'Recognize These Common Eye Conditions: 1: Glaucoma (the sneak thief of sight) refers to a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and may cause vision loss. 2: Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is redness and inflammation of the membranes (conjunctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. The term pinkeye is most commonly used to refer to the infectious (viral or bacterial) type of conjunctivitis, but it may also result from allergic reactions or chemical irritants such as air pollution, smoke, or noxious fumes. 3: Eye Allergies Severe allergic eye symptoms can be very distressing and are a common reason for visits to the allergist or ophthalmologist. Occasionally, severe eye allergies cause serious damage that can threaten eyesight. Eye allergies usually are associated with other allergic conditions, particularly hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and atopic eczema (dermatitis. 4: Keratoconus We see through the cornea, which is the clear, central part of the front surface of the eye. Normally, the cornea has a round shape, like a Ping-Pong ball. Sometimes, however, the structure of the cornea is just not strong enough to hold this round shape. The normal pressure inside the eye makes the cornea bulge outward like a cone, causing distorted vision. This condition is called keratoconus. 5: Cataracts Cataract is a painless condition where the normally clear aspirin-sized lens of the eye starts to become cloudy. The result is much like smearing grease over the lens of a camera, which impairs normal vision. Causes of cataracts include cortisone medication, trauma, diabetes, and aging. 6: Uveitis Uveitis (pronounced you-vee-EYE-tis) is defined as all inflammatory processes of the middle layers of the eye, also called the uveal tract or uvea. The uvea is very important because its many veins and arteries transport blood to the parts of the eye that are critical for vision. Symptoms and signs of uveitis may include eye redness and irritation, blurred vision, eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, and floating spots. 7: Sty (Stye) A sty (sometimes spelled stye) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or inside the eyelid. A sty results from an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid that occurs after these glands have become clogged. A sty also may arise from an infected hair follicle at the base of an eyelash. 8: Blepharitis Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and occurs in two forms, anterior (outside of the eyelid) and posterior (inner eyelid). Both types of blepharitis can cause a burning or foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, itching, sensitivity to light, red and swollen eyelids, redness of the eye, blurred vision, frothy tears, dry eye, flaking at the base of the lashes, or crusting of the eyelashes upon awakening. Common causes for anterior blepharitis are bacteria (Staphylococcus) and scalp dandruff while posterior forms are caused by problems with the oil glands in the eyelid. 9:Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst) A chalazion is a tiny lump of the upper or lower eyelid caused by inflammation of a gland of the lid. It may be soft and fluid-filled or firmer. A chalazion is also referred to as a meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst, or conjunctival granuloma. The narrow opening through which a meibomian gland secretes its material can become clogged from narrowing of the opening or hardening of the sebaceous liquid near the opening. If this occurs, the gland will have a backup of the material it secretes and it will swell. 10: Corneal Ulcer Most corneal ulcers are caused by infections and can be bacterial (common in people who wear contact lenses), viral (herpes simplex virus and varicella virus), or fungal (improper care of contact lenses or overuse of eyedrops that contain steroids). Symptoms include red eyes, pain, feeling like something is in the eye, tearing, pus/thick discharge, blurry vision, pain from bright lights, swollen eyelids, or a white or gray round spot on the cornea. 11: Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, affects the blood vessels in the retina (the thin light-sensitive membrane that covers the back of the eye). It is due to the retina not receiving enough oxygen. If untreated, it may lead to blindness. If diagnosed and treated promptly, blindness is usually preventable. 12: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease with onset usually after age 60 that progressively destroys the macula, the central portion of the retina, impairing central vision. It rarely causes blindness because only the center of vision is affected. There are two types of AMD -- wet and dry -- neither of which causes pain. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula and leak blood and fluid, causing loss of central vision, which may occur quickly Health issues and medications that affect eyesight. When patients report intermittently blurred vision, for example, or with bulging eyes, something is up with their health. Occasional blurred vision can be due to high blood pressure or diabetes, and protruding eyes may indicate a thyroid disorder. Our bodies need nourishment, and eyes are no exceptions. The B vitamin family is very important for healthy vision; look for a product containing the entire B vitamin family, with at least 50 mg of the “major” Bs. The ACES antioxidants (ACES is shorthand for vitamins A, C, and E, plus the mineral selenium) are also essential for healthy eyesight. For dosages, here are my recommendations: Vitamin A: 25,000 IU daily, unless you are pregnant, in which case 10,000 IU is the upper limit Vitamin C: 1,000 mg four times daily Vitamin E: 400 to 800 IU of natural (d-alpha, not the dl-alpha form) mixed tocopherols Selenium: 200 mcg daily, or reduce to 40 mcg daily if you are pregnant In addition, the following compounds have all proven to enhance eye health: Astaxanthin (2 to 4 mg daily) Lutein (6 to 12 mg once daily) Zeaxanthin (6 to 25 mg daily) Rutin (500 mg twice daily) Bilberry (160 mg three times daily) Consider replacing a daily aspirin with anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as ginger, curcumin, or a purified Calamarine oil or fish oil, to further protect your vision. If you choose fish oil, look for one that contains about twice as much DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). While both help with inflammation, DHA more effectively supports healthy eyesight. as for supplements Choleduz is advisable
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:26:12 +0000
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