Diabetic retinopathy is the disease that diabetes causes in the eye. The retina is the light sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of adult blindness in the world (the other is macular degeneration).

What Doctor is Best? The best recommendation I can give, as a retinal specialist, is to have your eyes checked yearly by your eye doctor; optometrist, general ophthalmologist or retinal specialist. While a retina specialist is the best trained to treat any retinopathy, your eye doctor should be qualified to determine if you have developed any degree of retinopathy. It is better that you get checked by someone, rather than not at all.

Once diagnosed, you should probably be referred to a retina specialist. A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has completed additional training to sub-specialize in retinal diseases. It is a retinal specialist that routinely treats diabetic retinopathy, if needed.

When Should You Be Examined? You should be examined once you have been diagnosed with diabetes and then, at a minimum, annually. A dilated eye exam (drops to dilate your pupil) is the best way to be examine your retina.

“Excellent vision does not mean you have no disease.” There is NO correlation between the level of disease and how well you see. Most people do not understand this. The earlier your disease is detected, and if needed, treated, the better your visual prognosis is for life. Don’t wait for your vision to become affected before seeking medical attention.

Good Sugar Levels Mean Nothing Unfortunately, too many people, and doctors, believe that good sugar control prevents diabetic retinopathy. While there is some evidence that good sugar control may limit the progression of the disease, there is no evidence linking tight sugar control, or good A1C levels, to preventing the development of the disease.

You probably Will Not Go Blind, but you are most likely going to develop the disease.

State legislators today are set to vote on a bill that would require certain elderly drivers to pass eye exams every five years for a license renewal and would give medical professionals immunity from reporting problems with any drivers.

The bill would also ban the dangerous practice of text messaging while driving and would prohibit 16- and 17-year-old drivers from using any type of cell phone or mobile electronic device while behind the wheel.

The bill to ban texting was introduced last week. On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee voted to add a provision to the bill that would require drivers 75 and older to appear at the Registry once every five years for an eye exam and license renewal, according to a committee spokesman. Right now, all drivers must appear at the Registry every 10 years and pass an eye exam to renew a license, according to Registry regulations.

In an interview on a Boston radio station, Gov. Deval L. Patrick said the bill doesn’t go far enough. He again voiced support for legislation that calls for vision and road tests every five years for all drivers 85 and older. “We should have been moving on this before now,” Patrick added.

Rep. Rosemary Sandlin, D-Agawam, a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, said she could support eye exams every five years for drivers 75 and older, but she would oppose a bill that would include road or computer tests for elderly drivers.

The Ways and Means Committee also changed the bill to allow physicians, nurses, chiropractors and other health care providers to report to the Registry any patient 16 or older who has a cognitive or functional problem that could affect the patient’s ability to drive safely. A provider would be immune from civil liability that might otherwise result from making a report or failing to make a report.

Rep. Joseph F. Wagner, D-Chicopee, said he could support eye exams for license renewals every five years for drivers 75 and older.

“People’s vision is very likely to change incrementally over time,” Wagner said. “I don’t think it’s an unreasonable measure.”

John W. Bennett, 79, of Agawam, president of the Springfield chapter of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, said he saw no great harm in requiring eye exams every five years for people 75 and older who are renewing a license.

“It’s not a major problem for seniors provided they can get to the Registry,” Bennett said.

The bill comes after two fatal accidents late last year involving elderly drivers in Western Massachusetts.

An 88-year-old Springfield woman who was riding in a car driven by an 85-year-old Springfield man died of injuries following a Nov. 30 accident on Parker Street in Springfield. Police said they cited the driver.

In early December, a 73-year-old Townsend driver died in a Massachusetts Turnpike accident in Ludlow after he crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a guard rail and then another vehicle.

Last week, Wagner and Sen. Steven A. Baddour, D-Methuen, the Senate co-chairman of the Transportation Committee, unveiled the bill that would outlaw text messaging while driving. If approved, Massachusetts would join Washington, D.C., and 19 other states with a ban on texting while driving.

The bill would also ban drivers younger than 18 from using any type of mobile telephone or mobile electronic device, even with hands-free technology.

A so-called junior operator who violates the ban would have a license or permit suspended for 60 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense and one year for a third or subsequent offense.

Adult drivers who break the texting ban would be fined $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense.

Sankara Eye Hospital (SEH), Bangalore & Shimoga in association with Sightsavers International (SSI), UK, today organized a panel discussion on ‘Common Eye Problems faced by Children’ in the city today. Dr S Halkatti, Joint Director, Dept of Ophthalmology, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr Kaushik Murali, Director Nanna Kannu, Dr. Madhu Kumar, Consultant, Retina and Ocular Oncology Services, SEH and Mr. Srinivas, CEO, National Association for Blind, Karnataka presented their views and observations. The discussion highlighted the success of Public-Private Partnership in eye-care delivery throughout Karnataka through the National Programme for Control of Blindness. It also focused on common eye ailments in children, prevalence of retinoblastoma, and difficulties faced by visually challenged children and mainstreaming them in education and society. Panelists shared their thoughts on how early diagnosis could prevent serious ailments among children. The discussion also focused on how parents could identify symptoms of eye troubles, stages and diagnosis of eye cancer among children. It is noted that chances of treating eye cancer and saving life among children is high if treated early.

All the eye experts pointed out the importance of understanding the behavioral pattern of a child as it can help the parent to identify the child’s problem easily. The common symptoms faced by children such as Myopia, Lazy eyes, Monocular vision (vision in one eye), Squint, Cataract, some Retinal Ailments can be prevented through early detection. They also stressed on the need for regular comprehensive eye examination for all children to detect and treat visual ailments.

The event also saw the screening of an Animation Film ‘I Learn What I See’, which pointed out how a small problem like Myopia or nearsightedness could affect the psyche of a child and his/her performance, if left untreated. This in turn also influences the impression the child has on others.

According to Dr Kaushik Murali, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Director – Nanna Kannu, SEH, “Various interventions have shown vision problems to affect approximately one in 20 preschoolers. They also affect one in four school children. Though usually treatable, without early detection and treatment, children’s vision problems can lead to: permanent vision loss and learning difficulties.

“We have a comprehensive eye care programme for children called the ‘Nanna Kannu’ Program. The project aims to provide preventive, curative and rehabilitative eye care for deprived children across Karnataka. SEH has until now reached more than 31,000 children who have been screened for eye problems and provided with further treatment and rehabilitation wherever necessary. This initiative will now spread out to other parts of the state in order to serve many more needy children.”

According to Dr. Halkatti, Joint Director, Dept of Ophthalmology, Govt. of Karnataka,“The National Programme for Control of Blindness is the most successful Public Private Partnership in the field of healthcare. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders including Governmental Agencies, NGO’s, Doctors, parents and teachers to be aware of the possible symptoms of vision problems, and assist the children to improve their vision as this can have an impact all aspects of the child’s life.”

Mr Srinivas, CEO NAB Karnataka pointed out that, “The NAB Karnataka Chapter has been in the forefront of providing care to the blind for over 3 decades. We are happy to associate with Sankara Eye Hospital and Sightsavers International in ensuring that all Children identified in the programme are provided means of Integrated Education and have the confidence to stand Shoulder to Shoulder with their Sighted Counterparts.”

The Ocular Oncology Department at Sankara has treated the largest number of children with ocular cancers in the state of Karnataka in the past year. Under the leadership of Dr. Mahesh Shanmugam we are currently offering surgical care and chemotherapy and would upgrade our facilities to provide brachytheraphy (radiation treatment) in the coming month , said Dr Madhu Kumar,Consultant , Retina and Ocular Oncology Services.

The panel discussion is a part of ‘Nanna Kannu’, a comprehensive eye care programme for children in Karnataka. The Institution aims to screen 300000 underprivileged children with the support of Various Governmental Agencies, school teachers and local organizations. Sankara Eye Care Institutions provides quality eye care under the ‘Gift of Vision’ outreach eye care programme which has benefited many including children in Mysore district.

The Moroccan Medical Association of Solidarity has achieved a record number of surgeries of eye diseases for more than 4000 cases since the beginning of the eye care campaign, which was funded by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairperson for the Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the UAE General Women’s Union in cooperation with UAE Embassy in Rabat and the Moroccan Authorities.
The medical campaign aims at diagnosing diseases and operating eye surgeries for the poor eye patients in Morocco. The operations were conducted by a joint Emirati -Moroccan team of ophthalmologists at an eye mobile clinic named after Sheikha Fatima ”Mother of Emirates” in appreciation of her humanitarian efforts.
Chairman of the Moroccan Medical Association of Solidarity Professor Mostafa Al Azzozi distributed certificates of appreciation to medical and administrative cadres in recognition of their efforts to render the medical mission success.
He expressed his gratitude to Sheikha Fatima for her humanitarian gestures in Morocco which helped thousands of needy eye patients to restore their sight.

It is true that any of us may have suffered from eye strains. It is a very common phenomenon that our eyes may get strained when they are tired. Especially, if we stare at something too long, our eyes will get tired. For example, we drive or work too long before computers. In a word, this phenomenon is very common to anyone.

Dryness, itch, watery eyes, blurriness, headache, etc. are very common symptoms of eye strains. If we can get the causes of these eye problems, we may find the solutions of them. Here are going to introduce some causes that may lead to eye stains.

The first cause is using computers too long. In modern times, we have to stare at computers and screens everyday for the sake of work. Just image if you have done some exercises too long, you may get very tired. The same is your eyes. They may get tired and sore after long time work.

Still more, if we have stare at something else too long, our eyes may also get tired. Such as, driving and watching TV and reading too long can also lead to eye problems.

If we have to work before computers, we can try our best to stare at them too long. Still, we can ask eye doctors for some help. Most importantly, we can take a break in working hours. This can help to eliminate our eye problems.

The next cause is related with light—strong light. If we work under conditions with very bright light, our eyes will be greatly damaged. Still, too bright computer screen can also lead to eye strains.

The way to avoid these problems is to wear some eye wear in working hours. Never try to work under bright light and find a good visual condition. And reduce the brightness of the computers is also a good way.

Another cause is also related with light—dim light. Working under dim-lighted conditions can also lead to eye stains. You should check your working condition to see whether the light is too dim or not. In a word, try to rest your eyes and this can help to eliminate your eye strains.

more info

·Knowledge of cataract

·Differences between hyperopia and presbyopia

·Age-related diabetes

Do you want a perfect sight without glasses and surgeries? Maybe centuries ago it is believed to be impossible, however, with the development of Bates Method during the 1920s, vision correction can be achieved naturally rather than helped by glasses and surgeries.

Bates Method is proposed by Dr. William Horatio Bates in his book Perfect Sight Without Glasses. The reason why Dr. Bates believed that vision could be corrected naturally is that eye health is greatly related to body health, that is to say, when your body and mind experiences stress, your eyes will be affected at the same time and stress is researched to be one of the main causes of eye problems. Therefore, Dr. Bates holds that the best way to treat vision problems is through holistic methods, or says by getting your body in a relaxing state, which can be achieved by relaxation and stress-relief exercises, including visualization and breathing exercises. Some simple eye exercises can also achieve the same effect. In addition, being in a good mood everyday is also of great importance to eye health.

However, the point is that many scientists have been suspecting whether Bates Method is really effective. Until now, no study is able to point out the side effect of it, but the positive effect of Bates Method can never be neglected. Since the publication of Perfect Sight Without Glasses, a great number of people do have benefited from it.

Choosing the right eyeglasses is very important. Eyeglass frames are available in various materials that different people may like a specific material. Eyeglasses are truly a great invention but those who have greatly contributed in various fields would never have seen the significance of eyeglasses today. Eyeglasses have benefitted a huge amount of people who need vision correction. Without eyeglasses, their lives may be affected.

Until now, it is still unknown that which particular person has invented eyeglasses. Some evidences from the old paintings show that eyeglasses in the early days were quite different from the ones today. Original eyeglasses only had a perch on the nose without other support. This design of eyeglasses had some drawbacks. Under physical movement, these eyeglasses could easily de-position. Eyeglass frames took further steps about four centuries later, which were much similar to the eyewear nowadays. They need the support of the wearer’s ears. Modern eyeglasses are comfortable and stable in the place. Primary eyeglasses with normal design had metal frames and quartz lenses. Flawless glass lenses occurred even later.

After centuries of evolution, modern eyeglasses are much more comfortable and functional than those early ones. In early days, glass produced by factories often had bubbles and other imperfections. Currently, the techniques of glass production have improved significantly and glass has become indispensible for eyeglass lenses.

Today, eyeglasses are widely used for many vision problems, including normal magnification of text for reading, correction for myopia and hyperopia. Among the various materials of lenses, index lenses are very thin and light. This type of lenses is particularly suitable for people with a high prescription.

Some people think eyeglasses make them buck the trend. However, eyeglasses are available in a wide variety now, most of which incorporate fashion. In particular, many celebrities wear designer eyeglasses even if there is no vision problem.

Maxitrol Eye Drops contain a steroid, dexamethasone, which is an anti-infection agent and is present in Maxitrol to reduce ocular inflammation. But in some circumstances this medicine may not be suitable for you, fungal and viral infection for instance, which means Maxitrol can be used only when you are bacterial infected. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding their children are not suitable either. And you must be certain Maxitrol eye drops and other drugs cannot be used simultaneously without your oculist’s permission.

Just like other eye drops, the way of putting Maxitrol to your eyes is very easy. By following the steps you will use Maxitrol correctly. First make sure the eye drops are mixed, then get your head tilted back, place your finger below your lower eyelid and pull your lower eyelid gently away from the surface of your eye, and finally apply 1 drop into the space between your eyelid and eye. If you forget to drop the medicine, just apply a drop when you remember it. If you use too much of this medicine, it can be washed out of your eye with water. If this medicine is accidentally swallowed, it is not likely to cause any serious problems.

Maxitrol is not known to have severe minus effects and is very safe to use. But you may experience some sensations like burning, stinging and inflammation. And increased pressure in your eye may result in blurring of vision, which is not good for you when you are driving or working on a machine.

Maxitrol eye drops are not only safe and easy to use, but effective and affordable. Go to your oculist before you use this medicine, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice from your ophthalmologist or pharmacist when encountering problems.

more info

·Eye drops and medications for glaucoma

·Study Results of Glaucoma

·OTC and prescription eye drops and ointments

Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. This eye problem always causes blurry vision and even vision loss. While the condition is mostly linked with natural aging, people of all age can be affected in fact. Another similar condition is the clouding of the cornea. These two problems have different treatment methods. While cataracts can be cured by lens removal, corneal clouding usually involves transplants of corneal tissue.

Once the eyes are dilated by an eye doctor, the pupils become any thing but pin-hole lenses, so that the focus ability will be significantly reduced. In similar, patients are disabled to focus light if their lenses are completely removed in cataract surgery. As a result, thick spectacles were used to restore a patient’s focus ability in the past. However, this means could offer limited focus restoration.

Nowadays, contact lenses have been an effective solution to focus restoration after cataract surgery. Furthermore, modern intraocular lens (IOL) is just like a miniature contact lens that is placed inside the eye. At the beginning, only rigid IOLs were available but now the soft type is also an option.

The most advanced type of IOL is multifocal IOL, which can provide clear vision at all distances. Like contact lenses, IOLs can be changed once there is a focus change due to natural aging. One advantage of IOLs over contact lenses is that they require no care after installation during the cataract surgery.

Contact lenses used after cataract surgery have certain problems. They are not suitable for some groups, such as the very old, very young or physically disabled individuals. One remedy is the invention of extended wear contact lenses, which allow wearers to keep contacts for consecutive days. However, the condition of neovascularization should be closely monitored.

Cataracts or corneal clouding is not a trivial problem. Fortunately, modern treatments enable patients to restore perfect focus ability. In the United States, cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery now.

more info

·Approved and investigational accommodation IOLs

·Basic and mixed multifocal IOLs

·Advantages and problems of presbyopia-correcting IOLs

Most of us tend to think that glasses and contacts are our best choices when we have some eye problems. Any better way that can help us to enhance our eye sights? Haven’t all human beings got their own natural recovering systems? Maybe we can revitalize these systems in some ways.

In fact, people have got the answers to these questions many years ago.

There is a tendency that people who begin to wear glasses become younger and younger. Especially, many school children have to wear glasses at very early age. This is because of modern civilization in which they spend more time sitting in front of computers, watching TV, etc.

In fact, our eyes are composed of many tiny muscles. When they lose their elasticity, we will have to suffer from some eye problems. So we should try to exercise these muscles. Some statistics prove that doing some specific eye exercises can really improve people’s visions.

Stress is the main cause of eye problems. Thus we should try to relax ourselves both mentally and physically. If we can not eliminate the metal strain, we may suffer from eye sight loss. Most of us have never noticed that there is very tight relation between physical strain and eye strain.

Eyes are compared to the window of the world. And we should spare no effort to maintain our eye sights. In that sense, we should know the causes and solution of eye problems.

We can try to use Bates’ Methods that is one of the most effective natural methods for vision improvement.

more info

·Care Your Eyes

·Actions you take to remove your glasses