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Archive for the ‘Surgery’ Category

As we age, our bodies naturally begin to slow down. There are countless medical issues that older adults can face. Getting regular checkups and screening tests are important to staying healthy. There are some health issues that we can control, such as losing our precious eyesight. Once a year make sure you leave your independent retirement living community and make a trip to the eye doctor.

Many people over the age of 40 can tell you that one of the first things they notice that starts to go is their eyesight. Those who had perfect vision their entire lives are all of a sudden needing glasses to read the newspaper, menus at restaurants and anything else in small print. This is considered a normal part of aging, as the lens of the eye slowly stiffens with age. The muscles that control the curvature of the lens become unable to focus the lens properly. Bifocals are generally used to help solve this nuisance of getting older.

The elderly are also more prone to getting cataracts. Cataracts is what happens when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and blocks light from passing through. Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or fussy vision as well as sensitivity to glare. Cataracts may even remain small and not be noticeable. In many cases they do not need to be removed and have no real effect on vision. If your eyesight is compromised, cataracts can be corrected through a simple surgery performed at the Manteno Illinois hospital.

Glaucoma is also quite prevalent in aging adults. An abnormal increase in fluid pressure inside the eye will eventually cause the optic nerve to be damaged. Once the nerve is damaged it will cause vision loss. If the disease remains untreated the vision may get worse and can lead to complete blindness over time. Treatment for glaucoma cannot restore eyesight that has already been lost.

It is highly recommended that adults 60 or older have an eye exam at least once a year to check for any potential vision issues. Your eye doctor should check for any eyesight changes, glaucoma and more while you are in their office. When you schedule your eye doctor appointment you should also make a point to visit your Manteno Illinois healthcare provider as well to check for diabetes or other diseases that can cause eye problems as well.

This article will discuss 7 supplements that can help lower the risk of cataracts. These supplements could be especially beneficial if the condition runs in your family. Many researchers now believe there is a genetic link. There is nothing to lose by taking them, so why not give them a try?

Carnosine is found naturally in your body, particularly in muscle tissue. It prevents free radicals from attacking the lens of your eye and helps reverse some of the damage that has already been done to the eye by dissolving any abnormal material that has accumulated there. Carnosine is a small molecule composed of the amino acids histidine and alanine and is found in high concentrations in the skeletal muscle, heart muscle, nerve tissue and brain. Carnosine may act as an antioxidant and as a neurotransmitter – a chemical messenger in the nervous system. Carnosine also generates nitric oxide which helps dilate blood vessels. It is recommended that you take a 100mg capsule two or three times a day.

N-acetyl-carnosine is a variant of carnosine and is available in an eye drop form called Re-Vital Eyes. It has been found to be effective in both the prevention and treatment of cataracts It’s recommended that you use two drops, three times a day.

Inositol is an essential component of the phospholipids that make up cellular membranes and is found in virtually every cell in the body. Recent research has shown that inositol helps establish healthy cell membranes, which helps facilitate nerve impulses. Inositol is an important component of eye tissue and low levels have been linked to the formation of cataracts. The suggested daily dosage is 500mg to 1,000mg.

Curcumin is a well-known antioxidant. Curcumin is known for its anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. Researchers have discovered that curcumin, taken in conjunction with vitamin E, can significantly reduce the risk of cataracts.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are essential eye nutrients. They protect against the formation of cataracts and also reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration which causes partial loss of vision. Lutein is used in capsule or tablet form, and the dose is up to 20mg a day. Lutein can also be found in bilberry extracts in capsule form, 150mg a day. Lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Studies have shown that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Zeaxanthin is another essential eye nutrient that helps protect against the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration which causes partial loss of vision. There is evidence of direct relationship between low plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin and the risk of developing AMD. There is also epidemiological evidence that increasing lutein and zeaxanthin intake lowers the risk of cataract development.

Emblica officinalis is a plant that contains natural chemicals called tannoids, and is most commonly used in the treatment of diabetes. It is a rasayana tonic that promotes longevity, and is especially good for the heart and lungs. Indian researchers have found that tannoids extracted from emblica were able to prevent the formation of cataracts. The scientists believe that this remedy may be particularly beneficial for diabetics sufferering from cataracts. Emblica is said to help reduce specific toxins, such as aldose reductase, which are often present in high amounts in diabetic patients. The fruit is an adaptogen which means it is a food grade, nontoxic herb that normalizes body function, balances the neuroendocrine system and improves immunity. The recommended dosage is 250mg a day.

Low vision is a term commonly used among eye care professionals to mean partial sight, or sight that isn’t fully correctable with surgery, pharmaceuticals, contact lenses or glasses. Low vision can result from a variety of diseases, disorders, and injuries that affect the eye. Low vision can also be caused by heredity. Many people with low vision have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for almost 45 percent of all cases of low vision.

Following are some of the most common causes of low vision: Albinism. Albinism results from a lack of pigment. Some forms of albinism affect only the eyes (ocular) while other forms affect skin and hair color as well as the eyes (oculocutaneous). Albinism is hereditary. Aniridia. Aniridia is the partial or total absence of the iris of the eye. The lack of an iris results in acuity loss, light sensitivity and visual field loss. Aphakia. Aphakia is the absence of the lens of the eye which prevents the ability to adjust focus between objects at different distances. Cataracts. Cataracts result from the lens of the eye becoming cloudy or opaque. The clouding can occur over the entire lens or over a small area over the lens. Surgical removal of the cataract can result in aphakia. Coloboma. Coloboma is a birth defect occurring during the development of the fetus resulting in an underdevelopment, such as a cleft in the pupil, iris, ciliary body, lens, retina, choroid or optic nerve. Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition resulting from an increase of pressure inside the eye, often from improper drainage of fluids, which can cause damage to eye structures such as the optic nerve. Macular degeneration. Macular degeneration involves the gradual loss of sensitivity of the central portion of the retina. Since this is the area of the retina responsible for detail vision, macular degeneration is often associated with the loss of central vision and the ability to see fine detail. Nystagmus. Nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the eyes resulting in the inability to maintain a steady fixation. The movement can be horizontal, vertical, circular, or mixed. Optic atrophy. Optic atrophy is the degeneration of the optic nerve. Loss of function of the optic nerve results in a decreased ability to transmit electrical signals to the visual center of the brain. Optic nerve hypoplasia. This is a condition in which the number of nerves within the optic nerve bundle is reduced. Retinitis pigmentosa. This is a progressive degeneration of the retina resulting in night blindness and peripheral field loss. Retinopathy of prematurity. This is a condition in which the normal growth of blood vessels in the retina is disturbed during fetal development, often due to circumstances surrounding premature birth. This condition can lead to an increased risk of retinal tears or retinal detachment.

Although many illness relating to the eyes happen so infrequently, it is still important to have such tools like artificial iris implants simply because of the life changing effects they can have on the patients. Those who need the implants cannot go outside without feeling discomfort from the sun.

The implants make it a lot easier for these people to live their every day lives in comfort. These artificial iris implants can reduce the glare of the sun as well as correcting Aphakia, a condition that leads to the loss of the eye’s natural lens.

One of the best things about the implant is, it helps the patients look normal, give color to the eye and provide a normal sized pupil. However, this is not available everywhere in the world. Each implant is specially made and is unique for the patient that is in need of it. The implant is well tolerated, thin and uses flaps instead of haptics. By using the flaps to stay in place, the implants use a lot less pressure in the area in which they are placed.

The artificial iris implant can be used by a variety of people with different problems whether it be Aphakia, Aniridia or colobomas. The implant can even be used by those who want to change the color of their eyes strictly for cosmetic reasons.

Mainly, the implant is used for patients with oculocutaneous albinism and have no pigment in their eyes. Since the implant is so thin and made from ophthalmic-grade silicone, it poses little threat for complications and look more natural than contacts.

Prior to the cataract surgery, the patient will visit with their eye doctor who notifies them of the situation. The doctor can recommend a professional surgeon capable of performing the operation. Additional appointments need to be made with this surgeon, to further examine the problem, and discuss the operation. This is the perfect time for the patient to ask any questions they might have. The procedure itself is done in an operating room at the doctor’s office, though the cataract surgery may be done in their office too.

The surgery starts with the patient arriving for a quick check up, and to check into the hospital or office. The patient then needs to change into a hospital gown, and are taken to a separate room for preparation. The first step is to receive the anesthesia. This can be done through a needle and IV, though in some cases doctors will use a gas. The surgeon then gets to work on the actual cataract surgery.

This is done by propping open the eyelid using a lid speculum. The eye needs to remain fully open throughout the procedure. There are also other tools that are used, to keep the eye functioning even as the operation is done. The cataract itself is cut open, and a small slit placed in the lid. This helps the doctor remove the damaged lens without damaging the eye. The new lens is then used in place of the original one. This lens is often made of a pliable plastic material, though it may be made of another material as well. Once the operation is complete, the patient is moved to a recovery room.

Following the cataract surgery, a plastic and metal patch is installed over the eye. This patch is used to protect the eye from damage and dirt or debris that may injure the new lens. After the cataract surgery the patient needs to follow specific instructions including using prescribed eye drops in their eyes every few hours. The day after the cataract surgery, the patch can be removed and the patient should be fine. They will simply need to have their eyes checked again by the doctor.

Laser eye treatment is a fairly safe procedure for correcting various eye impairments. The procedure has a 95% success rate. With the technological advances made in the last several years, laser eye treatment is now the recommended way of treating vision problems. In fact, laser eye treatment has become so popular that more and more people are deciding to undergo laser eye surgery so they can say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses for good.

However, like any other procedures, laser eye treatment does have some risks involved. About five percent of the cases experience any side effects of laser eye treatment.

A few of the common side effects or risks of laser eye treatment are:

Undercorrection or Overcorrection — Not all patients will respond to the laser eye treatment perfectly. Even after laser eye surgery, a doctor may still prescribe a patient to wear corrective lenses in order to have clear vision. A doctor may also recommend an enhanced laser eye surgical procedure to improve the initial procedure that resulted to undercorrection or overcorrection.

Eye Infection — Although the chances of the eye developing an infection from a laser eye treatment is very low, there is still risk of this happening. When an eye infection develops after laser eye treatment, the healing process may take slower.

Halo Effect — Caused by an optical effect when it is dim or dark, the halo effect may be experienced by a patient after laser eye surgery. A patient will see halos at night for about a week or two. The halo effect is caused by the untreated peripheral cornea. If you’ve undergone laser eye surgery and experience the halo effect for more than two weeks, let your doctor know immediately. You should also avoid driving for at least a week if you are experiencing the halo effect as a result of laser eye surgery.

Flap Loss — During laser eye surgery, a flap of tissue is created over the cornea. This flap of tissue may come off if a patient injures herself or directly touches her eye within 24 hours of the surgery. The flap of tissue needs to remain where it is for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the tissue will easily come off.

Dry Eye — Some patients who undergo laser eye surgery experience dry eye, a condition wherein the eye is not able to produce enough tears to keep the eye clean and moist. Patients who develop dry eye may have a burning sensation in or irregular blurring of the affected eye. Patients who develop this problem after surgery are usually prescribed with an intensive drop therapy.

The risks and side effects of laser eye treatment that were mentioned above are real, but they occur in less than five percent of patients. Each day, thousands of laser eye surgical procedures are performed successfully, with patients coming out of surgery with their visions restored.