Eye Care

Glossary of Medical Terms

Following are the Most Commonly Used Medical Terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z -- A -- Abortion the premature termination of a pregnancy; may be induced or spontaneous (miscarriage) Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) a fatal disease caused by a virus that destroys the immune system's ability to fight...

Bioptics and Driving

Over the past 40 years, bioptics have in part allowed thousands of Americans, whose vision falls below the standard legal visual acuity limits (20/40-20/60), to drive an automobile. Persons who benefit from the latter optical devices illustrate visual conditions that reduce resolution or clarity of vision while maintaining peripheral or side vision intact. The latter might include conditions as:...

Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Cataract

What is a Cataract? A cataract is a small patch of cloudiness or opacity that develops in the usually crystal clear lens of the eye. The human lens is a small, convex, glass-like object in the front of the eye which normally allows light to pass through it to focus it onto the back of the eye (rather like a magnifying glass). When a cataract is present, light cannot pass readily through the...

Dont' Forget About Your Eyes This Winter

Winter often brings with it a variety of health concerns. Some people wonder how they are going to shed the weight they gained from stuffing themselves with irresistible holiday treats. Others worry about older loved ones slipping and falling on ice and snow or keeping young ones bundled up to ward off frostbite. With so much on everyone’s minds, it is not surprising that many neglect to take...

Thyroid Eye Disease – Protruding, Irritated Eyes

What is thyroid eye disease? People with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands) may experience changes around their eyes. The most common abnormalities are prominent eyes, a staring expression and infrequent blinking. What are the causes? Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is over- production of thyroid hormones. Abnormal antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause it to become...

Diseases of The Optic Nerve and Retina

Optic Neuritis Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic disc, at the point where the optic nerve enters the back of the eyeball, is a symptom occurring in various conditions such as diseases of the kidneys, anaemia, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and certain diseases of the brain. These may be inflam-mation or meningitis, tumour of the brain, syphilis of the brain with gummata or...

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome classically features a combination of dry eyes, dry mouth, and another disease of the connective tissues, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, characterized by the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body. This particular autoimmune illness is caused by inflammation in...

Singapore Witnesses World's First Transmission of Ophthalmology Surgery in 3d High Definition

In what could be one of medical science's most important innovations, Singapore and Japan joined hands to transmit a cataract surgery in 3D High Definition images over real-time across the two countries. The surgery was carried out in Japan's Asahikawa Medical College on February 16, 2006, while an audience made up of doctors, nurses and members of the media watched the operation eagerly in...

Cataract

In all elderly persons the lens of the eye gradually becomes harder, less elastic, and somewhat yellow; when these senile or degenerative changes take place and cause part or total loss of transparency of the lens, the condition called cataract is present. Often the cause is not known, but certain recognised diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, are liable to give rise to cataract; injuries,...

LASIK : A Success in Singapore - It's Not Too Risky

No, LASIK surgery is not 'too risky'. In fact, almost all the operations carried out at government institutions Singapore have been safe and successful, said the Health Ministry in December 7. The success rate among the 6,000 patients who had the procedure done at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and the National Healthcare Group's The Eye Institute between November last year and October...

Interstitial Keratitis

Interstitial keratitis is a form of inflamma-tion which is nearly always due to syphilis, usually of the congenital type; it occurs in children with congenital syphilis between six and sixteen years. The conjunctiva may be seen to be of a salmon-pink colour; later, the cornea becomes dull or 'steamy', looking like ground glass. The disease is chronic and affects both eyes; relapses are common....

Eye Care for Beautiful Eyes

EYES To make eyes appear larger, only apply mascara to the top lashes. To emphasize Blue/Grey eyes, use a yellow, orange, or coppery eyeshadow. To emphasize Green eyes, use a plum-colored eyeshadow. To make Hazel eyes appear bluer, use a navy-colored eyeshadow. To emphasize Brown use a pink, salmon, or taupe eyeshadow. To avoid clumpy mascara, wipeoff the brush with a tissue before applying....

Using Your Eyes and Your Computer

When you use your computer, do you experience symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tears or dry eyes, pain in the eyes or excessive blinking or squinting? That means you should visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. And, when you do, be sure to tell the doctor about the computer work that you do. There are a number of...

Preventing Eye Injuries

Increasing numbers of children are participating in sports at an early age. Parents and coaches should ensure that kids always wear the appropriate protection while playing certain sports: Always wear a helmet with polycarbonate face mask or wire shield when playing: Baseball Lacrosse Hockey (choose protection approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council or the Canadian Standards...

Biotechs Wage Genetic War on Blindness, Macular Degeneration

Two US companies are jockeying for the early lead in gene therapy for the eye, treatment that could prevent as many as 3.6 million seniors from going blind in the states. The companies are testing separate technologies to stop the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a possible multibillion-dollar market, they say. AMD is the leading cause of blindness among Americans older than 60...

Eye Care Tip of The Month

Avoid Eye Injuries from Fireworks Thousands of eye injuries, which often result in permanent vision loss, occur each Fourth of July from accidents with fireworks. Be safe this Fourth of July and enjoy the public fireworks displays that many communities sponsor. They are presented by highly skilled professionals and they are bigger, brighter and more beautiful than home displays, as well as much...