Optic nerve decompression surgery for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is not effective and may be harmful
Article Abstract:
Optic nerve decompression surgery (ONDS) for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) does not appear to improve vision and may harm patients. NAION is a common eye disease in the elderly characterized by sudden vision loss in one eye and swelling of the optic disc. ONDS is a procedure to reduce pressure around the optic nerve. Researchers examined and tested the vision of 237 NAION patients aged 50 and older before and after treatment. Of these, 115 underwent ONDS while the other 122 received standard non-surgical observation. At the six-month follow-up, 32.6% of ONDS-treated patients and 42.7% of the other patients were able to read at least three more lines on the vision chart. The risk of visual deterioration was greater in ONDS-treated patients than in the other patients at the three, six, and 12 month follow-ups. ONDS-treated patients experienced more adverse effects during and after surgery than the other patients.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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A critique of the rationale for cancer treatment with coffee enemas and diet
Article Abstract:
The rationales behind the Gerson cancer therapy program of coffee enemas and a strict diet of juices from fruits, vegetables and calves' livers are not supported by scientific evidence. Gerson and followers base their treatment plan on several invalid claims: that cancer is caused by the body resorting to less efficient energy production after eating processed foods; that coffee enemas stimulate bile production and detoxify the body; that enzymes from raw fruits and vegetables and calves' livers reactivate the damaged body organs; and that the body, once cleansed, then undergoes an allergic reaction that only destroys cancer cells. The bulk of scientific research indicates that cancer is caused by mutations inducing uncontrollable and abnormal growth of cells and not by abnormal energy production. Furthermore, there is no evidence that any food therapy program effectively treats cancer.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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