Detached Retina

A detached retina is a condition wherein the retina gets separated from the underlying supportive tissue. Find out more about it here as well as what the treatment for retinal detachment is.

A detached retina is a serious condition that occurs when the retina gets separated from the supportive tissue underlying it. The retina loses its ability to function when it becomes detached, and if it is not reattached soon, it can result in permanent loss of vision.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?

Some of the warning signs of a detached retina are sudden occurrences of flashes of light, floaters, and spots in the eyes. The vision might get poorer or become blurry. Another symptom is seeing a curtain or a shadow coming across from the side of the eye or coming down from the top. These symptoms may occur all of a sudden, in case the retina detaches suddenly, or it may be a more gradual process as the retina slowly detaches from the tissue supporting it.

A detached retina does not cause any pain. Hence, if the above symptoms occur, an ophthalmologist, or eye doctor, needs to be consulted immediately. Prompt treatment increases the chances of regaining loss of vision.

What are the Causes of a Detached Retina?

A detached retina can be caused by various factors such as a high degree of nearsightedness, or an injury to the face or eye. The eyeballs in people with extreme nearsightedness are longer, accompanied by thinner retinas, which are more susceptible to getting detached. Sometimes, a detached retina may also occur following LASIK surgery performed on very nearsighted people. However, this is rare, according to a study conducted on over 1,500 patients who had had LASIK surgery, just four of them suffered the detachment of their retina.

Retinal detach may also occur due to systemic diseases like sickle cell disease and diabetes, or eye diseases, tumors in the eye, and cataract surgery. When new blood vessels grow under the retina, which can occur in diseases like diabetic retinopathy, it may result in pushing the retina away from its underlying supportive tissue as well. Occasionally, the movement of fluids in the eye can also result in detaching the retina.

How can Retinal Detachment be Treated?

The detached retina can be treated by it being reattached by an eye surgeon. Laser photocoagulation, a technique by which leaking blood vessels can be sealed off and at the same time destroying the growth of new blood vessels, is another method of reattaching the retina.

Silicone oil is also injected in the eye by some eye surgeons so that the detached retina can be kept in place. Pneumatic retinopexy, which is a treatment that is similar, involving a bubble of gas being injected in the vitreous humor, which is the clear and colorless gel that fills the posterior portion of the eyeball, can also be used. This achieves the purpose by the gas bubble expanding and pressing against the retina, thereby holding it against the supportive tissue. After that, photocoagulation or cryosurgery can be used to reattach the retina permanently.

The loss of vision due to retinal detachment can sometimes be regained after treatment. The faster the retinal reattachment procedure is carried out, the higher the chances of recovering vision.

Cure Diabetes

Do I have to take antidepressants the rest of my life?
Clearly, the first step is to see whether a given treatment relieves the depression. If it does not, it should not be continued. In the case of antidepressants, it seems that when they are effective, they do not "cure" the illness, in the sense that penicillin cures pneumonia.
What diseases and injuries could benefit from ES cell research?
Medical researchers believe that ES cells could provide cures for many currently incurable or common diseases and injuries, including diabetes, Parkinson’s, MS, cancer, heart disease, ALS, sickle cell disease, spinal cord injury and dozens of other debilitating medical conditions. In fact, it is estimated that over 70 different diseases and injuries could benefit from ES cell research. (For more information, please visit the Diseases and Injuries page on our website.)In addition to corneas used for surgical procedures, more than 38,000 eyes are used annually for research and education. Research on glaucoma, retinal disease, eye complications of diabetes and other sight disorders, benefits from donations because many eye problems cannot be simulated.
How do research and education benefit from eye donations?
In addition to corneas used for surgical procedures, more than 38,000 eyes are used annually for research and education. Research on glaucoma, retinal disease, eye complications of diabetes and other sight disorders, benefits from donations because many eye problems cannot be simulated. These studies advance the discovery of the causes and effects of specific eye conditions which leads to new treatments and cures.Yes, if we are to continue seeking to understand and cure disease in both people and other animals. Certainly, animal use would not be necessary if we were content to allow our medical knowledge and skill to stay where it is today. But for many reasons we can’t afford that: Many devastating diseases — such as rheumatoid arthritis, AIzheimer’s, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, schizophrenia, and many forms of cancer–still lack cures or effective treatments.
Can the health of the population be contributed to animal experimentation?
No. Animal experimentation has made only a very modest contribution to human health. The vast majority of improvements in public health have resulted not from vivisection, but from improved living conditions and changes in personal lifestyle, such as the trend towards people exercising more and eating healthier.
Think You May Have Diabetes?
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly control the amount of sugar in the blood stream. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high. If you’ve never attempted to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet before your diabetes diagnosis, it can be difficult to know where to get started. Try these diabetes tips, as the right food choices will help you control your blood sugar level.Clearly, the first step is to see whether a given treatment relieves the depression. If it does not, it should not be continued. In the case of antidepressants, it seems that when they are effective, they do not "cure" the illness, in the sense that penicillin cures pneumonia.

Debunking The Myths About Iridology

Debunking the myths about Iridology
‘We cannot attempt to cure one part of the body without treating the others. We cannot attempt to cure the body if we forgot the Soul.’
———————–Plato

There have been several erroneous ideas about iridology. Unfortunately some of these beliefs have come from the medical field, as well as some uninformed natural health practitioners themselves. One can never be sure how these illusions came about; however, it is imperative to correct some of these known fictions.

Iridology has frequently been seen by some unlearned individuals as a sort of astrology or fortune telling technique. To believe that idea out of hand is to rob the public of an invaluable tool in preventive medicine. Iridology has been practiced and recorded for centuries. More importantly, with the help of today’s technology in digital magnification and imaging, researchers around the world are able to rapidly move the validation of iridology and its findings forward. Medical doctors in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Russia, and many European countries both revere Iridology and use it in their practice of both traditional and alternative medicine. Scientists are, at this moment, discovering the myriad of layers of information in the iris, the pupil, the pupillary border, and the sclera.

Dr. Celso Batello, of Greece, is continuing research on the incidence of contraction furrows in the iris and how they relate to the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Serge Jurasunas of Portugal is an oncologist who uses Iridology in his determination of treatment protocols for breast cancer patients. Dr. Daniele Lo Rito of Venice, Italy, is an MD who both teaches Iridology and uses it in his practice. These are just a few of the respected professionals who understand the importance of Iridology.

Some of the professional terms or idioms used in iridology have been changed, to reflect more correct usage. Radial furrows, which appear as ‘spokes’ in the iris were often referred to as ‘parasite lines’. This description was not precisely incorrect, but it most assuredly caused the wrong impression. The radials are indicative of a weak area in the
intestinal lining which can be vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, toxins, or parasites. These radials most frequently are visible in the upper quadrant of the iris, or head area. Unfortunately, many people became obsessed with the fear that there were parasites in their brains, which is an entirely false assumption. This regrettable misuse of the term ‘parasite lines’ caused undue alarm and only served to denigrate the science of iridology.

Another false claim which undesirably brought about raised eyebrows and dismissal of iridology by the mainstream medical community was the idea that a brown eye could completely change color to become blue.
Congruous with the teachings of competent iridologists, iris colors remain constant. Pigmentation in the iris, seen as spots or areas of color, can become lighter or darker to a degree as levels of toxicity decrease; but if your eyes are brown, they will remain so. The bizarre claim that a person could ‘cleanse’ himself to exhaustion until his iris changed color, is another
unreasonable assertion. Cleansing and de-toxification are wonderful healing modalities, with absolutely no intent or ability to completely change eye color.

There are a number of things, as in any science, that an iridology exam will not be able to reveal for certain. An Iridologist in America will not diagnose any disease by name, but rather the premise is to work with ‘body systems’ and look for weak areas that are vulnerable to disease, as well as levels of congestion and toxicity.

Should someone have their appendix removed, for instance, this will not be visible in the iris. During anesthetic, the nervous system is quelled to the point of inability to send strong signals to the iris.

An additional theory still being used by some practitioners is that ‘healing signs’ in the shape of small cross hatched lines filling in a lacuna shape will appear in the iris and determine that healing has taken place. This simply does not happen. As heretofore mentioned, certain markings in
the iris can lighten somewhat as the body begins to repair; thus sending energy to an impaired area which can result in improvement. This is due to the actual fiber structure in the iris lifting so that less of the underlying black pigmentation of the posterior border layer is revealed. In fact, sclera signs are a more reliable method of determining changes in the body in a timely manner.

One cannot look in the iris and know a person’s blood pressure, specific blood serum cholesterol levels, see the absolute presence of a tumor and know the size of it. Nor can one look in the eyes and tell the gender of a person.

Another common mistake is for patients to confuse iridology with the actual study of eye diseases. Oftentimes, clients will ask me, ‘Do you see glaucoma in my eyes?’ Or ‘Can you tell if I need glasses?’ The study of eyes and eye diseases is a practice related to ophthalmology
or optometry.

While presenting a lecture at a college of nursing, I was told this story by one of the students. She said that her friend had seen an Iridologist who informed her that her green eyes meant that her entire body was toxic. The friend was understandably appalled and decided that Iridology was quackery. It is unfortunate that some iridologists, especially with outdated
schooling in the field, have limited knowledge and incorrect information. I assured the girl that the green color of her friend’s eyes merely indicated the color of the eyes she was born with. It could indeed suggest a genetic weakness in the kidney area, or any area common to mixed (biliary) colored eyes; but to say that the girl’s whole body was toxic is a misfortune in choice of practitioners.

Iridology is a precise science, and all sciences have some limitations. However, the astounding ability of this science to determine the overall health of the whole person, and their genetic influences, is so valuable as to not be denied.

By: Dr. Gael Riverz, ND

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"Advanced Iridology Research Journal", Editor, John Andrews of UK, "Research on the Inner Pupillary Border" by Dr. Daniele Lo Rito, MD of Italy

Reversing Destructive Eye Diseases Maybe Just A Supplement Away

Americans have pursued a never ending search for nutrients, and supplements in an effort to improve ocular health and prevent eye diseases. While many advertized items have little or no actual benefit, there are some that have been shown to be helpful, and efficacious. Over the last half century research has started to embrace these supplements as beneficial to our health, and their impact on one’s general well being.

Understanding the aging, and physiological processes offers a pathway to the benefits of these nutrients. Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, dry eyes and other age related disorders are but a few of the considerations that these neutricuticals are targeted to address. A study conducted by West and associates concluded that there are some supplements that are very helpful and when taken properly will prevent damage and even do some repair.

Research conducted by the Age Related Eye Disease Study ( AREDS) found that individuals who took antioxidant combinations of 500 IU Vit C, 400 IU Vit E, 15 mg of beta carotene and Zinc for approximately 6 years had a 17%-21% lower rate of Age Related Macular Degeneration(ARMD) progression as compared to individuals in the placebo group. Patients who took Zinc or antioxidants alone also showed a decrease in the progression of ARMD, but not to the extend as the first group. No benefit was shown with the folks who took Vit E alone. In addition, participants who took Lutein for 18-20 weeks demonstrated higher plasma levels, and increased macular pigment density. This would counter the ARMD damage and improve visual quality.

The West and associate study found no benefit at all in preventing, improving or reversing the damage caused by Cataracts or Diabetic Retinopathy. Herbal remedies, antioxidants, and all vitamins were found to be useless with regard to these two conditions.

Unlike cataracts, Glaucoma has been shown to be aided by the use of supplements. Cannabinoids have demonstrated an ability to lower the intraocular pressure, thereby lowering the visual devastations of Glaucoma. The problem with this supplement is obtaining an accepted method of administration that is regulated, dose reproducible and legal. Additional studies have shown that Ginkgo Biloba has improved the visual fields of normal tension glaucoma patients with as little as four weeks of use. The reason is believed to be the vasodilating affect of this supplement. Bringing more blood, and oxygen to the starved retinal tissue. Bilberry has not been clinically demonstrated to aid glaucoma patients in any way.

While additional studies must be conducted to asses all the benefits of these, and other nutritional supplements, it is clear that some do help. Furthermore, of equal importance is the drug interaction of supplements with both each other and prescription medicines. Many herbs, drugs and supplements can and do increase/ decrease the affect of other substances when present at the same time. Care must always be taken and warnings displayed. In all cases, one must consult with their health care professionals as to what supplements can be safely used.

By: Jay Stockman

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This article is written by Dr. Jay Stockman, contributing consultant to CLE Contact Lenses. Dr. Jay Stockman has co-managed a significant number of refractive surgery patients. Advise, and medical questions can be directed to New York Vision Associates

Vitamin Supplements for Cataract Prevention, Proceed with Caution

In an effort to stay healthy, and prevent disease many of us have been taking vitamins. When examining the physiology of our eyes, it makes sense in certain instances to supplement our diets, and improve the metabolism of tissues. There are several problems that arise with that point of view. The first; is that many of these supplements have not been proven to be useful. The second; is that there can be drug interaction between the vitamins and other medications. Therefore care must be taken, and always inform your doctor of anything that you take.

Many studies have suggested that taking Vitamin E will prevent cataract formation. As such, many seniors have rushed out and started taking this fat soluble supplement. However, a recent 10 years study published in the May issue of Ophthalmology concluded that there is NO benefit in taking the vitamin E with regard to preventing cataracts. The study followed over 37,000 women and found no difference between those taking the vitamin and those that did not.

Cataracts form when the internal lens of the eye becomes yellow as a result of Ultraviolet light absorption. This high energy light transforms a type of protein in the lens making it less transparent. Previous studies have found that taking Vitamin C will block this transfer of protein types, and can reduce the severity of the cataract. One must always balance the intake of any supplement with toxicity. Too much Vitamin C can cause kidney stones in those that are predisposed.

We always recommend that patients wear quality sunglasses which will protect the eyes from the UV light, avoid cigarette smoke which increases the protein transfer, and eat a well balanced diet. In doing so, individuals will get all the nutrients that one needs. Taking supplements is a good idea if there are certain medical conditions or needs, but to most Americans a good diet is all that is needed.

Dr. Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for VisionUpdate.net, and a practicing doctor for New York Vision Associates, http://newyorkvisionassociates.com.

Cataract – Causes, treatment and tips!

Cataract is a condition where an opaque or cloudy area is developed in lens of eye, which causes difficulty in vision. Let us read something about cataract…

Millions of people all over the world are suffering from cataract, which is one of the reasons causing blindness. Cataract is a condition in which opacity is developed in lens of the eye because of an opaque area. Normally, adults who have crossed 40 year of age face the problem of cataract in their eyes. Aging, over-exposure to sunlight, excessive smoking, some problems and diseases related to eyes or metabolic diseases such as diabetes, poor nutrition (less use of nutritious food elements important for eye), use of some medications etc. are some of the possible risk factors/causes of cataract. Along with the causes enlisted above, family history also plays an important role.

Our eyes work just like a camera; it captures images from the outer world and sends them to our brain so that we can interact with environment. Suppose, if the lens of a camera is spoiled, scratched or half covered with dirt then in that case the picture taken will not be clear enough or it may happen that we would not identify the picture. Same way, if our eye develops cataract, because of opacity we would not be able to see anything clearly. This will cause problems and will hinder our day-to-day activities at large extent.

Cataract generally starts developing painlessly in eye; it slowly causes difficulty in vision with increase in opaque or cloudy area. Usual symptoms of cataract are: cloudy or blurry vision which results from the development of cloudy and opaque area in eye lens, person face difficulty while reading as cataract advances, problem facing bright light: when the person faces bright light, halo around light or sunlight it appears to be brighter to him/her, color vision deteriorates increasingly as cataract advances, night vision of the person worsens and sometimes the person complains of having multiple vision etc.

If you are come across any of the symptoms as given above, you need to visit your ophthalmologist at earliest. Diagnosis of cataract requires examination of your eyes. The tests of cataract include slit lamp evaluation and other devices; also Glare test, Contrast sensitivity test, Potential vision test etc. are some other tests. There are variations in cataract found in each person; some people develop a dense opaque area whereas in some people cataract is just in developing stage where it can be eliminated. There are very few known medications, which help preventing cataract; however the only known best way to get rid of cataract is surgery. According to some researches, Vitamin C and E are recognized to help in reducing risks of developing cataract.

The surgery to remove cataract is generally done after the cloudy area ripens at a certain level i.e. when it becomes denser and the patient cannot see anything clearly even with glasses to perform his/her activities. If the cataract is not troubling much, it is not removed until it does not mature. Generally, cataract surgery consists of removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. The type of artificial lens to be used, type of removal of the eye lens etc. depends upon the patient’s choice.

Cataract surgery for most of the patients has a very low risk and fewer complications. Patients after cataract operation can see more clearly. They do not need spectacles to see things at long/short distances.

Although it is very hard to state causes of cataract, there are some measures, which we can follow in order to prevent cataract. It is very important to take complete care of our eyes. Take necessary precautions to control diseases, which are associated with cataract i.e., increase the risk of cataract. Smoking, exposure to some poisonous elements etc. can also increase risk of developing cataract, try to avoid these factors. Wear sunglasses when you go outside to reduce exposure to sunlight.

New Developments in Cataract Surgery and Post-Op Correction

When deciding to have cataract surgery it is important to see an experienced surgeon who is knowledgeable with all these new developments, and can best asses which implant would be best for which patient.

Cataract surgery has been performed for many years, and new developments have dramatically improved the post-op vision. The lens is a normal structure of the internal part of the eye. We are all born with clear, natural lenses whose function is to focus light onto the retina, and also absorb dangerous wavelengths of light. Over time, this clear lens will become yellow, as its chemical structure changes as a result of years of light absorption, and general oxidative stress on the body.

Early cataract surgery involved simply removing the cloudy lens from the eye. In order to see, the patient then had to wear very thick eye glasses, or a contact lens. As technology advanced, anterior chamber Intraocular lenses(IOL) were developed. These were artificial lenses that were placed in front of the iris to replace the removed lens. They worked very well, but over time the corneas were damaged in most of these patients. These anterior chamber lenses vibrated as a result of aqueous humor (fluid) flow from the back of the eye toward the front. These vibrations over time damaged the endothelial (bottom) layer of the cornea resulting in swollen corneas, and cloudy vision.

The next big change was the development of posterior chamber IOLs. These are placed behind the iris, and thus eliminated the vibrations; sparing the cornea from trauma. Over time, improvements were made to these lenses; smaller, better quality and flexible so they could be implanted with very small suture-less incisions. The basic problem with all of these implants was that unlike the natural lenses of the eye, only distance correction could be achieved. Reading glasses were necessary to see objects up close. This brings us to the next big change in the IOL implants. In an effort to meet the challenges of allowing patients to see distance and near post surgically, multi-focal implants have been developed.

The major new players in this game of multi-focal IOLs include Restore by Alcon, Rezoom by AMO, Array and Tecnis also by AMO and Crystalens by Eyeonics. They are all designed to give the patients a full range of vision from distance to near without the need for any eyeglasses. Each type achieves this goal through different modalities.

The Restore implant is manufactured with multiple small concentric rings, similar to the rings of a dart board. These concentric rings alternate between distance and near vision. Multiple images are projected onto the retina, and the brain must then decide which image it wants to see clearly. Most patients say that they see adequately in the distance, and usually test to about 20/40 vision. Near vision is a bit better in most patients. The primary complaint, aside from less then perfect distance vision is glare at night. Approximately 80% of these patients do not wear any type of glasses post surgically.

The Rezoom lens works in the same manner as the Restore, but has larger concentric rings. This improves the distance vision, but reduces the near vision. 81% of these patients are happy with their reading vision, but 29% still require reading glasses to see at near. With both the Restore and Rezoom implants, Alphagan eye drops are employed to reduce bothersome glare by reducing the pupil size.

The Tecnis IOL is not as yet available, but since it is made as an Aspheric lens and not concentric rings, there is less glare and halos and better reading in dim light. It also permits reading with a greater range. More research will bring to light the true value, and short comings of this implant.

The Crystalens is the first IOL that has an adjustable focusing ability, much like the natural lens of the eye. The implant is placed behind the iris, and has 2 flexible hinges 180 degrees apart from each other. As the ciliary muscle contracts, and relaxes it causes the implant to move forward and back changing the effective power of the lens. This mimics the natural lens’s power change with focusing. It is therefore the first and only Accommodating implant that allows for both near and far vision. Substantial adaptation is required, and may take weeks to even months to reach an acceptable level of vision. There is, however a decrease in contract sensitivity ,and some distortion may be induced. Reading glasses may be required for the intermediate distances, and in patients with larger pupils night time vision issues may be present.

Which implant would be best for any given patient will vary, and depend on factors such as expectations, side effects, need for bilateral surgeries (since some implants work best when each eye has one) and cost. Insurance plans do not pay for these specialty implants, and the combined costs with the doctor’s fees may be over $2000.00 per eye.

Finally, some patients have astigmatism following cataract surgery. Since the implants do not correct for this, corneal incisions can be made post surgically to reduce or eliminate that component.. When deciding to have cataract surgery it is important to see an experienced surgeon who is knowledgeable with all these new developments, and can best asses which implant would be best for which patient.

Dr. Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for VisionUpdate.net, and a practicing doctor for New York Vision Associates, http://newyorkvisionassociates.com,