Vital Information Regarding Trachoma Symptoms

Experiencing trachoma symptoms means potentially severe eye problems will develop if left untreated. Trachoma is an extremely contagious bacterial infection, frequently found in both eyes rather than just one eye and spreading quickly via respiratory secretions discharged by infected people. Symptoms of a possible trachoma infection include:

• Mild itching
• Eyelid and eye irritation
• Blurred vision
• Vague pains in the eyes
• Pus or mucus in the eyes
• Extreme sensitivity to bright light

Generated by a specific subtype of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma eye infections are caused by the same microorganism producing chlamydia infections. Within developing countries such as Africa, eye problems stemming from trachoma symptoms are almost 90 percent transmitted by flies that land on infected items and then carry the disease to humans. However, other modes of transmission can also include using the same towels, clothing or utensils touched by infected individuals.

In addition, certain factors promote transmission of trachoma and the ensuing eye problems as a result of trachoma symptoms. These factors are:

• Crowded living conditions
• Extreme poverty
• Poor sanitation/lack of working toilets
• Being female
• Inaccessibility to fresh water

The World Health Organization reports that worldwide, over eight million people suffer visual damage or blindness fro a trachoma infection. In Africa's poorest countries, trachoma symptoms affect nearly 40 percent of children under the age of six. Although untreated trachoma will lead to blindness, it is curable when stopped in its early stages.

Stages of Trachoma Symptoms

• Follicular inflammation--follicles containing white blood cells called lymphocytes appear on the inside the upper eyelid a day or two following exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis. Eye problems at this stage include minor itching and watering
• Intense inflammation--this is the most infectious time of the disease, with upper eyelids exhibiting swelling, irritation and itching
• Scarring of the eyelids--distortion or "turning in" of the eyelids occurs due to repeated, untreated infections. Scarring results in the patient experiencing vision problems and pain
• Ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis)--eyelid deformity causes lashes to turn inward and scratch the cornea, resulting in intense, stabbing pain
• Corneal clouding--when inflammation reaches the cornea, a secondary infection producing corneal ulcers occurs that nearly always causes partial or complete blindness

Treatment of Trachoma Symptoms

When eye problems are still in the early stages of the disease, medication needed to eliminate the bacteria consists of basic antibiotic eye ointments, such as tetracycline. Another antibiotic called Zithromax (oral azithromycin) is also effective but costs more than tetracycline.

The advanced stage of trachoma often requires surgery called bilamellar tarsal rotation to repair eyelid deformities that produce intense pain and ingrown eyelashes. In this procedure, the scarred eyelid is surgically rotated to prevent eyelashes from scratching the cornea. This procedure takes only about 15 to 20 minutes and presents an excellent prognosis for the patient.

However, when trachoma symptoms have advanced enough to irreparably damage vision, corneal transplants are essentially the only options available to improve such serious eye problems. However, at this point in the disease, the diagnosis is not good for patients receiving corneal transplants with the intention of restoring vision destroyed by trachoma.

If you require more information, please visit my blog: HealthTips, BZHealthTips

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Causes Of Eye Floaters - Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Worried about eye floaters but you are not sure what it is? Then you have come to right place! Before I dwell into its causes and various treatment methods in use today, let's clarify what this medical condition is. Eye floaters are medically known as "myodesopia", but certain quarters spell it as myiodeopsia, myodeopsia or myiodesopsia. They are transparent deposits floating in the vitreous humor, and exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. In a way, they look like insects floating in front of the eyes.

If you have eye floaters, don't worry too much because it has been estimated that seven out of every 10 people suffer from this syndrome at one time or another. It typically happens to people who are more than 50 years old, but there have been cases where children as young as nine years have been diagnosed with it.

The primary causes of eye floaters are liquefactions in the vitreous jelly, retinal detachments, and inflammation and presence of red blood cells in the jelly. Liquefactions happen because as one aged the collagen fibres in the vitreous humor thicken, leading to fragmentations. Chronic yeast infections, Uveitis, toxoplasmosis, hyalois artery regression, sarcoidosis and allergies often lead to this irritating disorder.

To screen for eye floaters, ophthalmologists typically use what are known as slit lamps to scan the affect eye. Others use a combination of eye drops and ophthalmoscope.

In terms of treatment, it all depends on the severity of the problem. If it is only a minor problem, then anti-inflammatory medicine, herbal extracts and antibiotic eye drops are all that is needed. However, if the problem is deemed severe, laser treatments or surgery may be necessary.

When surgery is called for the surgeon would most likely use a procedure known as virectomy. This surgical procedure involves creating three channels in the sclera to resupply saline to the eye; infuse fibre optics; and finally introduce a virector.

But some eye experts prefer to use laser treatment. This procedure is theoretically straight forward - lasers beams are used to liquidate deposits in infected eye - but make sure you engage the services of an experienced doctor. This is because any error made could damage the eye.

Anyone who is suffering from eye floaters must follow a balanced diet. Word from the good doctor is to wallop a good helping of vegetables and fruits rich in Vitamin C, drink sufficient amount of water and fruit juices, and stay clear of caffeinated drinks. You might also want to give Chinese wolfberries, which are nutrient-dense super food loaded with protein, amino acids and essential minerals, a try.

Some eye floater problems simply disappear with time, but others will continue to stick around, triggering psychological problems such as stress and depression. But the best thing to do when you have such a medical condition is to see a doctor who is knowledgeable in this field. This is important because the underlying cause of the problem could be a malfunctioning liver or diabetes, and curing these health problems can often cure eye floater problems as well.

There are many other types of eye problems, and most of them are dealt with nowadays using lasers. That is why you often hear people talking about how lasik eye surgery works, the side effects of laser eye surgery, etc. You can get good info about all these from this popular website http://www.all-about-laser-eye-surgery.com/.

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Does Our Ethnicity Affect Our Eyesight?

Skin color, ethnicity, nationality, and culture: they are all indicators of our future. As technology continues to grow, differences between Asian-Americans are found than that from African-Americans; studies are being conducted on the distinct characteristics of Hispanic-Americans health, versus that of Caucasian-Americans. Every one of these attributes in our life tends to affect our health, well-being, and even our general mind-sets; so it's not too far fetched to think about how exactly our ethnicity or race play a role in our eyesight. Let's discuss a little further...

After a recent study at Ohio State University, it was found that there is actually a close correlation between children's ethnicity and certain minor vision problems. According to their study, Hispanic youth were most likely to be diagnosed with having an astigmatism than any other ethnic groups researched. They also noted that it was more common for Asian-American children to be near-sighted, while Caucasian-American children suffered from farsightedness more than other ethnic groups. What is very unique is that the exact amount of Asian-American youth whom experienced near-sightedness was equal to that of the Caucasian-American children whom experienced farsightedness problems.

There are certainly other factors that play a role into our eyesight, such as diet, family history, and age. Our eyes, like any muscle in our bodies can be both exercised, as well as deteriorated. Diet is a big part of one's culture and nationality. The concepts of both diet and family history can really become an argument of nature vs. nurture. While its fairly obvious that diet can be seen as both; family history isn't always so simple because we typically see genetics are purely nature-related. However, if, for example, the majority of the family has a certain type of medical problems, it could very well be due to external reasons. Additionally, as we age our eyes and eyesight change, especially as growing children. Since the aforementioned study was done specifically on youth, it can be assumed that while the results are important and thought-provoking, changes - even slight changes - are bound to happen. Even the conductors of the study noted that the majority of children entering school are slightly farsighted, however, with time (and growth), the problem tends to dwindle away.

While it is clear that further research needs to be conducted, it is very safe to say that our ethnicity certainly exerts an influence upon the health and well-being of our eyesight. Of course it is important to always ensure that your eyeglasses prescription is up-to-date and that your eyes are checked regularly by a doctor. Eye glasses play a major role in fixing our initial optical failures; however the fact that they exist, and there is a difference between the different cultures is interesting, in and of itself. So, do you fall into the pattern of these ethnic averages?

Hillary Glaser is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for GlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online. She over sees day-to-day operations for all marketing and promotions of eyeglasses for the company.

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Lasik Eye Surgeons - A Gift Beyond Nature

Lasik eye surgery, also known as laser eye surgery, is a refractive surgery that corrects myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. This surgery is performed so that the person can be relieved from using eye gear such as eye glasses or contact lenses to improve vision. Since Lasik eye surgery was invented, it has worked wonders all over the globe.

The doctors who carry out this type of eye surgery are referred to as ophthalmologists. The first laser machine was approved in 1989 and the first surgery took place in 1990. Some of the best Lasik surgeons in states include: Alberto Aran, M.D. Corry Lessener, M.D., Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, and many more.

Laser eye surgery is a three step procedure. The first step is creating a flap of the cornea tissue. The flap is created using a microkaratome. The second step is reshaping the cornea underneath the flap using a laser. The cornea of each person has a unique pre-specified structure. The final step is repositioning the flap back with the help of sutures on the underlying of the cornea. Following that, the laser pulses concentrate on the stoma which then gets vaporized so the correction in the eye can effectively take place. This entire procedure takes place under the dosage of an anesthesia, which is applied in the form of eye drops and results in total eye numbness. On an average, laser eye surgery for one eye by a reputed doctor would cost a person between $2000- $2500.

One of the prime benefits of Lasik eye surgery is the instant outcome of the surgery. The effect can be felt within no time. Even though the use of contacts or glasses gives the same effect, the eye is not cured. This method also ensures a great degree of correctness in treating the cornea of the eye; in effect the vision of the person is rendered to be nearly perfect. Through the use of laser patients can be assured that they will not experience injuries or bear any physical evidence of surgery.

However, just as every coin has its flip side, Lasik eye surgery also has its downsides. While dealing with one of the most sensitive parts of the human body, a person can be certain that once the operation is done it can never be reversed. Although the chance of error is very slight, there is the possibility that a complication cannot be reversed. The person has to live with the outcome of the surgery forever. Yet another disadvantage of laser surgery is that it may lead to dry-eye symptoms in certain individuals, or it can worsen the problem for those who already have it. This can directly oppose the desired effect and intended purpose of the surgery.

Certain people also believe that Lasik operations can lead to blindness, but in reality blindness is as real a possibility as losing one's eye sight by wearing eye glasses or contacts. By a public poll carried out in America, only three to six percent cases of Lasik eye surgery do not give the desired result rest. The majority of cases turn out to be successful surgeries in every respect.

It requires a lot of skill, knowledge, and expertise to be an ophthalmologist. Luckily, there are many extremely fine surgeons with extensive experience. The Lasik operation is more than a corrective surgery, it is a gift beyond that provided by Mother Nature.

Learn more about lasik eye surgery and find out the best Lasik eye surgeons in town.

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Computer Usage and Its Affect on Eyes

In today's technology driven world, it is nearly impossible to escape using computer-screened devices for your daily tasks. You can spend hours at work in front of screen, use them at the super market, and then use an e-reader in your leisure. The importance of eye health and computer usage is becoming increasingly popular.

To begin, computer usage has not been conclusively revealed to cause permanent impairment to healthy eyes, but they are linked to eyestrain and may further issues already found in eyes. Extended computer screen use could aggravate existing conditions unaware to a patient. Regular eye exams are key, as early detection of vision weakening significantly lessens the chance of further damage. Research shows between 50% and 90% of people regularly using a computer screen have at least some symptoms of eye trouble.

The name for eye problems caused by computer use is computer vision syndrome or, CVS, which the American Optometric Association defines as "the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use." To work at a computer requires the eyes to continuously focus, align with the screen, and adjust to the computer lighting. Together these functions exert much effort from eye muscles, especially as you age and the muscles become less flexible.

Symptoms of computer vision syndrome may include, blurred vision, double vision, dry, red eyes, eye irritation, headaches, and neck and back pain.

If you are feeling any symptoms related to extended computer use, it is important to talk it over with your optician because there may be changes to your eyewear to help. For example, anti-reflective coating and tints can be put on your lenses to aid in computer usage. These lenses eliminate reflections of light from the front and back surfaces of your lenses that can cause eyestrain. Optician, Judy Powell, recommends adding a light tint to computer glasses to reduce glare caused by harsh overhead lighting and to enhance contrast. Tinted computer lenses also are recommended to block short-wavelength light emitted from computer screens that is associated with glare and eye strain. It is best to avoid over-the-counter reading glasses, for convenience, because there may be a better avenue to aid what you already use. It is best to purchase this eyewear from a knowledgeable eye care professional.

On a positive end, there are things you can do to help with CVS. For instance, it is important to have the computer settings conducive for long hours of work. The screen resolution should be set to on high so your eyes can pick on images with minimal strain. The contrast on the screen should also be set to a level that is not too dim but also not too bright because that is uncomfortable to eyes. The AOA also suggests the 20-20-20 rule for computer usage, which entails keeping the computer about 20 inches away from eyes, and every 20 seconds taking a break from the screen to look at least 20 feet away.

This article is courtesy of Simon Eye Associates and Dr. Charles Simon. For more information on eyeglasses and vision please visit our website: Simon Eye Associates

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How To Improve Eyesight Fast

Many people would like to know the secrets behind how to improve eyesight fast. But they have to realize that there is nothing secretive about it. Several things that are naturally available would help us to do that. Spectacles and contact lenses are comparatively recent inventions and people before that had only natural methods to rely on. Natural methods are much safer and they don't have any side effects as well. They are useful in the long run and people need not worry about the effectiveness of these methods.

Rather than think about how to improve eyesight fast, people should first ensure that they avoid things that affect their eyesight. Eyes weaken due to lot of stress. It is good to avoid too much direct sunlight into the eyes. Wear sunglasses when you go out on a sunny day. It is also better to avoid watching TV for very long periods of time and during late nights as well. You also need to try and avoid too much of time on the computer as well. They are the main reason for causing dry eyes which in turn lead to several problems in the eyes.

It is also good to improve your diet in case you feel that you need to take proper care of your eyes. You need to take in food that is rich in Vitamin A. This vitamin is mainly found in fruits and vegetables like carrot, papaya etc. There are several ways to think of how to improve eyesight. There are many exercises as well. The main objective of all these exercises is to move the eyes as much as you can. Keeping your eyes fixed on a specific object or keeping the eyes from frequent blinking are all sure ways of spoiling your eyesight. One of the ways to move your eyes is to just sit and relax. Move your eyes clockwise slowly and then anti-clockwise. You need to do this 5-6 times and this would be a good exercise.

While working on the computer, take some time out to remove your eyes from looking at the screen and then focus on something that is far away. This helps prevent dry eyes. You can make a conscious effort to blink your eyes fast and slow every few minutes. That's a good exercise for the muscles.

Another exercise would be to focus on the wall and move your eyes, without moving your face, up and down on the wall. You can make it interesting by assuming that you are writing something on the wall using your eyes. That would help in the movement of your eyes. But make sure that you do it slowly and not very quickly as it could then lead to a headache.

Those who wonder how to improve eyesight fast need to spend some time and effort everyday to follow these exercises. These are very useful and they should not take more than 10-15 minutes a day. As always, in case of any uncomfortable feeling in your eyes, it is always good and safe to approach your doctor and seek his advice on how best to address the problem.

Attention!

If you want to learn more information on how to get better eyesight without the need of surgery, then you can check out our latest website on to improve your eyesight for your own reference.

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Eye Strain

You've had a long day at the office, you are at your desk in front of your computer. You're exhausted, tired, aching all over, you have a headache and your eyes feel like they are dry and on fire. Focusing on your monitor is getting difficult. You may feel that you are just overworked, but it may actually be the result of eye strain.

Most people think eye safety at work involves protecting your eyes with those big thick plastic goggles with the tight elastic that stop flying metal fragments or acids from causing major eye injury.

However, common eye injury can occur to the average office worker who uses a computer regularly.

Symptoms of eye strain can include:
dry eyesblurred visionitchy eyeswatery eyestired eyesburning eyes (even when closed)headachesfatiguemuscle tensiondouble visionNauseareading problemslack of concentration

If you start to experience any of the above symptoms, one solution is to take "eye breaks".

While focussing on your task, you will blink less and forget to rest. Every 20 minutes or so, have a break and look away from the monitor for at least 20 seconds. Blink a few times to lubricate and then gaze out in the distance without focussing on anything. By doing this throughout the day, you will feel more refreshed and focused.

Computer monitors should be adjusted so that they are at or just below eye level, if your monitor is fixed your seating position may have to be adjusted to compensate. Having an incorrectly adjusted monitor will not only aid eye strain, it will also strain your neck. Adjust the brightness of your screen and text size to avoid having to squint at the screen.

Employees are not the only ones who should be mindful of eye strain, research has shown that eye strain results in decreased proficiency and diminished accuracy due to fatigue.

The reduction of glare is another thing that businesses can do to reduce the strain on employees eyes. Harsh light results in employees straining their eyes while trying to perform their duties. Having exterior windows tinted will significantly reduce the glare. Numerous commercial window tinting companies specialise in applying tint to commercial buildings.

Another way employers can reduce eye strain is to ensure that all electrical lighting is neither too bright nor too dimm.

By following a few simple steps, workers and their employers can maintain productivity and workplace safety.

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How to Choose a Reputable Lasik Surgery Clinic and Surgeon

With the recent surge in the popularity of Lasik and Epilasik eye surgeries, clinics offering the treatment are appearing all over the world, all offering apparently miraculous treatments for persistent and chronic eye conditions. Lasik is now used for correcting a wide range of eye conditions and has become one of the most common forms of laser surgery performed on the eyes throughout the world. As the years have passed, the treatment has continued to improve its efficacy as well as success rate, and today most patients can benefit from this treatment. Epilasik surgery is not suitable for all people, but offers similar rates of effectiveness to Lasik.

For patients considering Lasik or Epilasik eye surgery, cost is of course an important consideration. Laser eye surgery remains expensive to perform because of the sophisticated machinery and the medical expertise required to perform it, and when looking for a Lasik eye surgery, cost cutting can seem like the right way to go - but you should look hard at any deal that seems too good to be true.

A reputable Lasik surgery clinic is one that uses the most up-to-date and sophisticated technology to perform procedures. If a clinic makes any scientific claims that sound unfeasible, you can check them in relevant literature or use independent websites such as the USA FDA to obtain sensible guidelines about what eye surgery can and cannot achieve.

The most important factor in Lasik surgery is the doctor who will be performing the procedure. A good Lasik surgery clinic will be staffed with fully certified and highly experienced medical personnel who will be able to fully explain the Lasik side effects which may occur as a result of the treatment. The surgeon performing the treatment should be competent, well-versed in the equipment used for Lasik procedures, experienced in carrying out the treatment, and able to fully explain the procedure to you in a way that you can understand. Ask whether the surgeon is truly a 'consultant' in this field, find out where he or she trained and which ophthalmic board has awarded his or her certification. You should also ask about the experience that they have with corneal surgery. If you are undergoing Epilasik surgery, the surgeon should be able to explain why this treatment, which is generally used on those with thinner corneas, is most appropriate for you. It is true that Epilasik surgery also has a slightly higher risk of post-surgery discomfort, and the surgeon should be able to explain this to you.

For most people, Lasik surgery presents minimal risks and is very safe. However, as with all medical procedures - and particularly invasive ones such as surgery - there is always the risk of complications or particular side effects following the procedure. After undergoing Lasik, some side effects include sensitivity to light - patients are encouraged to bring along a pair of dark glasses to wear during the journey home from the clinic. A reputable Lasik clinic will be able to advise on the aftercare for your eyes, and provide you with eye drops to use for the first few days after the procedure to speed the healing process. You may experience mild discomfort (or more for Epilasik surgery), but if you start to feel something more severe, you should immediately consult with your eye clinic, who will be able to advise on a course of action.

Thomas Lee advises on the subject of eye health, particularly Lasik side effects and new vision correction treatments such as the Epilasik.

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Good Eye Care Tips From an Optician

One of the most important parts of our body is our eyes. It helps us tune in to the world and understand it. Those who have good eyesight must not take it for granted and protect it always. Those who have eye problems, on the other hand, should see an optician or an eye specialist.

What can opticians do?

Opticians are eye care professionals who prepare corrective lenses according to the prescriptions provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. People who usually see them suffer from impaired vision, which can be a mild or serious case.

An optician makes many types of vision correction devices commonly used today. One of the things he or she can create are prescription lenses for glasses. Opticians also make contact lenses and prepare ophthalmic prosthetics to help those who have partially impaired sights.

These professionals make sure the patient is happy with the quality and function of the lenses. If needed, they do a little follow-up for patients who are still adjusting to their glasses.

You do not have to see an eye specialist if you know how to care for your eyes. Here are some helpful tips on eye care:

Take an eye exam!

See your eye specialist and have your eyes checked even if you think you had perfect vision. An eye exam may detect serious eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Your eye doctor may also tell what risks or dangers are present for your eyes based on your family history and your working environment. Remember, you will not notice your vision changing because your brain adapts to changes on a daily basis.

Avoid hazardous elements

Avoid exposing yourself to hazardous materials. Make sure your working space has proper ventilation if you work with harsh materials such as paint thinner, ammonia, chlorine and other stripping compounds.

Make sure you use eye protection if your employment demands working with dangerous chemicals and construction materials.

Follow your doctor's medication

Never self-medicate! Follow your doctor's prescription carefully. Check with your doctor or pharmacist on what you should do in case you miss taking your medicine. Be careful when dealing with eye medicine. Make sure the droppers don't touch your eye and keep them clean so they will be free from contamination.

Eye exercises are important

According to an eye specialist, eye exercises can help conditions like Presbyopia or Astigmatism. Eye exercises can aid specific muscles in the eyes to function better. Plus they minimize eyestrain.

Get enough sleep!

Make sure you rest your eyes from time to time. Well-rested eyes do not suffer as much from eyestrain and dry eyes. They are also more resistant to infections. Avoid watching too much TV and be wary of the distance in between. If your job requires you to work on the computer all day, make sure you look away every 15 minutes. This will reduce the stress in your eyes.

Lauren Fitzgerald is an assistant for an optician, and may recommend many good eye specialist.

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Lasik - A Good Alternative for Clearer Vision

If you find wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses cumbersome, lasik is an effective way of correcting vision problems and giving you the freedom to perform certain activities like swimming and other active sports without the limitations that glasses present. Furthermore, you need not worry about broken or damaged glasses that need regular replacement.

Lasik (laser in situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses a highly specialized laser to correct refractive errors and improve vision. Refractive errors like short sight, long sight and astigmatism occur when the shape of the eyeball affects the way the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) focuses images on the retina. The procedure corrects these errors by altering the thickness of the cornea.

This quick and safe surgical procedure involves cutting a thin hinged flap on the cornea, which the surgeon pulls back and applies the excimer laser on the cornea for about 20 seconds to reshape (ablate) it. The area is then dried out and the flap placed back in position. Suturing is unnecessary because the flap bonds securely in position. The treatment involves the use the excimer laser using different ablations. These include conventional laser, Wavefront-guided treatment and Wavefront-optimized treatment.

It is important to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate for Lasik surgery. An eye specialist conducts a thorough eye examination on patients to determine if they are fit to undergo the surgery. You are unsuitable for this procedure if your refractive error has been improving in the past year or if you have certain medical conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients under 18 years of age as well as those with keratoconous are considered unsuitable for Lasik. The thickness of the cornea is also measured to establish the amount of ablation needed in order to correct the refractive error. Therefore, if your cornea is too thin, the doctor will not recommended the procedure because it would cause further weakening of the cornea. If you suffer from excessive eye dryness, have an abnormal corneal curvature or have had previous refractive surgery, your doctor will recommend other treatment options.

Generally, most people who undergo Lasik report improved vision. The results may not always be 100% perfect, but Lasik can correct most refractive errors with precise, accurate results. The actual surgery is painless and quick (it takes about 10 minutes).

Even though Lasik is generally effective, patients need to have realistic expectations because there are no guarantees. In addition, slight complications may arise, though they are rare. Before undergoing surgery, be aware that you may still need to wear low prescription glasses or contacts after surgery. Some patients, especially those with far sightedness may experience regression several years after Lasik surgery. Therefore, the results may not be permanent and you may need additional surgery later on. One of the common post-surgery effects of Lasik is dry eyes. In some cases, the condition worsens and causes redness and burning sensation in the eyes. However, medication can help to treat the symptoms.

Choosing lasik surgery is an important decision that requires you to be prepared and well-informed. Talk to your doctor for any clarifications that you may need and read as much as possible about the procedure before making your decision.

If you want to have lasik surgery in Honolulu, visit Lasik Eye Surgery Honolulu.

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Glaucoma Treatment Options for Any Age

Anyone suffering with glaucoma will be wondering what the treatment options are and how to get back to great eye health. Eye surgery is one option for glaucoma treatment but there are other alternatives to consider also. Depending on the type of glaucoma you have, the treatment options available to you will change.

There are different types of glaucoma, and varying causes and symptoms. The symptoms could range from vision loss, headaches, halos near lights, difficulty to see in the dark and blurred vision. These symptoms should be taken seriously and a consultation with your doctor should be sought. Thankfully treatment for most eye issues including glaucoma is easy and quite common. There are a few options ranging from glaucoma drug treatments, to natural remedies, and then surgery. The main thing to remember is that all treatments have their uses and everyone is different so there is no need to worry. Surgery is a great option as it does clear up the issue once and for all.

Type of Glaucoma

Normal pressure glaucoma or normal tension glaucoma occurs when there is optic nerve damage. Sometimes, this type of glaucoma is also referred to as low tension or low pressure glaucoma. You may not experience any symptoms at all.

Chronic narrow angle glaucoma is similar to normal pressure glaucoma in that you may not experience many symptoms, and it is an open angle disorder.

Acute angle closure glaucoma indicates an emergency, as the high pressure needs to be reduced to avoid permanent vision damage. In this instance, you are likely to experience some or all the symptoms listed above, and they may come and go.

Treatment Options

Eye drops can be used to reduce the pressure in the eye and reduce the production of aqueous humour, which is what is responsible for all the trouble. This is usually the first step, unless serious symptoms occur, in which case you should go straight to emergency. Eye drops are a good way to avoid side effects and get some pressure reduced.

Beta blockers are sometimes used as effective anti-glaucoma treatments. They are incredibly effective in treating this eye issue and are usually one of the first treatments considered. However, there are some possible side effects with beta blockers. Because they contain a cause of bronchospasm, they can irritate asthma sufferers. This treatment is not usually considered for smokers or anyone with a history of breathing difficulties.

There are other drugs such as prostaglandin and alpha adrenergic drugs, and all work by reducing the amount of aqueous humour produced.

Another option worth considering is acupuncture. There have been cases of improved vision following acupuncture but no change in the eye pressure. This is a natural remedy option for anyone looking for a natural solution. However bear in mind that it might not be as effective as the surgery or drug treatments.

Finally, then, there is glaucoma surgery which is quite effective and safe. The procedure is quick, generally pain-free and recovery is fast. Apart from avoiding water for up to a week afterwards, the recovery is easy. There may some redness of the eye or swelling which usually subsides within 24 hours and your vision may seem blurry for a while but this will change after a few weeks. Surgery for glaucoma is now very common, very safe and incredibly easy.

Exceptions To Consider

Not all treatments are not recommended for pregnant women, as the drugs are passed on to the baby. If absolutely necessary, you can consider low dosage eye drops. Patients who smoke are not usually recommended some of the drugs listed.

Speak to your eye doctor first, and ensure you have all the information to make the best choice. Glaucoma treatment can be easy if you know what to do, so a simple trip to the doctor to find out about eye surgery or another alternative is the best investment you can make for your health. There are a few tests that can be carried out to see if you can be diagnosed with glaucoma and then once you have your diagnosis, your doctor can advise the best plan of action to lead you back to great eye health.

Whether you use the drug treatment or surgery option, eye health should be taken seriously.

Kate Dawson writes for Optegra, who operate five eye care hospitals. After an initial consultation with an eye doctor, you will discuss what eye surgery is best suited for you dependant on your eye condition.

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Eye Care - Appropriate Measures and Diet for Healthy Eyes

INTRODUCTION:

It is no surprise that the eye care industry is growing by leaps and bounds in this rapid age of globalization. It is indeed a sad case that a wonderful gift such as our vision is completely neglected by the common masses and therefore taken for granted. It is ironical that people would spend thousands of dollars for surgeries, cataract-removal, spectacles, contact lenses, medicines etc. but would refrain from taking simple precautions to maintain good health of their eyes.

Vision loss is being increasingly experienced by the aged people as well as children across the world. It is usually recommended to get your eyes checked at least twice in a year. The eye diseases for quite a few people are also hereditary in nature. Most of the eye care health experts grudgingly admit that majority of the public are ignorant about the various risks with improper care of the eyes. Some of the major diseases are computer vision syndrome, dry lens, farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. Professors from the North Eastern State University claim that people usually do not wear protective glasses at home which expose their eyes to harmful conditions.

APPROPRIATE MEASURES:

You should always use sunglasses to shield your eyes from the harmful effects of the ultra-violet rays. There are a number of simple eye exercises and yogic techniques which can be practiced early in the morning or even in the office during a break. Try to roll your eyeballs in clockwise and then in anti-clockwise direction for at least 4-5 times. You should keep your eyes closed at the same time and would take less than a couple of minutes. Splashing your eyes with water rejuvenates your eye muscles and immediately soothes your eyes.

People usually reduce their rate of blinking while working on a computer. It is recommended to blink at least 10 - 15 times in a minute, which not only prevents dryness but also reduces cases of redness and twitching. Blinking several times also helps in maintaining a better focus. One should refrain from reading in dark as it puts a lot of pressure on the eyes. Artificial tear drops can be used to moisten the eyes while experiencing dryness while spending extended hours in front of the computer.

Another good option to relieve tiredness of the eyes is to use cold tea bags. Thin slices of cucumber are an effective remedy to relax your tired eyes after extended working hours. You can also choose to dip a couple of cotton pads into chilled milk and place it over your eyelids (while keeping your eyes closed) for about 12-15 minutes. It is always recommended to seek the opinion of an eye care expert before consuming any medicines.

PROPER DIET:

Intake of appropriate diet which is rich in vitamin (A, E and C) and mineral content go a long way in eye care and provide nourishment to the delicate eye muscles. You should also include green leafy vegetables such as collard, kale, spinach and fruits such as carrots, apricots, mangoes, sweet potatoes etc. in your daily diet. Dairy products such as milk, curd, cheese etc. also plays a key role in maintaining healthy eyes. Drinking plenty of water is recommended by fitness experts to eliminate the problem of puffy eyes and dark circles.

If you live in Hawaii and have any problems with your eyes, visit Jenkins Eye Care.

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