To Your Good Health
DEAR DR. ROACH: Periodically, I suffer from kaleidoscope vision where my peripheral vision in the extreme right or left eye appears that I am looking through broken glass. It started about five years ago, when I was 65. After about 10-15 minutes it disappears. I never get headaches. It does not hinder my eyesight other than being very annoying. I spoke with two internists, and both suggested I see an eye specialist. The eye doctor said it’s nothing to worry about. — F.M.
ANSWER: Sudden changes in vision in a 70-year-old man should raise the concern about a blockage in the arteries to the eye; however, the pattern you are describing sounds most likely to me to be a migraine aura. Some people can develop migraine aura without headache. Many people will describe a “jagged” or “shimmering” appearance, making the diagnosis of migraine aura more likely. Perhaps that is similar to what you are calling “kaleidoscope vision.”
If the eye doctor has done a complete exam and found nothing, that’s a good sign. As an internist, I would take the opportunity to make sure your risk for developing blockages in the arteries is as low as it can be, including a review of blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, diet, exercise and stress.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a primary care provider and read your recent column on red yeast rice. I agree with your comments but would add the concern I have: the presence of citrinin in red yeast rice products that is toxic to the kidneys and noted in 80% of sampled products, as stated in a recent review. Experts strongly advise people NOT to use it. I hope this is of some help to you and your readers. — C.J.
ANSWER: Many studies have confirmed the frequent presence of citrinin in red yeast rice products. In Europe, where there is better regulation of over-the-counter products, citrinin has become a less frequent contaminant, but the most recent data I can find confirms Dr. Jackson’s concern about citrinin.
Since red yeast rice seems to work primary through monacolin K, the active form of lovastatin, I continue to recommend against red yeast rice. I strongly recommend using a statin when medication treatment is necessary to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. They are purified and free of toxic contaminants, and the dosing is exact.