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Monday, May 26, 2014
Memorial Day
Today many of us celebrated Memorial Day with cookouts, family and friends. But we need to remember the reason we celebrate memorial day is to honor the men and women who have given their lives fighting for our country Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can cause blindness. It occurs when pressure inside the eye increases and damages the optic nerve. Vision that is lost from glaucoma can never be restored. But when glaucoma is caught early, sight can be saved.
DIAGNOSING GLAUCOMA
Having an eye exam is the only way to determine if you have glaucoma. During the exam, your eye doctor measures the pressure inside your eye with a tonometer which blows a puff of air onto your eye. Your doctor will also check the health of the optic nerve and the drainage angle of your eye. Your field of vision may also be tested.
RISKS of GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is more common in people who are:
(1) older
(2) are African Americans, Asians or Native Americans
(3) have a family history of glaucoma
(4) have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure
(5) are long term users of steroids or cortisone
TREATMENT
Treatment is aimed at reducing pressure inside the eye. Eye drops or pills may be prescribed alone or in combination. Medications must be continued for life. Surgery may also be suggested.
HOW THE EYE SEES
Light enters the eye through the clear cornea. The colored part of the eye, the iris, controls the amount of light that enters through the pupil. The lens then focuses the light onto the retina, the inside lining at the back of the eye. Signals from the retina travel through the optic nerve to the brain turning into images you see.
NORMAL EYE PRESSURE
Fluid flows into the eye and drains at a spongy outlet where the cornea and iris meet. This area is called the drainage angle. When the outlet is open and the drainage angle normal, fluid drains normally and eye pressure is healthy.
HIGH EYE PRESSURE
Pressure rises when the drainage angle is narrowed. As the pressure increases, nerve fibers in the optic nerve are killed leading to a vision loss. Side vision is often affected first.
IF YOU HAVE LASER TREATMENT OR EYE SURGERY
When medication does not reduce pressure in the eye laser treatment or eye surgery may be suggested.
DIAGNOSING GLAUCOMA
Having an eye exam is the only way to determine if you have glaucoma. During the exam, your eye doctor measures the pressure inside your eye with a tonometer which blows a puff of air onto your eye. Your doctor will also check the health of the optic nerve and the drainage angle of your eye. Your field of vision may also be tested.
RISKS of GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is more common in people who are:
(1) older
(2) are African Americans, Asians or Native Americans
(3) have a family history of glaucoma
(4) have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure
(5) are long term users of steroids or cortisone
TREATMENT
Treatment is aimed at reducing pressure inside the eye. Eye drops or pills may be prescribed alone or in combination. Medications must be continued for life. Surgery may also be suggested.
HOW THE EYE SEES
Light enters the eye through the clear cornea. The colored part of the eye, the iris, controls the amount of light that enters through the pupil. The lens then focuses the light onto the retina, the inside lining at the back of the eye. Signals from the retina travel through the optic nerve to the brain turning into images you see.
NORMAL EYE PRESSURE
Fluid flows into the eye and drains at a spongy outlet where the cornea and iris meet. This area is called the drainage angle. When the outlet is open and the drainage angle normal, fluid drains normally and eye pressure is healthy.
HIGH EYE PRESSURE
Pressure rises when the drainage angle is narrowed. As the pressure increases, nerve fibers in the optic nerve are killed leading to a vision loss. Side vision is often affected first.
IF YOU HAVE LASER TREATMENT OR EYE SURGERY
When medication does not reduce pressure in the eye laser treatment or eye surgery may be suggested.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Cataracts
There are other eye problems. One of the most common are cataracts which is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally the lens is clear and allows light to enter the eye. But when a cataract forms, the eye is less able to see clearly. Cataracts are a common vision problem that is highly treatable.
Causes of cataracts--changes within the protein material of the lens are responsible for cataracts. These changes, are a natural part of aging. But some people are born with cataracts. Cataracts can also be due to.
Long term exposure to sunlight
,Diabetes
.Smoking
.Injury to the eye
.Long term use of steroid medications
Symptoms of cataracts--early stages of cataracts cause little or no visual problems. They often develop in both eyes. The rate of progression varies with each eye. Left untreated, cataracts can result in loss of vision. As cataracts develop, symptoms may include:
Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing glare or halos around lights
Trouble seeing at night
Distortion of colors
When the lens is clear light enters the eye through the clear cornea. The colored part of the eye, the iris, controls the amount of light that enters through the pupil. The lens then focuses the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. Signals travel from the retina through the optic nerve to the brain where they turn into images you see.
When the lens has a cataract the lens is cloudy with a cataract, light can't pass through easily and is scattered. The imagine that is cast on the retina is blurry. That is why having a cataract is like looking through a foggy window. cataracts can form in different parts of the lens, the center, the side, or the back.
An eye exam is needed to find out if you have a cataract. During the evaluation your eye doctor will do the following.
Ask questions about your health and vision. Tell your doctor about any other eye problems. Also mention any medications, vitamins, or herbs
Test your vision to check how well you see and rule out other problems. Bring your glasses or contacts to the exam so your doctor can check the prescription.
Examine your eyes. Eye drops are used to dilate your pupils. This allows the doctor to use instruments such as a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope to look inside each eye. If you will be having cataract surgery, an A-scan or a laser interferometer is used. These are special tools that measure the length of your eyeball to determine the new lens that will replace your old one.
Causes of cataracts--changes within the protein material of the lens are responsible for cataracts. These changes, are a natural part of aging. But some people are born with cataracts. Cataracts can also be due to.
Long term exposure to sunlight
,Diabetes
.Smoking
.Injury to the eye
.Long term use of steroid medications
Symptoms of cataracts--early stages of cataracts cause little or no visual problems. They often develop in both eyes. The rate of progression varies with each eye. Left untreated, cataracts can result in loss of vision. As cataracts develop, symptoms may include:
Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing glare or halos around lights
Trouble seeing at night
Distortion of colors
When the lens is clear light enters the eye through the clear cornea. The colored part of the eye, the iris, controls the amount of light that enters through the pupil. The lens then focuses the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. Signals travel from the retina through the optic nerve to the brain where they turn into images you see.
When the lens has a cataract the lens is cloudy with a cataract, light can't pass through easily and is scattered. The imagine that is cast on the retina is blurry. That is why having a cataract is like looking through a foggy window. cataracts can form in different parts of the lens, the center, the side, or the back.
An eye exam is needed to find out if you have a cataract. During the evaluation your eye doctor will do the following.
Ask questions about your health and vision. Tell your doctor about any other eye problems. Also mention any medications, vitamins, or herbs
Test your vision to check how well you see and rule out other problems. Bring your glasses or contacts to the exam so your doctor can check the prescription.
Examine your eyes. Eye drops are used to dilate your pupils. This allows the doctor to use instruments such as a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope to look inside each eye. If you will be having cataract surgery, an A-scan or a laser interferometer is used. These are special tools that measure the length of your eyeball to determine the new lens that will replace your old one.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Dry eye: An Irritating Problems
If your eyes often feel dry and scratchy, you may have a condition called dry eye. This occurs when the eyes are not kept moist enough by tears. Dry eye can be uncomfortable. It raises your chances of eye infection. Left untreated, dry eye can cause serious damage to the eye tissue. Over time, the cornea (the eyes protective covering) could even become scarred , resulting in vision loss. dry eye can also make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Dry eye is treatable.
SYMTOMS OF DRY EYE
Dry eye can cause one or more of the following symptoms:
(1) watery eyes
(2) scratchy, dry, irritated or generally uncomfortable eyes
(3) redness of the eyes (4) a burning sensation in the eyes
(4) a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye
(5) blurred vision
(6) an apparent loss of the eye's normal clearness and luster
Two Types Of Tears
Normally, the eye is lubricated by tears, These lubricating tears are made by a gland in the eyelid. (those are different from the more watery reflex tears that are made when you cry) Every time you blink, lubricating tears spread over the surface of the eye. They then flow out of the eye and drain into the nose.
THE ANATOMY OF A TEAR
Lubricating tears form a film on the eye. This keeps the eye moist. These tears have three layers that work together to lubricate the eyes. (the oily outer layer helps prevent the tears from evaporating. This way their lubricating effects last longer. The watery middle layer cleanses the eye and washes away foreign particles and irritants. The sticky inner layer coats the surface of the eye, so it stays covered with tears longer.
Dry eye is caused by a problem with the lubricating tears. In some cases, not enough tears are made to moisten the eye. In others, enough tears are made but they don't have the right amounts of each layer to work right. The tears may be too watery or too sticky to properly lubricate the eye.
When the cornea is irritated, the body tries to fix this by making more tears. So, dry eye can actually cause more tears. So, dry eye can actually cause your eye to water. But since these tears are not able to properly lubricate the eye, making more of them does not solve the problem.
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
Dry eye can be caused by one or more of the following:
(1) age: as a person gets older, the eyes don't make tears as well as before. More than half of the people who have dry eye are over 50
(2) blinking problems: when you can't blink normally, your eye does not stay as moist.
(3) certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestions, birth control pills, and tranquilizers.
(4) environmental factors such as dry climate or excessive exposure to wind.
(5) allergies or hay fever
(6) chemical or thermal burns to the eyes
(7) certain health problems including arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome which is an autoimmune condition that affects mostly middle aged women.
Early detection of dry eye leads to more effective treatment and helps prevent damage to your eyes. If you have had symptoms of dry eye, make an appointment with your eye doctor. Your eyes will be examined using sophisticated diagnostic tools. You and your eye doctor will also discuss lifestyle habits, environmental factors, medications, and health conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Your examination and this discussion help your eye doctor determine the best form of treatment.
Dry eye can not be permanently cured, but there are effective treatments. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of the following.
(1) specially formulated eye drops called lubricating eye drops or artificial tears which replace your natural lubricating tears
(2) soothing eye ointments that can be applied at bedtime
(3) the use of a humidifier in your home or office during periods of especially dry weather
(4) the insertion of tiny plugs in the tear drainage canal in the inner corner of each eye (for more severe cases of dry eye) These slow down the drainage of tears from the surface of the eye. This way tears remain on the eye longer and provide more natural lubrication. The plugs are inserted during a simple painless procedure.
(5) surgery to permanently close the drainage canals (in rare cases of dry eye) The surgery is simple and painless
See your eye doctor as often as recommended because there are several eye problems --beside dry eye--that can be treated more effectively if detected early.
SYMTOMS OF DRY EYE
Dry eye can cause one or more of the following symptoms:
(1) watery eyes
(2) scratchy, dry, irritated or generally uncomfortable eyes
(3) redness of the eyes (4) a burning sensation in the eyes
(4) a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye
(5) blurred vision
(6) an apparent loss of the eye's normal clearness and luster
Two Types Of Tears
Normally, the eye is lubricated by tears, These lubricating tears are made by a gland in the eyelid. (those are different from the more watery reflex tears that are made when you cry) Every time you blink, lubricating tears spread over the surface of the eye. They then flow out of the eye and drain into the nose.
THE ANATOMY OF A TEAR
Lubricating tears form a film on the eye. This keeps the eye moist. These tears have three layers that work together to lubricate the eyes. (the oily outer layer helps prevent the tears from evaporating. This way their lubricating effects last longer. The watery middle layer cleanses the eye and washes away foreign particles and irritants. The sticky inner layer coats the surface of the eye, so it stays covered with tears longer.
Dry eye is caused by a problem with the lubricating tears. In some cases, not enough tears are made to moisten the eye. In others, enough tears are made but they don't have the right amounts of each layer to work right. The tears may be too watery or too sticky to properly lubricate the eye.
When the cornea is irritated, the body tries to fix this by making more tears. So, dry eye can actually cause more tears. So, dry eye can actually cause your eye to water. But since these tears are not able to properly lubricate the eye, making more of them does not solve the problem.
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
Dry eye can be caused by one or more of the following:
(1) age: as a person gets older, the eyes don't make tears as well as before. More than half of the people who have dry eye are over 50
(2) blinking problems: when you can't blink normally, your eye does not stay as moist.
(3) certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestions, birth control pills, and tranquilizers.
(4) environmental factors such as dry climate or excessive exposure to wind.
(5) allergies or hay fever
(6) chemical or thermal burns to the eyes
(7) certain health problems including arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome which is an autoimmune condition that affects mostly middle aged women.
Early detection of dry eye leads to more effective treatment and helps prevent damage to your eyes. If you have had symptoms of dry eye, make an appointment with your eye doctor. Your eyes will be examined using sophisticated diagnostic tools. You and your eye doctor will also discuss lifestyle habits, environmental factors, medications, and health conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Your examination and this discussion help your eye doctor determine the best form of treatment.
Dry eye can not be permanently cured, but there are effective treatments. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of the following.
(1) specially formulated eye drops called lubricating eye drops or artificial tears which replace your natural lubricating tears
(2) soothing eye ointments that can be applied at bedtime
(3) the use of a humidifier in your home or office during periods of especially dry weather
(4) the insertion of tiny plugs in the tear drainage canal in the inner corner of each eye (for more severe cases of dry eye) These slow down the drainage of tears from the surface of the eye. This way tears remain on the eye longer and provide more natural lubrication. The plugs are inserted during a simple painless procedure.
(5) surgery to permanently close the drainage canals (in rare cases of dry eye) The surgery is simple and painless
See your eye doctor as often as recommended because there are several eye problems --beside dry eye--that can be treated more effectively if detected early.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Know your medications
Your medication is important to your health. But using medications both prescription and over the counter can be complicated. especially given that many people take multiple prescriptions, which can have potential side effects and adverse interactions.
These tips can help become more informed about your medications and help you work with your health care provider and pharmacist to make sure medications work for your health.
Questions to ask your health care provider if you need a prescription:
(1) What is the name of the medication?
(2) Is this a brand name or generic version
(3)How will it help my health condition?
(4)How and when do I take the medication and for how long?
(5)What foods, drinks, herbals vitamins or other drugs do I need to avoid while taking this medication?
(6)Do I need to avoid any activities while taking this medication?(7)Are there any side potential side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
(7)What is the risk of interactions with other prescription and over the counter drugs I am taking?
(8)How will I know if a medication is working?(9)Does this drug contain anything I am allergic to?(9)How long has the drug been on the market? Does it have a safety record?
(10)How much does this drug cost? Are there equivalent but less costly drugs?
For your safety and those around you.
Store medication out of reach of children and pets
Keep medications in their original containers. Use child-resistant containers if children live with or visit you.
Follow a routine when taking your medication
Separate tubes of ointment from tubes of other products such as toothpaste or children's products.
Use the measuring device that comes with the prescription or over the counter medication (for example the dosage cups or oral syringe)
Never take someone else's medication. Drugs and dosages are usually individual and contain specific in ways that may harm you.
Ask your pharmacist about how to discard expired or unused medications.
Taking Your Medication
(1)Make sure that it is for you. Confirm that your filled prescription contains your personal information.
(2)Read all materials. Printed details, known as patient information, should accompany your prescription. Read it thoroughly for information and to get the best results. If you don't understand something, talk to your pharmacist before using a medication.
(3)Take as directed. Taking medication as prescribed is essential to the medication's success. If you take multiple prescriptions read each label with every dose you take to be sure you are not taking a medication twice. or missing a dose of another.
Keep in mind that if side effects become a concern notify your health care provider right away. Also you may or may not feel that the medication is working. But if the problem persists once you have completed the treatment call your provider. And of course finish the medication even if you are feeling better. Your health care provider sets the number of days for a reason. The bottom line is to take the medication as instructed unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise.
These tips can help become more informed about your medications and help you work with your health care provider and pharmacist to make sure medications work for your health.
Questions to ask your health care provider if you need a prescription:
(1) What is the name of the medication?
(2) Is this a brand name or generic version
(3)How will it help my health condition?
(4)How and when do I take the medication and for how long?
(5)What foods, drinks, herbals vitamins or other drugs do I need to avoid while taking this medication?
(6)Do I need to avoid any activities while taking this medication?(7)Are there any side potential side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
(7)What is the risk of interactions with other prescription and over the counter drugs I am taking?
(8)How will I know if a medication is working?(9)Does this drug contain anything I am allergic to?(9)How long has the drug been on the market? Does it have a safety record?
(10)How much does this drug cost? Are there equivalent but less costly drugs?
For your safety and those around you.
Store medication out of reach of children and pets
Keep medications in their original containers. Use child-resistant containers if children live with or visit you.
Follow a routine when taking your medication
Separate tubes of ointment from tubes of other products such as toothpaste or children's products.
Use the measuring device that comes with the prescription or over the counter medication (for example the dosage cups or oral syringe)
Never take someone else's medication. Drugs and dosages are usually individual and contain specific in ways that may harm you.
Ask your pharmacist about how to discard expired or unused medications.
Taking Your Medication
(1)Make sure that it is for you. Confirm that your filled prescription contains your personal information.
(2)Read all materials. Printed details, known as patient information, should accompany your prescription. Read it thoroughly for information and to get the best results. If you don't understand something, talk to your pharmacist before using a medication.
(3)Take as directed. Taking medication as prescribed is essential to the medication's success. If you take multiple prescriptions read each label with every dose you take to be sure you are not taking a medication twice. or missing a dose of another.
Keep in mind that if side effects become a concern notify your health care provider right away. Also you may or may not feel that the medication is working. But if the problem persists once you have completed the treatment call your provider. And of course finish the medication even if you are feeling better. Your health care provider sets the number of days for a reason. The bottom line is to take the medication as instructed unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise.
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