By Nicole Chiu - Contributing Health Journalist

Previous research has linked statin use with the negative side effect of damage to muscle cells. A new study has been published in the December issue of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s research journal, Ophthalmology, led by F.W. Fraunfelder, MD, of the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, has found associations between eye disorders and statin use.

The research involved analysis of reported incidents of statin-associated visionary disorders such as double vision (diplopia), drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis), and a complete loss of eye motion range (ophthalmoplegia). The data was obtained from databases at the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, the World Health Organization, and the Food and Drug Administration.

The study was based on past research which highlighted a link between skeletal muscle disorders and statins.

Each of the 143 males, 91 females and 22 unspecified persons averaging 64.5 years of age in the study had one or more eye disorders and was on an average of 8.3 months of recommended drug therapies when development of adverse drug reaction (ADR) occurred. What the research found was that in 23 cases of loss of eye range motion, 8 cases of ptosis, and 18 cases of ptosis in conjunction with double vision, the disorders were completely resolved when statins were discontinued.

From this research Dr. Fraunfelder and his team concludes with advice for physicians to prescribe statins with an awareness that eye disorders may develop; and once there are signs of development then the patient must “be rigorously evaluated to determine the cause, and statin use should be taken into account.”

For patients with high cholesterol, there are many natural alternatives to aid the lowering and management of cholesterol.

The process of lowering cholesterol may be as simple as eating right and exercising, for many. As our bodies are naturally adept at fixing themselves, as long as we ‘fuel’ the vehicle with the right kind of foods, rather than ‘clogging’ up the system with junk.

As reported in late September, Pistachio nuts have been found to lower cholesterol, as well as improve heart conditions. Apple Pectin binds fats and heavy metals when used as directed, which also results in lowered cholesterol.

Fiber is not only great for preventing small-intestinal and colorectal cancer, yet it also helps to lower cholesterol levels. High fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables are therefore necessary in the planned daily meals of a person aiming to lower their cholesterol.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic, which lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

Chinese Red Yeast Rice Extract is a natural alternative which has been researched as being equally effective as statins for lowering cholesterol.

Essential Fatty Acids also help to reduce LDL cholesterol and thin blood.

Many herbs such as hawthorn, cayenne and goldenseal are also great for lowering cholesterol. Carrot juice has been found to flush out fat from the bile in the liver.

Feel free to consult your doctor about your concern for using statins and your preference for natural alternatives, as in most cases of discovered high cholesterol levels, there is enough time to lower the levels naturally through healthy diet and exercise.