June 29, 2006
Computer Vision Syndrome
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Your work environment could be hazardous to your health! Computer Vision Syndrome is a very real eye problem that affects many individuals who spend a good part of their days staring at computer monitors. But it's not just the computer monitor that is causing this eye problem.
The environment in which the computer work is taking place can be adding to the problems associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. Inadequate lighting, glare from windows, fluorescent lighting, sitting too close or too far away from the computer monitor and the manner in which the contents are being displayed on the monitor can all aggravate this syndrome.
The letters on a computer screen are not straight lines as they are on printed material, which the eye can easily focus on. They instead consist of pixels or tiny dots on which the eye has to constantly focus and refocus, and that creates fatigue and strain.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
The most notable symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome is eyestrain which causes eyes to feel tired and/or sore. However, other parts of the body can also be affected. Headaches, neck aches and backaches are common symptoms. Problems with vision are also symptoms and can include any or all of the following: blurred vision, double vision and/or distorted color vision.
Another symptom is eyes that are slow to change focus. For example, when looking at something in the distance and then quickly changing to look at something close up (or vice versa) there is a lag in the eye's ability to bring the newer image into focus. The constant work being performed by the focusing muscles makes eyes tired. With Computer Vision Syndrome eyes tend to also have a dry or a burning sensation.
Who is at risk?
Anyone, male or female is at risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome if he or she spends long periods of time working at a computer. The people who develop symptoms of this syndrome tend to not take breaks, whether physical or visual. Getting up from the workstation and periodically focusing on something other than the computer monitor are important to prevent the onset of Computer Vision Syndrome.
Early detection/treatment
When a person's daily routine consists of 2 or more hours of work on a computer, it's important to tell the eye doctor. If the patient is experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, the eye doctor can use a PIRO instrument to test for Computer Vision Syndrome. The purpose of this instrument is to simulate what an individual sees on a computer screen. It's positioned at a distance comparable to that of the patient's monitor. Using this instrument, vision is tested. A reduced Snellen card can also be used.
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In most cases, computer eyeglasses need to be prescribed to put an end to the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome. They generally will have a different prescription than regular eyeglasses. Computer eyeglasses may also include a computer tint, UV tint, anti-reflective coating and possibly a prism.
Posted by Vision at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2006
Low Vision
Understanding Low Vision
Are you having trouble recognizing faces you know are familiar?
When you are reading, do the letters seem distorted or appear to be broken? Are you having trouble seeing obstacles below you like steps and curbs or around you such as walls or furniture? If you've been experiencing one or more of these types of vision problems, you may have a condition called Low Vision.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a condition that results in a partial loss of vision. It is not considered blindness, which is a total loss of vision, but it is an impairment that can drastically alter a person's quality of life. Basically Low Vision is a problem having to do with a person's vision that cannot be corrected using traditional remedies such as corrective lenses, surgery, medication or contact lenses.
Types
The most common form of Low Vision is one in which a person's visual acuity is diminished. Acuity refers to the sharpness of an image. With Low Vision a person cannot see as many details. But Low Vision can also result when a person's field of vision is obstructed, usually significantly. For example, the ability to see images off to the side may be affected. Or, an affected person may be considerably bothered by glare or by light.
Causes of Low Vision
The causes of Low Vision are many. Here are just a few of them: glaucoma, eye or head injury, stroke, cone-rod and rod-cone dystrophies, brain tumors or injury, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, optic and Leber's optic atrophy, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, optic nerve hypoplasis and heredity.
How to cope
As stated above, a vision loss of this nature can dramatically alter a person's well-being. Tasks as simple as using a computer or reading a book become nearly impossible. Low Vision is to date untreatable and that along with the fact that Low Vision often means a loss of independence is enough to dampen any person's spirit. Mobility may be impacted and oftentimes, those diagnosed with Low Vision are no longer able to operate motor vehicles as they are considered 'legally' blind. Sometimes affected individuals end up losing their jobs.
An Ophthalmologist's only option is to work to improve the vision that remains as best as he or she can.
Vision aids
Fortunately, a number of vision aids are available for individuals with Low Vision. Hand-held illuminated and non-illuminated magnifiers are very popular options, as are magnifiers that can be stationed permanently in a stand. Adjustable stands are also available. These stand magnifiers are available as either battery-operated or electrical models and can be illuminated or non-illuminated.
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Many different types of Low Vision eyeglasses are available as well. Reading spectacles, glasses with half-prisms, high-power bifocals and reading glasses, and microscopes and telescopes can help. There are monoculars, binoculars and absorptive lenses. And there are a number of different video magnifiers and other enlarging devices that have been created especially to help individuals with Low Vision resume a more normal way of life.
Posted by Vision at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)
June 26, 2006
Color Deficiency
Understanding and Living With Color Deficiency
A color deficiency is what most people mistakenly refer to as color blindness. Labeling an individual as color blind is inaccurate because overall a person's eyes function properly. The individual is able to detect, focus on and process images. Except for the condition called monochromacy, an affected person is not blind to color.
An individual with a color defect has difficulty distinguishing hues. Such a problem stems from the specialized cell receptors in the eyes called cones. Three different cones contain pigments that absorb various amounts of light. Wavelengths determine the amount of pigmentation the cones absorb and the absorption determines how the eye detects and blends the primary colors of red, green, blue and yellow.
Types of color deficiency
The hereditary forms of color deficiency fall into 3 categories: monochromacy, dichromacy and anomalous trichromacy.
Monochromacy means that a person is not capable of seeing any hue. It is the truest example of color blindness. An affected individual sees the world around him in black and white and shades of gray. This results from an absence or deficiency in the eye's cone receptor.
A person with dichromacy can distinguish hues so the defect is not quite as significant. Hues result as the eye's receptors react to the various wavelengths they continually receive. There are 3 forms of dichromacy and the differences between each involve the colors that can be detected.
For example, protonopia and dueteranopia mean that a person has difficulty distinguishing red/green/yellow but can see blue and yellow. The defect referred to as tritanopia is opposite: blues and yellows cannot be distinguished however reds and greens can. This latter condition is rarer and those with tritanopia find it easier to adjust to the world around them.
Those with anomalous trichromacy can distinguish hues, and can do this better than those with dichromacy. In fact some individuals are barely aware they have a color defect. The two categories of trichromacy include protanomaly and deuteranomaly.
The only type of color defect that is not hereditary is tritanomaly.
Living with a Color Defect
The majority of individuals affected by a color defect are affected from the moment they are born. Early detection is crucial so that accommodations can be made to ensure that impacts to a child's learning and development, in particular his perception of color, are limited. Adults with color defects find that some career paths are unattainable.
A color defect cannot be 'cured' therefore lifestyle modifications are necessary. Individuals learn to cope in a color-coded world by learning which colors belong where. A color deficiency doesn't prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle, however, an affected individual needs to learn and recognize roadways signs and their respective meanings. For example, he must memorize that the light at the top of traffic signal is always red, that green is on bottom and yellow is in the middle.
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Those with a color deficiency can benefit from having others help rearrange and organize their clothing. Doing so can eliminate the sometimes embarrassing situation of wearing mismatched colors of clothing.
Posted by Vision at 09:52 PM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Conjunctivitis
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an eye problem in which the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane that covers the eyelid and the white part of both eyes, becomes inflamed. There are two main types of Conjunctivitis, or pink eye as it is more commonly referred to. The first results from a bacterial or viral infection and the other results from an allergic reaction.
The infective form of Conjunctivitis, if it's caused by bacteria, is highly contagious with the hands being the primary vehicle for transmission. Conjunctivitis that results from an allergic reaction is typically a seasonal condition as are most allergies.
Conjunctivitis can also result when a person is sensitive to certain facial products and cosmetics. This latter form is sometimes referred to as irritant Conjunctivitis. Allergic and irritant Conjunctivitis are not contagious.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of the infective form of Conjunctivitis include discharge that is watery or sticky, eyes that water and feel gritty, and eyes that feel as if they have been glued together upon waking. Mild soreness is sometimes a symptom. The part of the eye that is normally white will also become red or pink, which is why Conjunctivitis has earned the nickname 'pink eye'. Because Conjunctivitis often develops along with a common cold, a person may also have symptoms of a cold including runny nose, mild fever and a sore throat.
With the allergic form of Conjunctivitis, eyes are itchy and the eyelids may appear puffy. There may also be a discharge from the eyes that appears white or watery or ropy.
Who is at risk?
Anyone is at risk of getting Conjunctivitis. Because it can be contagious, a person with Conjunctivitis needs to take measures not to spread it. It's difficult because it is normal to rub the infected eye as a way of providing temporary relief. However, if hands are not washed afterwards and the cause is bacterial, the bacteria can be transferred to another individual by coming into contact with the infected hands.
People who have a history of allergies, particularly hay fever, are at increased risk of developing the allergic form of conjunctivitis.
Early detection/treatment
Infective Conjunctivitis with its notable pink eye often will accompany a common cold making this eye problem rather easy to identify. Likewise a person with known allergies knows whether or not he has allergic Conjunctivitis.
Treatment for infective Conjunctivitis that is caused by bacteria includes the application of antibiotic ointment or antibiotic drops. If it is caused by a virus, typically the condition is left to heal on its own, much like a cold. Generally however, it is difficult to determine whether infective Conjunctivitis has resulted from bacteria or a virus so oftentimes, no treatment is prescribed.
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In either case it is important to wash hands after coming into contact with the infected eyes using warm water and soap. Those with infective Conjunctivitis should not share their towels or pillows with others. Also when Conjunctivitis is present, contact lenses should not be worn until it has cleared.
Posted by Vision at 09:42 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2006
Color Blindness
What is Color Blindness?
Color blindness is a condition in which a person cannot distinguish color properly. There are several variations of color blindness and each one relates back to a problem with the functionality of the cells inside the retina that deal with processing light sensitivity. The rod cells are activated by low light while the cone cells are activated by daylight.
Color blindness results when one or more of the 3 cone systems is not functioning properly or at all. Some affected individuals are unable to detect any color and the life they see is monochrome. It's as if these individuals constantly view black and white movies. Called monochromacy, this is the rarest form of color defect. Dichromacy (red-green defects) of which there are 3 different types and anomalous trichromacy (blue-yellow) are more common.
Symptoms of Color Blindness
The main symptom of color blindness is an inability to distinguish and/or correctly identify colors, particularly reds and greens and blues and yellows.
Who is at risk?
In the majority of cases, color blindness is hereditary, something that runs in the family. However, color blindness can also develop as the result of damage to the optic nerve, the eye (specifically the retina) and even the brain. In a few instances, this eye condition has been traced back to chemical exposure including exposure to medicines and poisons.
Interestingly, color blindness is more prevalent in men than women. Age is also a factor in partial color blindness. As the eyes ages, the lens tends to become darker which translates into images taking on a darker hue.
Early detection/treatment
Color blindness is very easy to detect with Pseudoisochromatic Plate tests. The plates contain colored dots, with the background dots being one color. Another dot color forms the image of a number. Someone with normal color vision will be able to distinguish the number whereas someone with a color defect cannot discern the pattern that has been created using the different colored dots.
Color blindness that is inherited cannot be 'cured' because pigments are lacking. In cases of acquired color blindness, vision may be corrected if the underlying problem can be treated.
Once the type of color blindness has been determined, an affected individual's only option is to rely on visual aids to help 'see' better. Specially-tinted contact lenses or glasses can help compensate for the inability to distinguish certain colors, but cannot restore 'normal' color capacity.
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Affected individuals are generally capable of developing their own methods for accommodating their eye condition, and with the help of others, they make modifications to their environments to ensure their safety.
Posted by Vision at 09:40 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2006
Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
When it seems your world is closing in on you, it may be Glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve slowly deteriorates. As this nerve deteriorates, diminished side or peripheral vision is usually the first noticeable symptom. Unfortunately, by the time the peripheral vision is affected, Glaucoma has already taken hold.
In a healthy eye, pressure is regulated by the flow of a clear fluid called the aqueous that contains oxygen and other nutrients delivered by way of the bloodstream. The fluid circulates through the eye, it drains and it's continually replenished.
When the aqueous fluid cannot circulate or drain properly, pressure inside the eye builds. Other factors that can cause the optic nerve to deteriorate include inadequate blood supply to the nerve or problems with the structure and/or strength of the optic nerve fibers.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can develop at any age, but the likelihood of it developing increases after age 35. As stated above, the first notable symptom of Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma is diminished peripheral vision. Most often, this loss takes place gradually in one eye. The other eye compensates for the damaged eye which is why the loss is not noticeable until the condition has progressed. Secondary Glaucoma has the same symptoms, the difference being that increased eye pressure most often results from an eye injury, tumor, infection, drugs or inflammation.
With Acute Closed Angle Glaucoma the symptoms are different. They include the appearance of halos around lights, blurred vision, nausea and severe pain. Congenital Glaucoma is apparent at birth. Abnormal fluid drainage causes excessive tearing, a cloudy cornea and eyes that are enlarged and that are sensitive to light.
Who is at risk?
Those with a family history of Glaucoma are most at risk. Diabetics, Afro-Americans and individuals with severe nearsightedness are also in a high-risk category.
Early detection/treatment
Testing for Glaucoma is done as part of a routine eye exam. The eye doctor uses a tonometer to test the pressure in the eyes. The optic nerve is also evaluated using an ophthalmoscope. A gonioscope, which is similar to a large magnifying glass, can check the channels through which the aqueous fluid flows. If Glaucoma is suspected, the eye doctor will initiate tests to evaluate peripheral vision.
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Early detection can prolong vision, but eventually the affected person will lose vision. Treatment focuses on relieving the pressure on the eye which limits damage to the optic nerve. Surgery, laser treatments, eye drops and medications are all used to treat Glaucoma.
Posted by Vision at 08:51 AM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2006
Floaters and Spots
What are Floaters and Spots?
In the majority of instances, floaters and spots really are harmless. And believe it or not, as is the case for most individuals, floaters and spots have been present all throughout life. For some, the appearance of these tiny flecks may be a nuisance, but overall, they are simply a fact of life.
What has come to be known as floaters and spots are particles of protein that break apart and float around the clear, gel-like fluid within the eyes. Because they break apart, no two floaters or spots are like in shape or size. They can have ragged edges, they can appear as tiny threads or cobwebs, they can appear as black or white flecks, and they sometimes appear as flashes of light.
As mentioned previously, floaters and spots are present however they seem to be more noticeable when a person looks at a brightly-colored background such as a wall or the sky, or an image that does not have a pattern.
People 'see' floaters and spots because the gel-like substances create shadows on the retina. It's usually not possible to focus on floaters and spots because they move around in sync with the eye's movements.
Symptoms of Floaters and Spots
Since floaters and spots are always present but only sometimes visible, and because they are not considered a disease or even an eye problem, there are not any 'symptoms' associated with their presence. The only symptoms of floaters and spots are the minute obstructions they cause to a person's vision.
Who is at risk?
At risk isn't an appropriate term since floaters and spots generally are harmless. Most people have them and for most people, their presence is not an indication of a more serious situation. So every person could be considered 'at risk'.
Their presence does tend to increase with age, after age 40, as the vitreous fluid starts to deteriorate. Their presence can also increase as a result of an eye inflammation or injury or the presence of an eye disease. Their presence is more noticeable for people who are nearsighted or have previously undergone surgery for cataracts.
Early detection/treatment
Routine eye examinations are the best way to determine whether floaters and spots are harmless or whether their presence is an indication of a more serious problem within the eyes. Fortunately, the instances in which floaters and spots are being caused by an underlying eye condition are very rare.
An eye doctor has many tools for testing and examining the eyes. When a patient believes that the floaters and spots are impacting the field of vision, it is important to inform the eye doctor of this and to also be prepared to describe the ways in which vision is being affected. That way, the eye doctor can focus and repeat as necessary tests that determine the presence of other eye diseases and problems such as cataracts, glaucoma or detached retina.
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There are no treatments for floaters and spots because their appearance is completely natural.
Posted by Vision at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2006
Blepharitis
What is Blepharitis?
When the eyelids can become inflamed, the problem in most cases is a chronic eye disease called Blepharitis. Similar in nature to the skin condition called eczema, in case of Blepharitis, the eyelids become red, scaly and irritated.
Symptoms of Seborrheic Blepharitis
Individuals suffering from Seborrheic Blepharitis generally also suffer from skin conditions that affect other parts of the body including the scalp, chest and back.
With Seborrheic Blepharitis, there is a problem with the tear film that the body produces to help protect and lubricate the eyes. It can be either a problem with the quality or the quantity but regardless, the resulting tear film causes greasy scales to form at the base of the eyelashes. These scales flake off easily and cause irritation. When insufficient quantities of tear film are produced, usually because the glands are blocked, the eye does not get lubricated properly. The dry spots cause the eyes to feel gritty.
Symptoms of Staph Blepharitis
Staph Blepharitis is actually a childhood eye disease that is caused by a bacterial infection. This condition generally does not go away. Its symptoms include the development and accumulation of crusty material at the base of the eyelashes. The crust often affects a person's ability to open their eyes after sleep. Sometimes, after the crusty matter is removed, tiny ulcers remain that begin to bleed or otherwise ooze. Sties can develop, as can red eye, and the eyelashes can become weak and break. If the infection is not treated properly, over time, the cornea can become scarred.
Who is at risk?
Both adults and children can develop Blepharitis however it is more prevalent in adults. There is an increased risk in children diagnosed with Down's syndrome.
Early detection/treatment
As with other diseases of the eye, Blepharitis is typically diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Since one cause of this condition is poor hygiene, the most effective treatment for Blepharitis involves keeping the eyelid margin area super clean. To prevent irritation from excessive cleaning, it is often recommended that this area be cleaned with a shampoo that is formulated for babies. A washcloth can also be used to help remove the scaly deposits.
A hot pack or warm compress applied to the affected areas is effective at reducing pain and swelling. When ulcers are present, a hot pack can also help speed the healing process.
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When the condition is caused by dry eyes, lubricants are effective treatments. If necessary, antibiotic ointments and creams can be applied to affected areas. Some people are prescribed steroids to help reduce the inflammation however their use should only be a short-term treatment option.
Posted by Vision at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2006
Astigmatism
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common eye problem in which a person's cornea or lens has an irregular shape. These problems are known as Corneal astigmatism and Lenticular astigmatism respectively.
The cornea is a clear layer that completely covers the part of the eye that has color. Ideally, the shape of the cornea is round, like a tennis ball. The cornea's job is to bend rays of light that enter the eye so that these light rays can be better focused on the lens enabling the retina to produce a clear image.
When the cornea has a more oval shape, like that of a football, light cannot focus properly. Instead of one focus point, as is what happens when the cornea is properly shaped, the misshapen cornea focuses light onto two areas of the retina. That is what results in blurred vision and/or the appearance of doubled vision.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Blurred vision, 'ghosting' or images that are doubled are the most common symptoms of astigmatism. These types of vision problems occur at all distances. Fatigue, eye strain and frequent headaches are other symptoms that may indicate astigmatism.
Who is at risk?
The shape of the cornea can be affected by anything that causes the eyelids to exert excessive pressure on the cornea. Other risk factors for astigmatism include hereditary, poor posture and performing redundant and excessive amounts of up-close work. Those who are nearsighted or farsighted are also at higher risk of developing astigmatism. Other factors that can increase the appearance of astigmatism include head trauma or a cut, tear or scar on the cornea.
Keratoconus, a condition which over time causes the cornea to thin and take on a more cone shape can also cause astigmatism. This condition develops around puberty and affects more women than men. It's also caused by excessive rubbing of the eyes.
Finally, diabetics are at increased risk of developing astigmatism as elevated blood-sugar levels can cause the shape of the lens to change.
Early Detection/Treatment
A routine eye exam is the easiest way to detect astigmatism. The eye doctor will do a number of tests to determine vision clarity. To determine how light rays focus on the retina the eye doctor can perform a refractive evaluation. Reading the eye chart is a good way to determine visual acuity. Checking eye muscle performance, eye coordination and eye focusing capability are also part of a routine eye exam and can all help determine the presence and degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism is measured in terms of diopters and ranges from mild to severe.
Since astigmatism is an eye condition and not an eye disease, it is highly treatable. Common treatment options include corrective eye glasses and (toric) contact lenses.
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Surgical treatment options have been highly successful at correcting the shape of the cornea. Photorefractive Keratectomy or PKR uses laser beams to change the cornea's shape. LASIK surgery involves making small incisions on the sides of cornea using laser beams. With Radical Keratectomy, laser beam incisions are made into the cornea.
Posted by Vision at 09:36 PM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2006
Allergies
When a person has an allergic reaction, the eyes frequently become affected. Eyes turn red, become itchy and irritated, and they can also become watery. Rubbing the eyes seems to offer comfort, but the reality is that rubbing eyes that are responding to an allergic reaction often compounds the discomfort.
What are Eye Allergies?
Conjunctivitis allergies are a specific category of allergies that affect the eyes. Conjunctivitis is generally triggered by an outdoor seasonal allergen such as ragweed or grass. Conjunctivitis allergies are also known as Hay Fever conjunctivitis.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is seasonal in nature and primarily impacts children. With this form of eye allergy, the edges around the outside of the cornea are affected. Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis is similar with the difference being that it affects adults. It is a chronic condition and it's one that can cause the eyes to become scarred if not treated.
Symptoms of Allergies
When exposure to an allergen occurs, the body reacts by releasing histamines. Histamine release causes fluids to build up in the nasal cavity, sinuses and also on the surface of the eye as well as the insides of the eyelids. This release is also a source of significant irritation. In addition to irritation, the eyes may become red and watery, and the eyes and eyelids can become swollen. In addition to the visible symptoms, eye allergies may cause a feeling that something is stuck inside the eye or a feeling that the eye is being scratched. Vision can also become blurry or hazy or otherwise unclear.
Who is at risk?
Any person regardless of age can develop eye allergies.
Early detection/treatment
The most effective treatment for allergies is to stay away from those items that trigger allergic reactions. Many everyday cosmetics including mascara, eye liners and eye brow pencils and face creams can all trigger an allergic reaction. In some individuals, eye allergies can be caused by wearing contact lenses. Dust mites, mold and pet dander can also cause eye allergies.
When allergies are suspected, detection is the key to effective treatment. It's important to note what a person had been exposed to immediately before the allergic reaction occurred. Over time, patterns will become apparent. Once the culprit has been identified, steps should be taken to restrict exposure to the allergen.
Changing the brand of cosmetics and other personal care products can help as can discussing the possibility of obtaining a different contact lens prescription.
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In addition to these changes, over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and eye drops can all help alleviate the symptoms of eye allergies. If allergies are troublesome and/or persistent, it may be time to see an allergist who can recommend prescription medications and eye drops to treat the symptoms of eye allergies.
Posted by Vision at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)
June 11, 2006
Dry Eye Syndrome
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye problem. In fact, it is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States alone suffer from dry eye syndrome. A person who has dry eye syndrome generally has a problem with the quantity or quality of the tear film which is responsible for properly lubricating the eyes.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Eye irritation is the most notable symptom of dry eyes. Eyes may itch, burn and become red. It doesn't seem possible, but excessive tearing is also a symptom of dry eyes. That's because the eyes produce tears in response to many conditions including protecting eyes from injury.
Who is at risk?
Anyone is at risk of developing dry eye syndrome, but the majority of complaints arise from the elderly. As people age, the body's production of oil begins to slow. As oil production diminishes, less oil is available for the outer layer of tears. With less oil, the moisture produced by the middle layer cannot be properly sealed and it therefore evaporates more quickly, leading to the dry spots on the cornea known as dry eye syndrome.
Older women are more at risk than men. Hormonal changes during menopause are primary culprits. Smokers are at higher risk, too. Many environmental conditions increase the occurrence of dry eyes including air conditioning, hot, dry climates, wind and higher altitudes. People who read a lot or work at a computer all day complain more of dry eyes because they tend not to blink as much.
Those who take certain medicines, who suffer from a deficiency of vitamin A or who have been diagnosed with certain diseases including Parkinson's disease tend to have dry eyes.
Early detection/treatment
Most individuals know whether they have dry eyes, but an eye doctor should confirm this eye problem. Detection takes place using special eye drops that help the eye doctor gauge tear production and associated rates of evaporation.
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Artificial tear drops placed regularly into the affected eye is the most common form of dry eye treatment. Collagen or silicon plugs can be inserted into the tear drains to keep tears from draining. Drinking plenty of water helps, too, as it keeps the body hydrated. Avoiding eye rubbing and blinking more frequently also help alleviate dry eye syndrome.
Posted by Vision at 09:30 PM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2006
Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
Eye Problems and Diseases – Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
More than 60 million individuals around the world have cataract. Cataract is the #1 cause of blindness but fortunately, cataract is highly treatable with cataract surgery.
What is Cataract?
There are 3 different types of cataracts and each type affects a different part of the eye. At the center of the lens is the nucleus and the most common of the cataracts affects this region. Cortical cataract and subcapsular cataract are more common in individuals who have diabetes.
Symptoms of Cataract
Vision that is cloudy or blurred is the most obvious symptom of a cataract. Nearsightedness can increase and images that were once clear can appear distorted when cataract is present. Less noticeable symptoms include the need for more and brighter light when reading, sensitivity to light, trouble seeing at night, double vision and colors that fade or seem 'yellow'. These symptoms develop because the cloudiness on the lens prevents it from refracting light properly.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk of developing cataract and the likelihood that this type of eye problem will develop increases with each passing year. Simply stated, anyone fortunate to reach old age will likely develop cataract.
Risks increase if there is a family history of cataract. Steroids and some medications can also increase the chances of developing cataract as can eye injury or previous eye surgery. Those with diabetes also have an increased risk.
Early detection/treatment
A routine eye examination is the most effective way of detecting the presence or development of cataract. Because blurred vision can be caused by a number of factors, proper diagnosis is important.
It used to be that a person with cataract in one or both eyes would have to endure painful surgery to remedy the situation. But today, cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves replacing the cloudy lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). The success rate of cataract surgery is extremely high. And surgery is the only option.
Cataract surgery is not recommended until the loss of vision becomes troublesome and impacts quality of life. Cataract generally develops gradually so in many cases, vision in the early stages can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses. An ophthalmologist can determine the stage at which cataract surgery is necessary.
It's important to note that some people with cataract also have other types of eye problems. For them, cataract surgery may not restore vision. Again, an ophthalmologist can help with this determination.
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When cataract surgery is performed, an amazing 95% of the surgeries involve no complications whatsoever. Local anesthesia, tiny instruments and a microscope are generally all that is needed to perform successful cataract surgery.
Posted by Vision at 09:28 PM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2006
Age Related Macular Degeneration
What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?
As the name implies, Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is an eye disease that is primarily triggered by age. There are two types of ARMD, wet and dry. Either can affect one or both eyes. The dry form is more prevalent, occurring in 90% of the cases. It's slow to develop and vision loss is gradual, although not necessarily severe. The wet form is much more damaging, causing rapid and severe vision loss.
Vision loss is not total because ARMD affects the central vision, not the peripheral vision. When the macula is damaged, a person cannot create a clearly detailed image. Since the macula is in the center of the retina, central vision is affected. The macula is a group of nerve cells that utilize light to create and send images to the retina.
Symptoms of ARMD
Those affected by ARMD will notice a spot in their vision that is clearly indistinguishable. For example, when looking directly at an image of a person, legs and head will be clearly visible, but the body itself, the part right in the center of vision, will appear to be covered with an area that appears either empty or dark. Besides blurred vision, straight lines may seem wavy and a person may not be able to recognize images that should be familiar.
Who is at risk?
Age is a primary risk factor of ARMD, with the majority of the cases developing in individuals aged 60 and over. However, hereditary and the environment can also trigger the onset of the dry form of this eye disease. Females develop ARMD more often than men.
Free radicals cause much of the cell damage that occurs inside the retina therefore cigarette smoking and hypertension increase the risks of developing ARMD. Those who do not eat a nutritionally-balanced diet may also be at risk as they are not providing the body with the antioxidant protection it needs to inhibit the damage caused by free radicals.
Early Detection/Treatment
It's difficult to detect ARMD. The dry form is slow to develop, and generally develops only in one eye. The unaffected eye compensates for the damaged eye, so symptoms are not readily noticeable.
Yellow deposits called drusen on the retina can usually be observed during an eye exam. The eye chart and dilating the pupils are two methods of detection. When wet ARMD is suspected, the eye doctor will use an Amsler grid or fluorescein angiography.
Unfortunately, no treatment can restore this type of eye damage. Glasses will not help, but vision aids and counseling can help a person adjust to life with a reduced vision loss.
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Laser surgery treatments and photodynamic therapy have had limited success on wet Age Related Macular Degeneration. Other treatment options such as medication and radiation are still being studied.
Posted by Vision at 09:23 PM | Comments (0)
