Alexanderdiebel's Blog

Alexander Diebel Blog Dry Macular Degeneration

alexanderdiebel — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:07:05 +0000

While Dry Macular Degeneration usually affects those over the age of 50 or 60, there are several reported cases of infants and children contracting this disorder called Juvenile Dry Macular Degeneration or JMD. Dry Macular Degeneration is the slow decline of central vision. While it does not cause complete blindness, it drastically alters ones lifestyle with total vision blurriness resulting in the inability to read or make out faces. Your peripheral vision is generally not affected but your straight line vision is usually marked by blurry, patchy spots. Many explain it as bright spots that remain in your line of sight after a photography flash is taken from a camera, only it does not go away.

JMD comes in several different varieties, the most common being Stargardt’s Disease which has symptoms that usually start in the childhood or teen years. Symptoms are small drusen (yellow fat-like deposits on the retina), a decline in sharp sight and macula scarring. It also causes the light sensitive cells in the retina to deteriorate. Stargardt’s Disease is genetic and is passed down from generation to generation. Approximately 1 in 20,000 children are affected with this form of JMD and most children are given the diagnosis before the age of 20 years old.

Some other signs and symptoms of JMD to be aware of are:

•    Dim colors and blurring
•    Straight line distortion
•    Empty spots in your central line of vision

Older children and teens are able to let an adult or doctor know that they are having symptoms and are able to explain what exactly they are seeing. Infants, toddlers and young children, however are unable to explain which is why it is necessary to take your children to the eye doctor regularly, especially if you have several reported cases of Dry Macular Degeneration in your family. If your child starts to complain about blurred vision or dark spots in their line of sight, consult a doctor. Hallucinations have also been reported by several patients, so if your child complains of these, take them seriously and take them into your ophthalmologist for testing.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for JMD and the cause of Juvenile Dry Macular degeneration is unknown as well. Researchers believe that JMA comes from an inherited mutated gene from both parents which may or may not affect those it is passed down to genetically. Currently, there is no way to stop the gene from being passed down. While regular Dry Macular Degeneration affects mostly Caucasian women, those who smoke and who have lightly colored eyes, juvenile Dry Macular Degeneration can affect anyone as long as they have inherited the mutated gene, regardless of age, sex or race.

Article Source Here

Posted by Alexander Diebel

Alexander Diebel Blog Lasik Surgery Procedures

alexanderdiebel — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:34:08 +0000

Lasik eye surgery is a relatively new ocular procedure designed specifically for people who are nearsighted. If you are a long-term wearer of contact lenses or eye glasses, then Lasik surgery is something that you should discuss with your ophthalmologist. The costs of eye surgery can be fairly expensive; however, most insurance companies fully cover, or partially cover this medical procedure, so it is less money out of your pocket that you have to pay.

Lasik eye surgery is a very complex operation involving the most delicate part of the eye, the cornea. Using a knife, a highly skilled ophthalmologist surgeon cuts a flap in the tissue of the cornea, removing the targeted tissue beneath the cornea with a precise laser which causes the nearsightedness. The corneal flap is then replaced. It is extremely important to have this procedure done by a surgeon who has had several successful Lasik surgeries to be sure to avoid any medical accidents.

The recovery time for Lasik surgery is minimal; you are usually up and functioning that day, with the ability to drive immediately and fully recovered by one week. Though not frequent, there are several risk factors that accompany Lasik eye surgery. There is a small chance of infection or improper healing, adding mostly discomfort and prolonged healing, but usually not actual damaged to your long term eyesight. It is also possible to over or under-correct your eyesight causing the chance that you still may have to wear corrective lenses until another procedure can be done to fix the problem.

Though expensive, the positive results that you get from receiving Lasik surgery, the cost is most definitely worth it. The cost of eye surgery, mainly Lasik eye surgery ranges from $500 to $2500 per eye. Surgeons with a higher success rate and who are more skilled in this procedure will most likely charge more than those surgeons who have not performed this surgery often. A good point to consider; since your eyesight is precious, wouldn’t you want to pay the extra cost for a skilled surgeon to perform this procedure, rather than a surgeon with little experience?

Doctors offices and billing company’s breakdown the costs of eye surgery into several different categories and criteria and may include some of the following:
• Royalties owed to the laser company of the equipment the doctor uses
• Pre and post-operative consultations (these can occur for as long as a year after your Lasik procedure)
• Surgical scrubs, gloves and medical instruments used
• Salaries of the surgeon and staff members assisting the procedure (this can include office workers, nurses and clean-up service providers)
• Maintenance and purchasing of medical equipment

While most insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of eye surgery, it is important to double check with your agency before you get the procedure doneFree Reprint Articles, to avoid being stuck with a large bill that can total more than $5000.

Article Source Here

Posted by Alexander Diebel

Alexander Diebel Blog Information on Uveitis and Iritis

alexanderdiebel — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:45:45 +0000

Anterior Uveitis is the most common form of uveitis. Uveitis specifically refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. The uvea is the layer of the eye between the sclera and the retina. This layer includes the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. It will often be referred to as Iritis as the iris is the part of the uvea that is usually inflammed. Uveitis is an inflammation inside the eye, affecting the uvea. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Uveitis has dozens of causes, including viral, fungal, and bacterial infections or exposure to toxins. The disorder may affect only one eye and is most common in young and middle-aged people. A history of an autoimmune disease is a risk factor.

Anterior uveitis affects the back portion of the uveal tract, and involves primarily the choroid. This is called choroiditis. If the adjacent retina is also involved it is called chorioretinitis. Posterior uveitis may follow a systemic infection or occur in association with an autoimmune disease. Signs/symptoms may include a red, sore and inflamed eye, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and a small pupil. A myriad of conditions can lead to the development of uveitis, including systemic diseases as well as syndromes confined to the eye. Uveitis is a two types acute or chronic. The chronic form is more often associated with systemic disorders including, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowl disease and juvenile rehumatoid. Chronic uveitis most likely occurs due to an immunopathological mechanism.

Antimetabolite medications, such as methotrexate are often used for recalcitrant or more aggressive cases of uveitis. A long-acting cycloplegic agent, such as cyclopentolate or homatropine, should be used to help relive both pain and photophobia and to prevent the formation of posterior synechiae. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstays of therapy and should be used aggressively during the initial phases of therapy. Uveitis is typically treated with glucocorticoid steroids, either as topical eye drops (such as betamethasone, dexamethasone or prednisolone) or oral therapy with prednisolone tablets. In addition topical cycloplegics, such as atropine or homatropine, may be used. In some cases an injection of PSTTA can also be given to reduce the swelling of the eye.

Anterior Uveitis and Iritis Treatment Information

1. Toxoplasmosis also needs a specific antibiotic.

2. Steroids is also recommend sometime.

3. Anti-inflammatory eye drops is and pupil-widening drops are prescribed.

4. Methotrexate are often used for recalcitrant.

5. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstays of therapy.

6. Topical cycloplegics, such as atropine or homatropine, may be used.

Alexander Diebel Post 10/30/2009

Article Source Here

Alexander Diebel Blog Information on Cogan Syndrome

alexanderdiebel — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:40:17 +0000

Cogan’s syndrome primarily targets children and inexperienced adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Cogan’s syndrome often occurs after an influenza-like transmission. Cogan’s syndrome causes heart inflammation, including conditions such as keratitis, iritis, scleritis, or conjunctivitis, associated with equilibrium problems, vertigo and ear ringing (tinnitus

These vestibuloauditory symptoms can advance to speedy multilateral deafness payable to inflammation affecting the 8th cranial heart. Other symptoms include vasculitis, nausea, vertigo, impoverished equilibrium, fever, tiredness, weight departure, vomiting, soft sensibility, and a multilateral blurring of imagination. More seldom, Cogan’s syndrome can induce expanded lymph nodes, bold, chest pain, weapon pain and shortness of breather. Systemic cardiac manifestations of Cogan’s syndrome include aortitis, aortic valve deficiency, pleuritis, pericardial effusion, coronary arteritis, and perhaps myocardial infarction.

Hearing loss is often progressive and can lead to permanent deafness within two years without early diagnosis and treatment intervention. Mild eye disease may be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are used in cases of mild eye symptoms. If signs of infection occur, antibiotic eye drops can be used. In severe eye disease, oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine or cyclophosphamide may be used. In cases where the eye’s blood vessels are damaged, surgical intervention and corneal transplant may be required.

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are also used for problems with imbalance. Cochlear implants are used in cases of hearing loss. If excess fluid in the inner ear is causing balance problems, your doctor may prescribe diuretic medications, which increase urination and removal of fluid from the body. When hearing is impaired and does not improve with medical treatment, cochlear implants may be helpful. Cochlear implants are electronic devices that translate sounds into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain, bypassing the malfunctioning part of the ear. Part of the device is implanted in the ear, and part is worn outside the ear.

Alexander Diebel Post 10/30/2009

Article Source Here

Alexander Diebel Blog Home Remedies for Cataracts

alexanderdiebel — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:35:01 +0000

A thorough course of cleansing the system of the toxic matter is essential. To start with, it will be beneficial to undergo a fast for three to four days on orange juice and water. A warm water enema should be taken daily during this period. After this initial fast, a very restricted diet should be followed for two weeks. In this regimen, breakfast may consist of oranges or grapes or any other juicy fruit in season. Salads of raw vegetables in season, with olive oil and lemon juice dressing, and soaked raisins, figs or dates may be taken during lunch. Evening meals may consist of steamed vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, drum sticks, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, turnips (steamed in their own juices) and a few nuts or some fruits, such as apples, pears and grapes. Avoid potatoes and no bread or any other article of food should be added to this list.

After two weeks on this diet, the cataract patient may embark upon a fuller well-balanced diet – seeds, nuts and whole grain cereals, vegetables and fruits. The short fast followed by a restricted diet should be repeated after three months of the commencement of the treatment and again three months later, if necessary. The bowels should be cleansed daily with the warm water enema during the fast, and afterwards as necessary.

The patient should avoid white bread, sugar, cream, refined cereals, rice, boiled potatoes, puddings and pies, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces, and other so-called aids to digestion.

There is increasing evidence to show that in several cases, cataracts have actually been reversed by proper nutritional treatment. However, the time needed for such treatment may extend from six months to three years.

The aniseed is considered an excellent remedy of cataract. The patient should take about six grams of aniseed daily in morning and evening. Equal quantities of aniseed and corriander powder, mixed with brown sugar is also beneficial. The mixture should be taken in doses of 12 grams in morning and evening. Another valuable remedy for cataract is to grind seven kernels of almonds and half a gram of pepper together in water and drink it after sifting and sweetening the mixture with sugar candy. It helps the eyes to regain their vigour.

The use of carrots has been found valuable in cataract. The patient should eat plenty of raw carrots daily. Alternatively, he should take two glasses of carrot juice daily, one glass each morning and evening. Unprocessed honey has been found useful in treating cataract. A few drops of this honey should be put in the eyes. This is an ancient Egyptian remedy which has benefited many patients. The use of castor oil has also been found beneficial. Two drops of this oil should be instilled in the eyes before retiring to bed.

The use of spinach is an effective home remedy to check cataract, according to a study in the British Medical Journal. A probable reason is spinach’s rich stores of antioxidants, including beta carotene. Indeed, the investigators found that those who ate the most beta carotene in fruits and vegetables were only 40 per cent as likely to develop cataracts.

-Alexander Diebel Post 10/30/2009

Article Source Here

Alexander Diebel Blog Cataract Symptoms and Signs

alexanderdiebel — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:27:25 +0000

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
Symptoms and Signs

A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting. A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.

The type of cataract you have will affect exactly which symptoms you experience and how soon they will occur. When a nuclear cataract first develops it can bring about a temporary improvement in your near vision, called “second sight.” Unfortunately, the improved vision is short-lived and will disappear as the cataract worsens. Meanwhile, a subcapsular cataract may not produce any symptoms until it’s well-developed.

If you think you have a cataract, see an eye doctor for an exam to find out for sure.

•    Blurry vision
•    Colors that seem faded
•    Glare
•    Not being able to see well at night
•    Double vision
•    Frequent prescription changes in your eye wear

Cataract Causes

The lens is made mostly of water and protein. Specific proteins within the lens are responsible for maintaining its clarity. Over many years, the structures of these lens proteins are altered, ultimately leading to a gradual clouding of the lens. Rarely, cataracts can present at birth or in early childhood as a result of hereditary enzyme defects, and severe trauma to the eye, eye surgery, or intraocular inflammation can also cause cataracts to occur earlier in life. Other factors that may lead to development of cataracts at an earlier age include excessive ultraviolet-light exposure, diabetes, smoking, or the use of certain medications, such as oral, topical, or inhaled steroids. Other medications that are more weakly associated with cataracts include the long-term use of statins and phenothiazines.

Treatment

If you have cataracts, you may find that your vision is still good enough for you to get along fine with glasses or contact lenses and that surgery isn’t required. The time to consider treatment is if your vision has become noticeably worse, can’t be corrected with a change in your prescription lenses and this is interfering with your everyday activities such as work and hobbies.
Left untreated, your lens may eventually become very cloudy so that it’s impossible to see any detail at all, although you will always be able to see some light.

Self-help

Wearing glasses may improve your vision if your cataract is in the early stages of development, but your cataract will probably get worse over time so this will only provide a temporary solution.

There is no known way to prevent cataracts that develop as a result of getting older.

Medicines

So far, no medication or diet has been found to slow down the growth of cataracts, and there is no medication that can clear a clouded lens.

Surgery

Surgical removal of your cataract is the only way to restore or maintain your vision. This involves replacing your cloudy lens with an artificial one. The most common technique is called phacoemulsification. This is typically performed under local anaesthetic. This completely blocks the feeling from the eye area and you will stay awake during the operation. You will normally be allowed home the same day. For more information, see Related topics.

Full Article Here

Alexander Diebel Blog – Living with Macular Degeneration

alexanderdiebel — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:39:46 +0000

Here’s a great article I read on living with Macular Degeneration. Please read this if you’d like more information.

http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=%2213336.html%22

-Alexander Diebel

Alexander Diebel Blog – Helpful Glaucoma Sites

alexanderdiebel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:29:00 +0000

I found some helpful resources concerning the serious illness of glaucoma. For more information check out:

http://www.glaucoma.org/

http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/

http://www.ahaf.org/glaucoma/?gclid=CPLygpOx3J0CFRESawodjxj_Mw

http://www.globalaigs.org/

This is a very serious disease and if left untreated can result in blindness. Therefore, visit your doctor for regular exams and familiarize yourself with symptoms of this disease.

Posted by Alexander Diebel

Alexander Diebel Blog-Retinitis Pigmentosa

alexanderdiebel — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:37:27 +0000

I found this very interesting article on Retinitis Pigmentosa on Prevent Blindness America. This is a very serious eye disorder that affects even some of the world’s most rich and famous people. Notably Las Vegas Mogul Steve Wynn and actor/comedian Kevin James.

-Alexander Diebel

What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the name for a group of eye diseases. RP causes the thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye, which is called the retina, to deteriorate. RP diseases are genetic and are passed down from one or both parents.

RP damages the cells in the retina that sense light. These cells are known as rods and cones. The rods are associated with side vision and night vision. Clear central vision and color vision are associated with the cones.

RP mutates the genes of the rod cells and they slowly stop working. As the rod cells stop working, peripheral vision is slowly lost until you can only see a small tunnel of vision straight ahead. RP can cause serious vision loss.

How common is RP?

Roughly 400,000 Americans have retinitis pigmentosa and other related retinal disorders.

What are the signs of RP I should watch for?

Symptoms of RP are not limited to any one age group. The first signs may appear in adulthood, but usually appear during childhood or adolescence. The two most common symptoms of RP that you should watch for are:

- You are slow to adapt to dim light (night blindness)

- You have a slow loss of side vision.

What treatments are available for RP?

Doctors are still working to understand RP and find better treatments. Right now, there is no cure for RP.

What if I have RP?

Early detection of RP helps people to plan for the disease and any loss of sight. People with RP should wear a visor and sunglasses to protect their eyes in bright sunlight.

If you have RP, you should ask your doctor for a referral to a low-vision specialist who can help you to make the most of your limited vision. There are also several aids available, such as electronic magnifiers and night vision scopes, to help you to live with RP.

Found at http://www.preventblindness.org/eye_problems/rpFAQ.html

Posted by Alexander Diebel

Alexander Diebel Blog Dry Macular Degeneration

alexanderdiebel — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:49:15 +0000

I found an interesting article on Macular Degeneration…

If you are over age 50 and are experiencing vision problems, you may very well have Dry Macular Degeneration, which is the most common type of macular degeneration (AMRD). There are several types of dry macular degeneration including atrophic ARMD, drusen, soft drusen, diagram drusen, geographic, fovemacular dystrophy, Choroidal Sclerosis, and mixed/retinal pigment epithelial hypertrophy.
Atrophic dry macular degeneration occurs when the retina becomes thin causing central vision to become blurry and hazy. This thinning is a gradual process and only affects the macular area of the eye. An individual with Atrophic dry macular degeneration continues to have good side (peripheral) vision. Over a period of years however, dry ARMD may cause additional damage to the central retina. If damage is rapid, the patient may be developing wet macular degeneration.
Drusen, soft drusen and diagram drusen occur when accumulations of material build up in the retina. Chemicals to the retina are then inhibited by this build up. These accumulations resemble small white spots on the retina.
Geographic macular degeneration occurs when several areas form in various parts of the retina. As these areas increase in size, more damage is done to the retina. Smoking increases the risk of developing this macular disease.
Fovemacular Dystrophy occurs when there is very small damage done to the central area of the retina. This condition is associated with grayish-yellow round or oval shaped lesions in the macular area of the eye. This disease is most common in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 and is often genetic in nature.

Choroidal Sclerosis is a result of a large white-looking thinned area in the retina. Most often both eyes are affected and no treatment has yet been discovered for this condition. An examination of the eye shows thick choroida blood vessels underneath the thinned area. Mixed/retinal pigment epithelial hypertrophy results when there are several conditions happening in the macular area. These conditions include thinning or thickening of the retina, drusen and pigmentation.

As you age, you are apt to experience some type of changes in the retina of your eye and develop some form of dry macular degeneration. Nutrients enter the retina slowly and waste products are extracted less easily from the retina. You are likely to develop a thinning retina and your sight will probably be reduced. Deposits of waste products are likely to develop and you may experience pigmentation changes to the retina. Being watchful for any changes in your vision is important at any age and should be reported to your health care provider as soon as you notice them.

http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/health/what-really-is-dry-macular-degeneration.html

Post updated by Alexander Diebel