Eye Exercises

The yoga practitioners attached special importance to eye exercises, for two reasons.

Firstly, a lot of eye problems in later life are due to a loss of tone in the eye muscles. These muscles become rigid, and this loss of elasticity reduces the ability of the lens of the eye to focus at different distances. It also causes the eyesight to become weaker. These exercises tone the eye muscles up and keep them elastic. If you already have eye problems when you begin these exercises, you will find your eyesight improving after a few months.

Secondly, any eye tension present will tend to produce a general feeling of tension, due to the eye's connection to the brain via the optic nerve. What happens is that eye tension produces an increase in the nerve impulses in the eye muscles. This increase in nerve impulses travels along the optic nerve and bombards the brain, causing a general feeling of tension and anxiety.

The eye exercises will reduce tension in the eye muscles, as well as reduce general tension.It is best to do these eye exercises while lying down after you've finished the asanas. This way you're resting after the asanas and doing the eye exercises at the same time, thus reducing the time taken to do your yoga routine.When doing the eye exercises, keep your eyes open and don't move your head. Sitting (as in the exercises for the neck given above), open your eyes, then check on your posture. Is your spine erect? Hands on the knees? Body relaxed? Head straight? That is how you should always remain while doing eye exercises. The whole body must be motionless; nothing must move except the eyes. Raise your eyes and find a small point that you can see clearly without straining, without frowning, without becoming tense and, of course, without moving your head. While doing this exercise look at this point each time you raise your eyes.Next, lower your eyes to find a small point on the floor which you can see clearly when glancing down. Look at it each time you lower your eyes. Breathing should be normal. In other words, you don't have to do deep breathing.

Exercise 1
Move your eyes upwards as far as you can, and then downwards as far as you can. Repeat four more times. Blink quickly a few times 1 to relax the eye muscles.

Exercise 2
Now do the same using points to your right and to your left, at eye level. Keep your raised fingers or two pencils on each side as guides and adjust them so that you can see them clearly when moving the eyes to the right and to the left, but without straining.Keeping the fingers at eye level, and moving only the eyes, look to the right at your chosen point, then to the left. Repeat four times. Blink several times, then close your eyes and rest.

Exercise 3
Choose a point you can see from the right corner of your eyes when you raise them, and another that you can see from the left corner of your eyes when you lower them, half closing the lids. Remember to retain your original posture: spine erect, hands on knees, head straight and motionless.Look at your chosen point in right corner up, then to the one in left corner down. Repeat four times. Blink several times. Close the eyes and rest.Now do the same exercise in reverse. That is, first look to the left corner up, then to the right corner down. Repeat four times. Blink several times. Close the eyes and rest.

Exercise 4
This exercise should not be done until three or four days after you have begun eye exercises given here. Slowly roll your eyes first clockwise, then counterclockwise as follows: Lower your eyes and look at the floor, then slowly move the eyes to the left, higher and higher until you see the ceiling. Now continue circling to the right, lower and lower down, until you see the floor again. Do this slowly, making a full-vision circle. Blink, close your eyes and rest. Then repeat the same action counterclockwise.Do this five times then blink the eyes for at least five seconds.When rolling the eyes, make as large a circle as possible, so that you feet a little strain as you do the exercise. This stretches the eye muscles to the maximum extent, giving better results.

Exercise 5
Next comes a changing-vision exercise. While doing it you alternately shift your vision from close to distant points several times.Take a pencil, or use your finger, and hold it under the tip of your nose. Then start moving it away, without raising it, until you have fixed it at the closest possible distance where you can see it clearly without any blur. Then raise your eyes a little, look straight into the distance and there find a small point which you can also see very clearly.Now look at the closer point-the pencil or your finger tip then shift to the farther point in the distance. Repeat several times, blink, close your eyes and squeeze them tight.

Exercise 6
Close your eyes as tightly as you possibly can. Really squeeze the eyes, so the eye muscles contract. Hold this contraction for three seconds, and then let go quickly.This exercise causes a deep relaxation of the eye muscles, and is especially beneficial after the slight strain caused by the eye exercises. Blink the eyes a few times.

Exercise 7
This exercise is called 'palming' and is very relaxing to the eyes. It is also most important for preserving the eyesight. Palming also has a beneficial, relaxing effect on your nervous system.It's an ideal way to finish off the eye exercises.Remain seated on the floor. Draw up your knees, keeping your feet on the floor and slightly apart. Now briskly rub your palms to charge them with electricity and place the cupped palms over your closed eyes. The fingers of the right hand should be crossed over the fingers of the left hand on the forehead. The elbows should rest on your raised knees and the neck should be kept straight. Don't bend your head. Do the deep breathing while palming your eyes.If you are going to do the palming for longer than a few minutes, better sit down at a table, place some books or pillows in front of you to support your elbows so that you will be able to keep the neck straight, and palm the eyes in this position. If the palming is done for only a short period one can do deep breathing for half a minute or so at first, gradually increasing it every week.Benefits: This exercise helps to do away with eye strain, and tension. Your vision will get better and clearer as the ophthalmic, or eye, nerves receive a richer supply of blood. Some people use this to improve their vision.

Shocking facts on how smoking causes blindness..

See how smoking causes blindness...(while you still can).

Every time you inhale cigarette smoke, thousands of chemicals enter your bloodstream and are carried to every part of your body.

Delicate organs such as your eyes are among those most at risk.

Research has now confirmed that smoking is the major preventable cause of an irreversible form of blindness called macular degeneration.

It can occur in one or both eyes and creates a permanent blind spot directly in your line of sight. Everyday tasks such as reading, driving, or even recognising faces become difficult if not impossible.

Here's how smoking causes irreversible blindness.:
The most sensitive part of the eye is the surface at the back called the retina. The most sensitive part of the retina is the macula. Chemicals from cigarette smoke can causee tiny blood vessels to burst through the macula; they can also cause the cells within the macula to die. Either of which leads to loss of vision.

If diagnosed early, laser surgery can prevent further deterioration. However, in 50% of cases, the condition comes back after treatment (and in virtually all cases if the patient continues to smoke).

If you quit, your risk of blindness by macular degeneration is greatly reduced although existing damage can never be undone.

Quittin smoking isn't easy and most smokers make several attempts before they succeed.

All about Amblyopia

What is it?
A reduction in vision caused by a squint which occurs in three per cent of children. Squints lead to double vision, the child's brain learns to suppress the image coming from one eye, causing that eye to become amblyopic or 'lazy'.

Treatment:
This involves covering the 'good eye' with a patch which forces the child (and the brain) to use the lazy eye. The earlier the treatment, the greater chance of regaining normal vision.

Simple Tips for Better Vision

Our eyes are two of our most precious possessions - yet, all too easily, we can take good eyesight for granted. Protect your peepers with these low-effort actions.

EAT FISH twice a week.
Fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids - proven to reduce the risk of dry-eye syndrome. If you can't stand fish, try fish-oil supplements.

Always wear GOGGLES
When swimming or doing carpentry. A properly fitting pair of swimming goggles will protect your eyes from chlorine, while carpentry goggles will prevent debris from causing corneal abrasions.

Aim your CAR VENTS down at your feet - not your eyes. Dry, air-conditioned air sucks the moisture out of eyes like a sponge, so aim the vents in your car away from your face. Serious dryness can lead to corneal abrasions and even blindness.

Cook with RED ONIONS, not yellow. Red onions contain more quercetin, an antioxidant that is thought to protect against cataracts.

Put on SUNGLASSES whenever you leave the house. Not only will they block out the harsh glare of the sun, but they'll also protect your eyes from the drying effects of wind.

Have SWEET POTATOES for dinner tonight. Rich in vitamin A, these spuds are especially good at improving your night vision.

Remove EYE MAKE-UP every night. This prevents small pieces of make-up from winding up in your eye and possibly scratching your cornea.

Take a BILBERRY supplement every morning. The berries contain compounds called anthocyanosides, which can help protect the retina against macular degeneration. Bilberry supplements are sold at most pharmacies.

Use a FRESH TOWEL every time you wipe your face. Sharing face towels and washers with others is a guaranteed way to get the highly contagious eye infection called conjunctivitis (pinkeye).

Wear a LARGE HAT or cap along with your sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat will block roughly 50% of UV radiation and reduce the UV rays that may enter your eyes from above or around the sunnies.

Have SPINACH twice a week. It could be steamed, sauteed in some olive oil with garlic or perhaps in a quiche. It doesn't matter how you get it, just be sure to have it regularly. Studies have shown that lutein, a nutrient abundant in spinach, may prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

When you're WORKING or reading, set your alarm to beep every 30 minutes. Use this as a reminder to look up and away to some distant point for 30 seconds. This helps prevent eye fatigue and eyestrain.

Check your BLOOD PRESSURE every month. You can do this at home with a do-it-yourself monitor cuff. HIgh Blood pressure, if unchecked, can damage vessels in the eye.

Turn down the HEAT in your house. Heat dries out the air which, in turn, dries out your eyes. You might also try adding some humidity with a humidifier or even bunching a lot of plants together in the room where you spend the most time.

Tilt your COMPUTER SCREEN to just below eye level. This will make your eyes close slightly while you're staring down at the monitor, minimising fluid evaporation and dry-eye syndrome.

Replace your MASCARA every three months and other eye make-up once a year. Eye make-up is a great repository for bacteria, which can easily be transferred to your eyes and cause infection.

WALK at least four times a week. Some evidence suggests that regular exercise can reduce the intraocular pressure, or IOP, in people with glaucoma. In one study, glaucoma patients who walked briskly four times per week for 40 minutes lowered their IOP enough so they could stop taking medication for their condition. It's also possible - although there's no proof yet - that walking could also reduce your overall risk of developing glaucoma.

Use HERBS AND SPICES instead of salt. Studies have found that high-salt diets increase your risk of certain types of cataracts, so stay away from the salty stuff. And while you're de-salting your diet, don't forget the salt in processed foods. Check labels for 'no salt' or 'low sodium' tags when buying canned and other prepared foods.

Grey or amber SUNGLASSES?
Answer: Grey.
Grey lenses provide the least color distortion - important when you're driving.

Blindness

Being obese can result in serious eye conditions, many of them due to diabetes, raised
cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.

TIP:
Make sure you have regular eye tests, especially if you have diabetes or a family history
of eye problems.

Don't be blind to Macular Degeneration

With Macular Degeneration Awareness Week coming up from the 25 June to 1 July this year, it is disturbing to note that the majority of the people have never had their macular checked. Macular degeneration (progressive damage to the retina) is currently the leading cause of blindness, but inmany cases it can be prevented.

Reduce the risk of blindness due to MD by:

• Wearing sunglasses
• Not smoking
• Eating fish, dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits
• Having regular eye-checks every two years
• Eating foods that contain zinc
• Exercising regularly

TO REMOVE A SOFT LENS

Never use forceps

1. Wash hands carefully.
2. Check that the lens is on the cornea.
3. With patient looking up, place the index finger on the lower edge of the lens and slide it laterally.
4. Pinch the lens between thumb and index finger - this allows air beneath the lens so that it can be withdrawn.

5. Clean the lens with normal saline by placing it in one palm and gently massaging with the other index finger.

6. Place in the carrying case in saline, or in a vial or bowl with saline. Soft lenses must not be stored dry.

TO CHECK WHETHER A SOFT LENS IS INSIDE OUT

Place the lens concave side up on an index finger. If the lens is correct, the edges turn in slightly.

If the lens is inside out, the edges turn out. If the lens is inside out, it should be pressed to reverse the surfaces, then rechecked to make sure it is correct.

Insertion of Soft Lens - the correct way

1. Wash the hands thoroughly, soft lenses are readily contaminated.
2. Remove the holder of the lenses from the solution in the carrying case, and identify
the lenses for the right and left eye.
3. Lenses that have been soaking in germicide must be washed thoroughly in saline-
not over a basin without a plug.
4. Wipe the right lens off the holder onto the pulp of the index finger of the right hand.
5. Check that the lens is right side out. If it is very floppy, wait about a minute for it
to dry a little.
6. Retract the lower lid with the middle finger (same hand as holding the lens).
7. Looking up, roll the lens onto the lower conjunctiva and express any air,
8. Close the eyelids, then massage the closed upper eyelid to help center the lens.
9. Repeat for left eye.

CONTACT LENSES - The correct way to wear them

Hard contact lenses are smaller than the cornea. Sorft contact lenses cover the cornea or extend onto the sclera. Hard lenses are firm while soft lenses are like a tiny sponge. Their management is different.

If a lens is lost under the upper lid, reassure the person that it can cause no harm. Gently press over the upper lid to move it down. If it is stuck, irrigate with saline.

Never use forceps on a contact lens.
Never instill fluorescein eye drop in an eye wearing a soft lens.
Never wash a contact lens over a basin without a plug.

HOW TO INSERT A HARD LENS:

1. Wash the hands.
2. Check which is the right and which is the left lens.
3. Place the lens in the palm of one had and apply contact lenses wetting solution.
4. Place the lens concave, or bowl side upwards on the pulp of the index finger of the master hand.
5. Have the patient look down, retract the upper lid with fingers of the other hand.
6. Place the lens above or to the side of the cornea and move it centrally. Blinking should then center the lens.

Instead of insertion with a finger, a small suction cup holder may be used. Moisten the tip with saline to obtain a good grip.

HOW TO REMOVE A HARD LENS - 3 methods:

Method 1

Squeeze the lens off the eye by placing one thumb on the upper lid and one on the lower lid. Apply some pressure and bring the lids together. The lens should be displaced onto the lower eyelid or onto the hand.

Method 2

1. Wash the hands.
2. Place an index finger at the outer canthus and cup the other hand just below the eye.
3. Have the patient open the eyes widely.
4. Don't blink hard and at the same time, you pull the eyelids back in the direction of the top of the ear.
5. The lens should pop out into the cupped hand.

Method 3

The lens may be removed with a moistened suction cup holder.

How to insert Soft Lens?.....to be cont'd.

What Your Eyes Reveal

DIABETES:
- Your optometrist may identify subtle changes in your eyes caused by unstable
blood sugar levels. With severe untreated diabetes, there's the risk of diabetic
retinopathy. The blood vessels inside the retina, become damaged and this can
lead to permanent blindness. A healthy retina is needed for good vision.

HEART DISEASE AND STROKE RISK:
- High blood pressure affects 3 in 10 adults, and many don't even know they have
it. It's a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Looking directly at the blood
vessels in your eyes an optometrist can identify haemorrhages and leaking vessels,
as well as changes such as hardening of the arteries.

BRAIN TUMOUR:
- An eye test can show a bulging optic nerve caused by increased pressure inside the
skull - one symptoms of a brain tumour.

DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES

THE CAUSE: While a lack of sleep can worsen the appearance of dark under-eye
circles, their most likely cause is kidney function: If the kidneys aren't eliminating
the body's waste products as they should be, it can contribute to a dark colouring
beneath the eyes.

THE SOLUTION: Help kidneys by drinking enough water 0 at least one liter per day
and start eating phosphorus-rich foods. Phosphorus is found in wholegrain foods,
chicken, eggs, seeds and nuts.

BEAUTY FIX: An eye cream containing vitamin K can help strengthen delicate
under-eye capillaries. Vitamins K and A in a gradual, controlled manner, helping
the vitamins to repair blood vessels and reduce pigmentation without causing irritation.

OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM

OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM - previously an important cause of impaired vision or blindness, now rare due to better hygiene, good antenatal supervision and efficient treatment of venereal disease; but it may occur when these factors are deficient. Forms for a "Notifiable Disease" need completion.

The most severe cases occurred from Neiseria gonorrhoea; the more moderate from chlamycia (TRIC), and common bacteria.

These cases can be highly infectious and extreme care must be taken. Be most careful lest splashes of pus occur when the eyelids are opened. Corneas may be ruptured by forcibly opening the eyelids.

SIGNS:

• Swollen eyelids
• Purulent discharge
• Corneal clouding or ulceration

TREATMENT:

Smear and culture, but begin intensive treatment while awaiting results.

Benzylpenicillin extemporaneous irrigation with Normal Saline (irrigate freely and

frequently until pus stops forming, continue 4 to 6 hours, then use eyedrops as indicated.

The mother will need investigation and treatment.

ROUTINE EYE CARE AFTER BIRTH - cleansing the eyelids only with sterile water and

swabs.

CATARACTS

CATARACTS happen when the crystalline lenses inside the eye become
cloudy as part of the ageing process. If left untreated, they can sometimes lead
to blindness.

We will all have cataracts eventually,however, not everyone gets to where they need
to do anything about it. Where treatment is necessary, it's very effective - it involves
surgery to replace the lens with a plastic implant, often as day surgery.

SIGHT TIPS:
Although cataracts are inevitable if you live long enough, early on, you can slow the
progression and minimise the damage. Not smoking, protecting your eyes from UV
rays, and a healthy diet are all helpful.

GLAUCOMA

GLAUCOMA - this condition is the result of increased pressure in the eye
causing damage to nerves in the retina (the eye's inner lining). It usually
has no symptoms, so it often robs people of their slight slowly and painlessly.

SIGHT TIPS:
Glaucoma can be treated if picked up early. People who have risk factors
for glaucoma (family history is a key contributor) should be regularly assessed
by an optometrist.

Glaucoma can affect people of all ages but becomes more prevalent as you get
older, so anyone over 40 should have a full eye check at least every two years
even if they don't have any obvious problems.

SUNBURN - A Cause of Eye Damage?

One of the most common causes of eye damage is sunburn.

We need to remember that sun protection means slip, slop, slap and slide on your
sunglasses. UV damage can cause serious eye problems, including pterygium, which
is tissue damage involved in the development of cataracts.

SIDE TIPS:
Whenever in the sun, both adults and children should wear sunglasses. If you wear
glasses, there are tinted lenses available, although most prescription lenses absorb
a large amount of UV light.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

ARMD - is the result of progressive and often painless damage to the retina.
The problem starts with damage or breakdown of the macula - the part of the
retina responsible for central vision. If you smoke, you're about four times
more likely to develop ARMD and can expect it to happen up to 10 years
earlier.

SIGHT TIPS:
Besides giving up smoking, diet and UV protection also offer some preventive
help, especially if good habits adopted in early life. The dietary indications
are similar to those for cardiovascular health.

Eat less saturated fats and plenty of vegetables - particularly brightly coloured
vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish.

SCREEN STRAIN

SCREEN STRAIN

The effect of staring at your TV or computer is more tiring than damaging.

SIGHT TIPS:
Take regular breaks, look away from the screen often and remember to blink.
To avoid screen fatigue during a movie, sit at least two metres away from your
TV. The best distance to have between your eyes and your computer screen
depends on the type of monitor, but in general, try for at least 40 centimetres.

Dry Eye Syndrome

by: Bluntish

Dry Eye Syndrome - is caused by a reduced quantity or quality of the tears that
your body produces to lubricate your eyes.

It is more likely to affect older women. Besides air-conditioning and forgetting to
blink when at a computer, certain medications, smoking, poor diet and anything
that alters the body's fluid balance can also contribute.

• SIGHT TRIPS:

Ocular lubricant drops are available at your pharmacy, but be careful to choose

lubricants rather than decongestant drops. Make sure you're not having air blown

at your face fron an airconditioner or fan in your office or car, and only apply make-

up to the outer (not inner) edge of your eyelid.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis can be caused by many different viruses.

- Adenoviruses
- Herpes simplex virus
- Herpes zoster virus
- General intercurrent viral infections - measles, mumps, rubella.

Epidemic viral conjunctivitis is usually bilateral, with marked redness, follicular
reaction, chemosis and copious lacrimation. There is little serous discharge
and pus is generally absent. The cornea is likely to be involved.

Acute Infective Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva. Most important
conjunctivitis is caused by infection, milder conjunctivitis may be allergic
or from physical irritants such as foreign bodies, sunlight or wind. Rarely,
systemic disease or parasites may be the cause. Conjunctivitis may be
acute, subacute, or chronic.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis - may be caused by a wide range of organisms:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Koch-Weeks bacillus
• Morax-Axenfield bacillus
• Pseudomonas pyocynaea
• Neisseria gonorrhoea

Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis

1. gritty, foreign body sensation
2. photophobia
3. lacrimation
4. eyelids sealed together with discharge on wakening
5. vision is clear and cornea is bright

Signs

1. - diffuse redness of the conjunctiva of the eyeball and the eyelids
2. - purulent discharge - but milder cases are free from discharge
3. - possible corneal complications

Treatment

• Do not pad a discharging eye as by closing the conjunctival sac

conditions are favoured for bacterial proliferation.

• Sunglasses to diminish photophobia.
• Removal of discharges or secretions by the frequent instillation of

antibiotic eye drops.

• Eye ointment applied at bedtime has longer action then eyedrops

prevents sealing of lid margins by discharge.

• Awareness of the danger of spreading the infection to the other eye

or other people.

• Maintain a good personal hygiene.

Chronic conjunctivitis may follow an acute conjunctivitis that has been

inadequately or ineffectively treated, but failure to respond may be due to

some other lesion - viral corneal ulcer, foreign body, infected tear sac.

Sympathetic Ophthalmitis

Sympathetic Ophthalmitis - this is a rare inflammatory response of the normal eye
following trauma to the other eye. The injured eye is referred to as the "exciting eye",
the undamaged eye as the "sympathizing eye". The aetiology is unknown but the
inflammatory reaction is thought to be the result of autoimmune processes possibly
triggered by the release of uveal pigment from the injured eye. The uveitis in the
sympathising eye may commence at any time after the first fortnight from injury. An
iridocyclitis occurs in both eyes with lacrimation, photophobia, and the presence of
keratic precipitates (K.P.).

Management:
Is primarily prophylactic entailing the removal of a "dangerous eye" when the following
indications are present:
- A badly perforated eye with no vision.
- An injured eye not settling by 14 days, and especially where K.P. are present.
- Sensitivity to light or photophobia developing in the uninjured eye.

If sympathetic ophthalmitis has developed, removal of the exciting eye is too late to
benefit the sympathetic precesses. Sometimes the exciting eye ultimately becomes
the better eye so it is not removed.

Treatment:
Prolonged immunosuppression: systemic corticosteroids or others, atropine eye drops.

What Contact Lens Wearers Should Know before the Lasik Consultation (Part 1)

Keeping your informed on various aspects of eye surgery.

It is always better to look before leaping. So read this article on
eye surgery before you claim that you know all about eye surgery.

Saying that all that is written here is all there is on eye surgery would
be an understatement. Very much more has to be learnt and propagated
bout eye surgery.

What Contact Lens Wearers Should Know before the Lasik Consultation
If you wear contact lenses there are some things you should consider
before making the decision to have Lasik surgery.

Variety is the spice of life. So we have added as much variety as possible
to this matter on eye surgery to make it’s reading relevant, and interesting!

Similarities. Both Lasik and contacts are able to correct nearsightedness,
farsightedness and, to some extent, astigmatism. Both Lasik and contacts
can eliminate the effect of minification and peripheral distortion that might
have been evident if and when you wore glasses, because both options correct
your vision right at the surface of your eye.
Coordinating matter regarding to eye surgery took a lot of time. However, with
the progress of time, we not only gathered more matter, we also learnt more
about eye surgery. (to be cont'd.)

When Enhancement Lasik Eye Surgery is Necessary

This article provides all the necessary know-how on eye surgery.

Hope is something we have put in this article on eye surgery. We hope that it provides everyone with the know-how on eye surgery.

This is the counterpart to our previous paragraph on eye surgery. Please read that paragraph to get a better understanding to this paragraph.

When Enhancement Lasik Eye Surgery is Necessary
We find great potential in eye surgery. This is the reason we have used this opportunity to let you learn the potential that lies in eye surgery.
Are you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Are you tired of scratches on your eye glasses? Does the thought of placing contacts on your eyes every morning make you cringe? Do you lose your eyeglasses? Do you have to put a chain on your glasses to avoid losing them? Do you have to “put your eyes in” to see anything? If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then maybe it is time you consider a new option that could reduce or completely eliminate the need for eye glasses or contact lenses. Lasik is a new technology that can surgically repair your eyes. For some it restores their eyes to 20/20 vision or better.
Lasik surgery is not for everyone, but for some it is a necessity of life. If you have had to live ten, twenty, thirty or more years fighting with eye glasses or contact lenses, then you may consider Lasik eye surgery a necessity. The thought of never having to put anything in their eye again or possibly never having to wear another pair of eye glasses is appealing to most people. Lasik surgery is the answer. To some it seems like a miracle cure. To others, it just the latest invention of technology. Either way, Lasik is a modern marvel that will change the way we all see the world.


Before you get lasik eye surgery, it is important to understand what lasik is, and then decide if it is right for you. Keep in mind that lasik is a type of surgery and there are risks involved in getting this and any other surgical procedure. Educating yourself is the best way to prepare for these risks. Do your homework. Research online and talk with your eye doctor about the procedure and the risks involved. Be sure to ask questions about recovery time, pre-op requirements, etc. Once you understand what lasik is, then it is up to you to decide if it is necessary.
The title of this composition could be rightly be eye surgery. This is because what is mentioned here is mostly about eye surgery.
Everyone’s eyes are different. They are as unique as fingerprints. It is for this reason that many security companies use retinal scans, or the scanning of the eyes, as a security measure. Your eyes are a lot harder to copy than a fingerprint is. Since no two eyes are the same, a visit to your eye doctor is necessary to begin the process of lasik surgery. Once you get an eye exam, your eye doctor will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for lasik eye surgery.
The initial stages of this article on eye surgery proved to be difficult. However, with hard work and perseverance, we have succeeded in providing an interesting and informative article for you to read.
We had at first written a rough assignment on eye surgery. Then after a few improvisions and enhancements here and there, we have ended up with this end product.
Lasik is one of many eye surgeries, however due to the recovery time and the success rate of this surgery; it is easy to see why it the most common and the preferred eye surgery to date. In layman’s terms lasik is cutting a flap in the top layer of the eye and letting a laser reshape the eye. It is a rather simple surgery. Some doctors will let you watch a video of the surgery. This way you know what to expect during the surgery. If you still opt for the surgery, your doctor should talk with you about what to expect before, during and after the surgery. If you are ready to ditch the glasses or contact lenses, then lasik is the way to go. The goal is to repair your eyes to 20/20, however sometimes that is just not possible. Don’t let that stop you. If lasik can not completely repair your eyes, it could possibly improve them. You may be able to have lighter, thinner lenses. You may even be able to have the luxury of only having to wear glasses when you read. To some that is an improvement well worth the money. The only way to know for sure what your odds are that the surgery will be successful is to visit your eye doctor.

With the right eye doctor and reasonable expectations of lasik surgery, you should be well prepared. Lasik is not for everyone, but it may be for you. Visit your eye doctor today and find out if you are a good candidate for lasik eye surgery! You will see the world from a brand new prospective with new eyes!
A lot of effort was put in the creation of this article on eye surgery. You can repay this effort by enjoying this article.

Seven Eye Conditions that Lasik Helps to Correct

Some of the greatest points about eye surgery.

Reading is a good habit that has to be cultivated. And reading
about eye surgery is something that will help in cultivating the
reading habit.

The information available on eye surgery is infinite. There just
seems to be so much to learn about, and to write about on eye
surgery. It was at the spur of the moment that we ventured to
write something about eye surgery. Such is the amount of matter
that is available on eye surgery.

Seven Eye Conditions that Lasik Helps to Correct
Improved vision is not the only reason why many people turn
to Lasik vision correction. It is true that Lasik has become popular
for those who rely on corrective lenses everyday. But the Lasik
procedure can also help correct or improve other eye conditions.
Lasik vision correction surgery uses the latest in laser technology
to help treat several kinds of eye problems and disease.

Lasik surgery is designed to help improve the eyesight in patients
with low to moderate vision problems. Those with more severe
vision problems can also benefit from Lasik technology. While most
patients experience improved vision and never had a need for glasses
or contacts again, others may still need to use a prescription. For those
suffering from more severe forms of eye conditions, Lasik may be
recommended. There are many forms of Lasik surgery and an eye care
professional will help determine which one is right for the condition of
the patient.

The Lasik procedure has become very popular for treating eye diseases
such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and
presbyopia. In addition the Lasik surgery can help those with astigmatism
and myopia and hyperopia, which are all three common forms of eye
problems.

Myopia and Hyperopia: These conditions are more commonly known
as farsightedness and nearsightedness. Myopia is caused by an irregular
shaped cornea. This will cause light rays to focus in the front of the retina,
rather than on the retina. Those who are nearsighted will have good close-up
vision, but objects at a distance will be difficult to see. Hyperopia is the
opposite. Light will focus behind the retina. Those who are farsighted,
can see objects at a distance, but not close-up. These two conditions are
the most common reasons why patients choose to have a Lasik procedure.

Lasik surgery is very beneficial to patients with myopia and hyperopia.

Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a very common form of visual impairment.
This condition is caused when the eye is shaped more like an oval or
football shaped. The odd shape of the eye causes the light to focus on two
points of the retina instead of just one. Usually, those with astigmatism are
either nearsighted or farsighted as well. When Lasik is done on patients with
astigmatism, both problems can be corrected in one surgery.

If there is the slightest possibility of you not getting to understand the
matter that is written here on eye surgery, we have some advice to be
given. We have actually followed a certain pattern while writing on eye
surgery. We have used simple words and sentences to facilitate easy
understanding for the reader. We were rather indecisive on where to
stop in our writings of eye surgery. We just went on writing and writing
to give a long article.

Presbyopia: This common condition is normally cause by natural
aging. Presbyopia causes problems with focusing on objects close-up.
Usually patients that experience this difficulty are between the ages
of forty and fifty years of age. Often, this problem can be improved by
monovision, intraocular lens implants and Lasik.

Glaucoma: This common eye disease is usually characterized by
elevated pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve.
Laser glaucoma surgery can be performed using three different
techniques. These are all performed with a laser and help either
increase or decrease the pressure of fluid in the eye. The type of
glaucoma treatment a patient receives will depend on the severity
of the condition.

The more you read about eye surgery, the more you get to understand
the meaning of it. So if you read this article and other related articles,
you are sure to get the required amount of matter for yourself.

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is an eye disease that
is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. This can result in
serious vision loss if left untreated. If this disease is caught in the very
early staged, it can be treated with laser vision correction surgery. While
treatments do not reverse damage cause by the disease, it will prevent
further vision loss. With laser surgery, the laser is used to destroy new
blood vessels within the eye. Laser surgery is a very popular way to help
prevent macular degeneration from causing further vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy: This eye disease is a degenerative eye disease
caused by damage to blood vessels and abnormal vessel growth. Those
with diabetes are the ones that suffer from this eye disease. Those with
diabetes should always maintain good diabetic care to help prevent this
type of eye disease. Laser surgery can be used to seal the retina from
further damage that can lead to retina detachment. This kind of surgery
is performed under local anesthesia. For patients who suffer from these
kinds of eye diseases, Lasik vision correction surgery can help stop further
damage to the eye. For more serious eye conditions such as macular
degeneration, Lasik surgery can help patients keep their eyesight without
further vision loss. It is important to discuss health history with an eye
care professional to see which treatment is best for the particular kind of
eye disease.

Lasik Eye Surgery in Review

The most interesting and informative article on eye surgery.

Why do you think a eye surgery was made? Do you have an answer to this?

Well, if not, you can very well find the answer here.

Lasik Eye Surgery in Review
Isn’t it amazing how much information can be transferred through a single page?
So much stands to gain, and to lose about eye surgery through a single page.
The value of this composition is achieved if after reading it, your knowledge on eye
surgery is greatly influenced. This is how we find out that the meaning of eye surgery
has really entered you!

The results of one reading this composition is a good understanding on the topic of eye
surgery. So do go ahead and read this to learn more about eye surgery.

Lasik is the acronym used to describe Laser in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a special type
of refractive laser eye surgery that can only be performed by ophthalmologists. The surgery
is intended to help correct poor vision.

Development
Dr. Jose Barraquer created a procedure that was the first step toward the
development of Lasik in 1970. At this time, he created a microkeratome, which was
used to change the shape of the cornea and to cut the thin corneal flaps.
This procedure was called keratomileusis.

In 1990, Dr. Lucio Buratto of Italy and Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris of Greece developed
Lasik surgery as it is known today. This was accomplished by combining
Dr. Barraquer’s technique with photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. PRK is a
form of laser eye surgery that permanently changes the shape of the anterior central
cornea by burning off a small amount of eye tissue from the corneal stroma. Today,
this procedure alone is not preferred because it takes longer for patients to recover
from surgery and is more painful than Lasik.

The combination approach, however, was shown to have a lower number of complications
and to be more precise in correcting vision. Dr. Stephen Slade and Dr. Stephen Brint first
performed the procedure in the United States in 1991. That same year, German doctors
Thomas Neuhann and Tobias Nuehann completed the first automated Lasik surgery in Munich.

Pre-Surgery
Before beginning Lasik surgery, the surface of the corneas must first be
examined using a computer controlled scanning device. This serves to determine
the exact shape of the cornea. Low power lasers are then used to create a topographic
map of the surface of the cornea. This allows the surgeon to also determine the degree
of astigmatism, if any, as well as other irregularities that might be present in the cornea's
shape.

This information helps the surgeon determine how much corneal tissue needs
to be removed, and from where. Generally, the patient is also prescribed antibiotics
beforehand. This helps to minimize the risk of developing an infection after the
procedure is completed. In addition, Lasik patients who wear contact lenses are
encouraged to stop wearing the contacts for days, or even weeks, prior to the
surgery. This is because the cornea needs to absorb oxygen in order to fully function.
Low-oxygen permeable contact lenses reduce the ability of the cornea to absorb oxygen.
This can result in blood vessels growing into the cornea in a process called corneal
neovascularization. This condition can cause an increase in the inflammation of the area
and lead to a longer healing time. It can also cause additional discomfort during surgery.
So after reading what we have mentioned here on eye surgery, it is up to you to provide
your verdict as to what exactly it is that you find fascinating here.

Now while reading about eye surgery, don’t you feel that you never knew so much
existed about eye surgery? So much matter you never knew existed.

The Procedure
The patient remains awake and fully functional throughout the entire procedure.
Usually, a mild sedative is used, along with anesthetic eye drops. The surgeon
will then use lasers to make all of the necessary incisions. As this takes place,
the computer system keeps track of the patient's eye position at a rate of 4,000
times per second. In this way, it can redirect laser pulses to maintain precise
placement of the laser. Using a blade or a femtosecond laser, the surgeon cuts
a flap in the cornea, but leaves a hinge on one end. The flap of corneal lining is
pulled back to uncover the stroma, which is the middle portion of the cornea.
Using an excimer laser, the surgeon reconfigures the corneal stroma by effectively
vaporizing tissue. This procedure does not, however, damage the adjacent
stroma.

Post Surgery
Lasik surgery does have potential complications, though these are fairly
uncommon.

Some potential complications include: dry eyes, halos or starbursts around
light sources, over or under correction, sensitivity to light, double vision, wrinkles
in the debris under the induced astigmatism, and epithelium erosion.

Many of the potential complications occur as a result of the flap detaching from
the rest of the cornea. For this reason, most doctors recommend going home to
sleep after the surgery, as this will decrease the likelihood that it will become
detached completely. In addition, it is possible to develop an infection under the
corneal flap.

Lasik eye surgery is an innovative procedure that utilizes cutting edge technology.
But, care should be taken to learn all of the potential risks, both short term and long
term, associated with the procedure before having it done.
These few words bring the ending of this beautiful article on eye surgery. The next
time there is more to write on eye surgery it is sure to be found here!

TRACHOMA

Trachoma

A chronic, bilateral infectious, cicatrizing, keratoconjunctivitis.

The disease occurs under living conditions with poor hygiene;
especially where there is little washing, dirt, and flies, so that
the infection is passed from eye to eye (ocular transmission).
A second type of trachoma infects the epithelium of the genital
tract and may be transmitted venerially.

Causative organism - Chlamydia Trachomatis.

Three clinical stages are-
1. The stage of infiltration - a simple conjunctivitis without any
macroscopic differentiating features. The onset may be acute
after an incubation period of about five days. If there is a secon-
dary infection, oedema of the lid, and discharges, are prominent.

2. Stage of active inflammation with diagnostic appearance of
papillae and follicles especially involving the upper tarsal plate.
A vascular and cellular infiltration of the corneal epithelium
(pannus) characteristically spreads from the upper arc of the
limbus.

3. Stage of scarring - scars lead to shrinkage of the conjunctiva
and particularly of th eupper eye lid (entropion). Time factor varies
from months to few years. As a reservoir of infection persists in the
community, reinfections and exacerbations are common.

Complications:
- conjunctival scarring and shrinkage
- corneal scarring
- entropion of lid margins causing trichiasis, corneal ulceration and
further scarring
- ptosis
- xerosis
- blindness

Treatment: should be both medical and social (if possible)
medications - Sulphonomides (Septrim, Bactrim) or tetracycline
orally, and tetracycline eye ointment topically.

Environmental improvement will reduce the rate of transmission and
re-infection.

Attempts should be made to improve personal hygiene and sanitation.

UVEITIS

Uveitis - inflammation of the uveal tract may be due to:-

(a) Autoimmune reactions: for most cases of iritis and cyclitis, no cause
is found, but the inflammation is considered to be a complex, immune
response.

(b) Infections from micro-organisms which reach the iris by: -
- Associated with local viral infections - herpes simplex, herpes zoster
ophthalmicus.
- Penetrating wounds of the eyeball.
- Post-operative, especially cataract extraction (early) or via thin, filtering
blebs (late).
- General infection - syphilis, gonorrhea, tuberculosis (very rare).

(c) Associated with some types of arthritis e.g. juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
(Still's disease), ankylosing spondylitis.

(d) Toxins or poisonous substances derived from septic foci elsewhere in the
body e.g. teeth, tonsils, sinuses, chest. These causes are subject to
much dispute and doubt.

KERATOCONUS (Conical Cornea)

Keratoconus - a form of corneal dystrophy affecting the central part
of the cornea. It is usually bilateral though frequently one eye is more
involved than the other. The chief symptom is decreased visual acuity
for far and near caused by marked astigmatism which is usually irre-
gular. Placido's disc can be used to demonstrate the distortion of the
corneal reflection. Glasses may be used to correct the astigmatism
when it is mild. Contact lenses provide a regular anterior curvature to
improve vision. A corneal graft may be necessary when vision cannot
be corrected adequately by glasses or contact lenses, but glasses or
contact lenses are often necessary to correct vision after grafting.

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Very varied allergens can give rise to superficial conjunctival reactions.
Allergens such as dust, pollens, cosmetics and eye drops can be
responsible. Spring and summer outbreaks are most common from
pollens. A diagnostic feature is itch, especially near the medial canthi.

Treatment
Topical vasoconstrictor and antihistamine eye drops (antistine-provine),
oral antihistamines, desensitisation.

(a) Spring Catarrh (Vernal Conjunctivitis) - a bilateral chronic allergic
condition is more common in hot climates. It begins in pre-pubertal years;
boys are more commonly affected. The major complaint is itching, worse
in hot weather. Two areas predominantly affected, usually of different inten-
sity: - Palpebral - the upper tarsus is pale pink, thickened and contains
irregular swellings - "cobblestones".

Limbal - a pink, vascularised swelling close to the limbus in the palpebral
aperture.

- stringy mucoid conjunctival discharge contains eosinophils.
- corneal ulcer may occur, especially from rubbing by the rough upper lid.

Treatment consists of local instillation of minimal amounts of corticosteroids,
or sodium cromoglycate 2% (Opticrom) eye drops, to suppress the hypersen-
sitivity. The condition tends to disappear with time, but may continue for
several years.

(b) Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis - a complication of soft lenses, chronic sensi-
tivity, resembles spring catarrh; change or stop lenses, poor response to medi-
cations.

(c) Drug Sensitivity - to the topical application of atropine and similar alkaloids,
antibiotics, adrenaline and similar substances e.g. phenylephrine, antivirals
(I.D.U.), miotics. It is prone to occur with prolonged administration especially
where there is chronic or recurrent disease, but some drugs can cause sensiti-
vity quickly e.g. Neomycin.

It occurs more readily with a seborrhoeic background. When sensitivity occurs
the drugs cannot be used again even after an interval so the use of ocular topical
medications must be viewed very circumspectly.

Onset of drug sensitivity may be acute or gradual, with lacrimation redness,
chemosis and a watery discharge. The skin becomes red, hot and dry. Some
toxic drugs such as the antivirals and powerful miotics can cause scarring sub-
conjunctivally and closure of the lacrimal canaliculi.

Treatment - cease administration of the drug. Topical corticosteroids usually
expedite resolution.

Adrenaline administered repeatedly as eyedrops as for the treatment of glaucoma,
leads to the deposits of black spots in the conjunctiva, especially of the lower
fornix. These are harmless, but may be mistaken for foreign bodies.

(d) Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis

Appears as a small gray, elevated lesion at the limbus. It is considered a delayed
hypersensitivity to bacterial protein, particularly tuberculoprotein.