The roots of eye problems vary a lot and some people have lost their vision just because of those problems, among which glaucoma is very common and horrible. Then how to tackle with glaucoma? It is true that there are some methods to treat it. But eye surgery is the only alternative if other methods can not work.

The term glaucoma is a mix of several eye problems that have the same mechanism of destroying eye sight. It will directly destroy optic nerve. The root of this disease is still unclear. But the facts show that people of particular group run much higher risk of getting this problem, such as people who are over 40, people who have such eye history and black people.

Generally, glaucoma can be treated with some medications. However, if those medications can not work, eye surgery is the only method. However, as for eye surgery, there are two types, say laser surgery and traditional surgery.

The eye doctor will not casually use eye surgery, only when there is no better choice. This is because surgery can lead to some complications, such as cataracts.

Here is an introduction to some specific eye surgeries for glaucoma.

For open angle glaucoma, laser trabeculectomy can be used. This process is quick and safe, and receivers can leave the hospital after the surgery. The laser will be used to drain out the fluid and blood in the eyes. On the contrary, trabeculectomy is of traditional type and a hole will be made in the cornea and some time will be used to heal.

A tiny tube will be used to enhance the pressure and drainage of the eyes. Another kind of surgery will use laser to cut off the lesion part. And it will usually lead to some dangers.

No one wants to receiver surgery for glaucoma. But one can try to avoid it. Prevention is the best treatment. Therefore, if one can receive regular examinations, this disease can be avoided or detected early. Glaucoma of early stage can be cured.

More info

What is glaucoma

Study Results of Glaucoma

Researches of Glaucoma

When there are some disorders or diseases on our eyes, the cornea shape will change. So doctor uses corneal topography to map the cornea to check Keratoconus and other progressive eye diseases. And it is proved corneal topography is one of the best way to test the cornea and diagnosis of eye diseases. The following will give some introduction on how to use corneal topography to check Keratoconus.

For people with healthy cornea, the cornea in the corneal topography is smooth and flat, and there is a 90 degree axes perpendicular in the cornea. And if there is any irregularities, that means there are some problems with the cornea. For example, irregular astigmatisms can be diagnosed if there is steepening or irregular shaping of the axes. When doctors use corneal topography to check Keratoconus, they can make a judgment from “Inferior Steepening”. For people who have corneal astigmatism, their shape of the cornea is like a football, while for normal ones, it should be round and smooth.

In addition, Keratoconus has some similarities with Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD) from the corneal topography, which may cause people some confusion about them. Dr. Schalaeppi discovered PMD in 1957. Known as the peripheral form of Keratoconus, PMD means a lobster claw pattern by breaking down of the cornea. So we can see PMD and Keratoconus are in the same family and not easy to distinguish them. However, PMD still has its own specific feature. You can distinguish PMD from the steepening, which is from the outer margin of the cornea heading inwards, like pinching the center. And the signs of PMD are as following: Compared with Keratoconus, people can not feel pain with PMD. However, they can feel their visual distortions. In addition, there is no vascularization of the cornea and no scarring. And there is lobster claw formation with PMD.

Just as other eye diseases, the regular test at the eye doctor is critical for Keratoconus. Therefore, visit your eye doctor at a regular time and have a baseline corneal topography. The corneal topography can tell you if you are far away or bothered from Keratoconus. If you are unlucky to have this kind of eye disease, the test can help you to treat or stop the progression of Keratoconus in time, and finally to help you to have a good treating result. So please don’t forget to visit your eye doctor and have your eyes checked at a regular time.

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Keratoconus treatments

Intacs corneal implants for myopia and keratoconus

About Myopia

Dry eye is a common problem which almost everyone would have experienced, and it normally is able to disappear on its own. However, dry eye, a seemingly simple problem, could be mild, but also serious. If not treated properly, worse eye problems will be caused, even a danger of complete blind. Here below are a survey we did of what to do with dry eyes:

In most cases, dry eyes emerge because of the infection of bacilli, therefore, to keep eyes away far bacilli as much as possible is the first and foremost tip for dealing with dry eyes. You are required to wash hands frequently, especially when you prepare to touch your eyes. As for those who wear contact lenses, clean and check you equipments related regularly, in case of infection.

The environment could also be one of the reason to cause dry eyes. Especially when you stay in an air-conditioning house for a long time, for as the dryness of the air, your eyes are inclined to get dry as well. So keeping houses ventilated and going outside often are not bad ideas to reduce the occurrence of dry eyes. But another thing should be born in mind is to wear sunglasses or even goggles when you are outdoors, avoiding allergens such as smoke, pollen and dust.

When you encounter dry eyes, the first aid treatment is eye drops or other eye medicines, which are believed to help moisten dry eyes and ease discomfortableness. But the point is to know what each of medicines is for, as different medicines are for different symptoms. Normally label on each medicine will clearly illustrate certain therapeutic properties. And ensure to be not confused the dosing of your once or twice a day. Consult to your pharmacist about any confusion you have.

When observing any discomfortableness of your eyes after self treatments, go for a ophthalmologist or optometrist, and those of extensive training and experience should be better chose. Ask them for professional advice.

Be aware of your eyelid’s Meibomian Glands. Some may confuse what Meibomian Glands are. They are glandulars located between your eyelashes on upper and lower eyelids, functioning to secrete oil to keep eyeball moistened. It has been shown that most dry eye symptoms are caused by the occurrence of problems with these glands, for example, glands are blocked with dusts by waxed oil. You probably will experience that if you do not pay special attention when washing your hair, especially washing hair in a shower. Because water with shampoo will, more or less, accidentally enter your eyes, and melt outside of your eyelids and become wax. The special ” Warm Compress Mask ” is a good way to warm the glands and clean the dusts.

More info

Dry eye in older women

Dry eye causes and treatments

Flaxseed oil for dry eye treatment

Eye drops have noticed effect on eye problems, such as dry eyes and discharge eyes, etc., it also does for red eyes.

Red eyes, with another name of bloodshot eyes, are caused by the dilatation and enlargement of blood vessels in the eye. Reasons for red eyes are of a great deal. Some people taking on weak abilities to produce tears may frequently suffer from bloodshot eyes, which constitutes the internal factor; some people suffer red eyes because of outer environment, which is the external as well as main factor. For example, if you are allergic to dogs or pollen, once you touch them, you will probably experience red eyes; if you stay up late one night, your eyes maybe will turn red the next morning; sometimes, when you are too stressful after several days’ hard work, red eyes will also probably fall on you. Even minor colds can cause them in some degree.

Under those circumstances, eye drops, serving as fake tears to help your body replicate necessary solution into your eyes, come in handy. You can use it anytime your eyes become bloodshot, whether they are mild or serious, and usually one to two drops will do the trick.

However, one thing worthy reminding of is that some eye drops may have side effect to certain people, therefore, when you choose the form and potency of eye drops, you should make sure to research the individual benefits of each eye drop product before you buy.

more info

·OTC and prescription eye drops and ointments

·Causes and treatments of eye allergies

·Eye drops and medications for glaucoma

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.

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

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

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among people over 50 years old in industrialized countries. Scientists have found that antioxidants such as carotenoids are helpful in decreasing the risk of AMD. In particular, spinach is one of the best sources of carotenoids, which are considered as normal macular protective pigment (MPP).

UV rays have been long reported to damage eye tissues because they produce free radicals in the eye. What’s more, blue light is particularly harmful to the macula which is the central retina. A common way to fight against these harmful rays is to wear sunglasses with HEV and UV protection. And brown or amber sunglasses are believed to block out HEV most effectively.

In addition to sunglasses, experts also recommend some nutrients for AMD prevention. Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the powerful antioxidants that have been found in the macular tissue of the retina. Both of the two nutrients protect the photoreceptors against oxidative stress, inflammation and even degeneration.

There are many sources of zeaxanthin, including foods and supplements. Those foods include egg yolks, squash, pumpkin, orange peppers, collard greens, tangerines, romaine lettuce, green beans, spinach and so on. In addition, supplements from various brands such as Eye Promise-Restore are helpful for those who can not get adequate amounts of zeaxanthin from a diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to help maintain eye health. The most common way is to consume fish oil extracted from cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies as well as sardines. Ordinary people are encouraged to contain certain amount of fish oil in the diet.

Glutathione is an intracellular antioxidant. It can literally prevent degeneration in the delicate photoreceptor cells. This type of antioxidant is a billion more times potent than Vitamin C in neutralizing those free radicals in the eye.

One’s lifestyle is also critical. Obesity and smoking are both thought to increase the risk of severe macular degeneration by 4 times. And regular exercises are usually helpful in maintaining a health life.

more info

·Factors associated with macular degeneration

·Types and treatments of macular degeneration

There were some significant breakthroughs in the medical science field during the 20^th century. In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin and cardiac surgeon Christian Barnard from South African first developed the human-to-human heart transplantation in 1967. All these advances have significantly contributed to the progression of medical science.

During the long period of medical science development, these individuals mentioned before are lucky that they are remembered by modern people. However, there have been a great number of medical visionaries, who have also made meaningful contribution. Some technological inventions may have resulted from the cooperation or collaboration of many scientists or surgeons.

Indeed, some medical advances have been honed and perfected over a long period of time, so that it is hard to give credit to a specific person or a specific group of contributors. The fact is that many people should receive their deserved credit due to their contribution to certain medical advances.

For instance, there were numerous pioneers of the laser eye surgery. Fyodorov from Russia was performing groundbreaking work in eye surgery field even before the invention of laser eye surgery. Later in 1960, the first artificial crystalline lens was implanted by him. With precise incision near the cornea region, Fyodorov created a surgery for myopia correction.

Besides contributions by Fyodorov, there were other doctors who have helped push laser eye surgery forward. The American physicist Theodore Maiman first developed and patented laser. All these pioneers have made concrete efforts for the invention of laser eye surgery in 1980s.

Another example is the invention of excimer laser eye surgery. Excimer laser was first invented by Nikolai Basov in 1970 but used for silicone computer chips at first. In 1980s, excimer laser was introduced to biological tissue. Steven Trokel from America patented excimer laser for use in corrective eye surgery. All these efforts and pioneering contributions made the first appearance of excimer laser eye surgery in 1987.

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