aging Eyes Affect Other Parts of the Body

NEW YORK, NY, June 29, 2012

The Wall Street Journal reports that recent scientific findings indicate that the aging of the eyes can cause changes in other systems of the body. Most notably, it can impact the internal clock. Charles Bahn, MD, a highly regarded ophthalmologist who owns a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland, believes that this finding can open the door to a new understanding of the ways in which the systems of the body interact. He believes that, with further research, it can lead to new treatment options for a variety of health conditions.

According to the article, Dr. Marc Bosem and Dr. Barry Concool assert that "the gradual yellowing of the eye's lens and the narrowing of the pupil over time have been found to disturb circadian rhythm, which can ultimately lead to a range of medical complications due to its effect on the body's regulatory and hormonal function."

Dr. Bosem explains that blue light regulates the internal clock. When the eyes cannot absorb enough blue light, the internal clock is altered. Through cataract surgery, Dr. Bosem believes that patients who suffer from this particular age-related eye condition can allow more blue light to enter their eyes, thus improving their internal clock and all of the systems that it affects, including the endocrine system. Proper exposure to blue light can also improve alertness and reduce sleepiness.

But exposure to light can also affect a long list of other bodily systems. Dr. Bosem mentions its role in Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs when individuals experience depression in the winter. Additionally, healthier eyes may reduce the occurrence of insomnia and improve the reaction time of the brain.

"There are so many things we do not yet understand about how our bodies keep time," commented Charles Bahn, MD, "and that is what makes this kind of information especially important. As our population ages, and the average life span increases, quality of life in the 'golden years' is everything."

Charles Bahn, MD, hopes that researchers continue to pursue this line of study, as he believes it holds a great deal of potential for the future of ophthalmology.

"Cataract and laser correction surgery improve vision," stated Charles Bahn, MD. "If these procedures also 'reset' our internal clock, it may well be that reduced depression, better sleep habits, etc. may prove more valuable to improving quality of life than the vision correction."

ABOUT:

Charles Bahn, MD, is an ophthalmologist who practices in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in cornea and external diseases of the eye, as well as glaucoma. Charles Bahn has earned an MD degree, two master's degrees, and three bachelor's degrees from Tulane University and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Today, Charles Bahn, MD, utilizes his extensive educational and professional experience to treat patients at his private practice.

Website: http://charlesbahnmd.com/