Herbs Herbal Remedies

Information about herbs, herbal remedies and alternative health

Subscribe to our
FREE Newsletter

First Name:
Email Address:
(Unsubscribe at any time)

Archive for the 'eye Health' Category

If you have ever wondered how Lasik Eye Surgery works and if it is for you, you definitely aren’t alone. People with all kinds of vision problems, from the most mundane to the most grave, have thought about going under the laser at the hands of an knowledgeable doctor in one of the lasik surgery centers. Once thought to be dangerous , Lasik Eye Surgery is now one of the most demanded forms of elective surgery and is considered to be quite safe. Of course you should never go into this kind of process blind, pardon the pun. You should first gratify your inquisitiveness with gathering all the Lasik Advances you can find. Here are a few of the aspects of this experience you should understand before heading to the eye surgery clinic: Lasik Eye Surgery requirements, custom lasik surgery, choosing a Eye Surgeons. Every surgeon has to endure dynamic education and internship in order to be licensed to operate in any capacity. All Eye Surgeons are doctors, but not all doctors are surgeons. Unfortunately there are those dishonest people who will claim to be something they aren’t. Check out Lasik Questions videos for more information and a clear picture of what you can expect from Lasik Eye Surgery.
If the Lasik Eye Surgery clinic you are considering doesn’t have the potential to offer customized handling, you should rapidly run the other way. Each individual patient should expect for the both the surgeon and Lasik Eye Surgery clinic to be prepared to handle any need your situation may bring up. When we are talking about modifying, it isn’t about something as lighthearted as altering your eye color, it’s about being staffed and equipped to take care of any difficulties or special circumstances surrounding your Eye Surgeons.
There are all kinds of ways to find a Eye Surgeons clinic or hospital that suits your needs . If you trust the Eye Surgeons, and you should if you are planning to let them operate on your eyes, he or she will be able to direct you to their personal clinic or suggest the best environment for your surgery. A Lasik Eye Surgery is a huge responsibility for the patient, not so much the doctor.

Many people have vision problems and to correct this you have to use glasses. Otherwise a lense is required to be placed in front of the eye. The lens goes on to become a perfect eye. While eye glasses have long given the needed correction for vision problems, contact lenses were a marvel of science allowing individuals the freedom to forgo the hassle of slipping, fogging and distracting eye glasses. Contacts are a great alternative to glasses, but they can seriously damage your eyes if put inside incorrectly. Therefore, learning how to put your contact lenses is something that comes with practice.

Originally the contacts were made of hard plastic that required saline solution drops on a regular basis to keep them moist. Now contacts are made of soft plastic that allows the eye to breathe. They are comfortable to wear and because of the high water content of the material they require less maintenance during use. Soft contacts cling to the layer of tears covering the cornea and move little with each blink. This makes sure that the eye stays moist and foreign materials can be safely washed out.

The first question that comes to our mind when talking about contact lenses is how to put your contact lenses. Initially it is a bit difficult. But as time passes you will get used to this routine and the question of how to put in contact lense does not arise at all. The better news is that you don’t have to wonder how to put in contact lense for long. This is how it is done.

Take proper care of your contact lenses every time you take them out and leave them in the case for an extended amount of time. Washing your hands thoroughly is important. Always use a clean towel to dry your hands. Make sure that there is no soap on your hands. Next step is to remove a contact from its case. Check whether it is for your right or left eye.

Keep the contact on your index finger of the hand you will be applying the contact with. It is better if you use your dominant hand. Always make sure that all the outside edges are face up and none are sticking to your finger. If you see that the rim points out slightly instead of up, the lens is probably inside-out. Use the index finger of your other hand to pull up your upper eyelid. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand with the contact to pull your lower eyelid down.

Try to keep your eye open and try not to blink. Look upwards and move the contact towards your eye calmly and steadily. Place the contact on your eye and lightly move it so it is centered over your iris. Blink slowly, so as to not dislocate the contact. Repeat the same procedure with the other contact.

One of the most important benefits of lasik eye surgery is the rapid recovery it offers its patients. This is one of the major reasons why many people are now willing to undergo the said procedure. The time necessary to recover from the corrective eye surgery will determine when you can return to your normal activities and to your work.

Recovery from %LINK is generally fast, ranging anywhere from a few days to a few months. Specifically, LASIK eye surgery can produce faster recovery than older forms of corrective eye surgery, such as PRK.

After the corrective eye surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room for a couple of hours. During this time, the anesthesia instilled in your eye will gradually wear off, and you may feel a tingling or burning sensation, as if dust or debris is in your eye. Typically, you will also experience blurring of vision during the first day. At the recovery room, you will be allowed to adjust to the immediate effects of the laser eye surgery. You will be allowed to go home on the same day as the surgery. Before going home, you will be instructed by your physician on what medications to take and how to apply them.

At home, you may experience minimal discomfort for several days. You may be given pain relievers for this discomfort. Usually, the eye discomfort decreases after a day or two. You will also have to instill topical medications, specifically antibiotics, in your eye. Most ophthalmologists also suggest the use of eyedrops after laser eye surgery, to lessen the occurrence of dry eye syndrome. You will also be asked to protect your eye with a path or an eye shield, especially when you are sleeping at night.

In a couple of days, you will be able to go back to your usual activities, such as work, driving and sports. Your vision will have cleared up significantly by then. However, you may still experience fluctuations in your vision at this time. It may take a few months before your vision stabilizes. Before your vision has fully stabilized, you may experience a variety of symptoms, such as glare, halos, and sensitivity to light, to name a few. This is quite common for the first few months; however, if these symptoms persist 6 months after the corrective eye surgery, you should inform your ophthalmologist immediately.

It’s understandable many people would be drawn in by a Lasik eye surgery price well below the normal pricing. If it sounds to good to be true then it probably is.

It’s a case of buyer beware. If Lasik eye surgery price normally costs from $1500 and beyond then why are we bombarded with advertising suggesting you can get it for less than three times the price.

First lesson here is to read the fine print. The advertised price is usually a clever piece of marketing to attract your attention but if you’re thinking that’s all you’re going to pay then think again. Be careful of what is know as a bait and switch tactic. Basically, you are attracted by the low price yet many are told they don’t qualify for it when they enquire and are then targeted for the infamous upsell.

While the fine print lists an incremental rise in the price depending on the level of myopia, you must also qualify for the promotion by having good credit. Just be aware that unless you read the fine print in these “too good to be true” promotions you are more than likely going to be very disappointed.

Buyer Beware

Anytime you see Lasik eye surgery advertised at these prices realize:

- there’s probably more going on than meets the eye

- look out for hidden restrictions in such Lasik eye surgery price promotions

- never agree to a non-refundable deposit and ask for all the terms in writing.

- it’s also important to know what kind of follow-up care is available and if it is included in the price.

Look For Quality

It’s quite conceivable the discounted Lasik eye surgery price which attracted you in the first place won’t be very discounted at all. The cost can balloon out after all the extra costs are factored in in the end, you end up paying close to, if not more than you would traditionally.

The bottom line is, pricing shouldn’t be your primary concern. Choosing a well-established trusted eye surgeon who has your best interests in mind should concern you more than the cost of the procedure.

If you have no experience in selecting an eye surgeon then you’re not alone. One of the best ways to get respected advice is to simply ask your doctor. Ask for referrals and also speak to people you know who have had eye surgery and were happy with the result.

The Better Business Bureau is another resource you can utilize just to get the “low down” on a surgeon or eye surgery center. This is such a vital part of the entire process that it’s worth taking the time to satisfy your concerns.

And remember, when you go through the evaluation period be wary of those who want to charge you “an arm and a leg.” The initial consultation at worst, should only set you back a nominal fee and should be a small part of the overall Lasik eye surgery price quote.

The following is a brief overview of the elements involved in the Lasik eye surgery procedure. Lasik eye surgery is still fairly new on the scene and is becoming very popular with many because of the ease, painlessness, and overall satisfaction of the procedure. Still, the Lasik eye surgery procedure leaves a lot of people curious as to what it entails and how it is done.

Lasik eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure that involves a local anaesthetic in the form of an eye drop on the surface of the eye. The surgery can range anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes per eye, but in some cases can be completed in less than a minute.

A special device or laser cuts a flap on the cornea and lifts it out of the way. The laser then reshapes the tissue of the eye underneath the flap and the flap is replaced. No stitches or sutures are required and the flap automatically heals itself and reattaches to the corneal tissue almost immediately. A shield is placed over the eye to protect the cornea while the healing process takes place.

Your doctor should be willing to answer all your questions and provide literature about the procedure and the risks and benefits. If your doctor says you may not be a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, ask him about alternative laser surgeries. You may find that another type of laser surgery would be more beneficial to you.

Take into consideration that you must be in good general overall health in order to have this type of surgery. You can’t have a disease that could slow healing such as diabetes or lupus. There are other criteria of which you may not be aware so discuss these with your doctor. You may think of other questions to ask your eye surgeon after searching for Lasik eye surgery information. As you think of them, write down your questions so you’ll be prepared for your next appointment.

Make absolutely certain you disclose all of the medications you are taking to your eye surgeon.
Finally, although not many, there are a few occupations that will pass you by if you have Lasik eye surgery. Certain jobs within the armed forces, pilots, and some jobs that require frequent immersion in water are some examples where this could be a problem. Even if you’re not currently affiliated with one of these jobs, you’ll want to think of your future.

The cost of laser eye surgery has stabilized over the past 12 months after steadily increasing for a number of years.

For example, five years ago the average cost of laser eye surgery per eye was about $1500 and rose by about $100 a year. Today, that cost is about $2000 per eye. The steady rise is understandable considering the rapid increase in technology with more expensive and cutting edge equipment being used.

Bargain Based Prices

People considering laser eye surgery may be tempted by the apparent bargains being advertised, some as low as $500 however, be careful to check thoroughly what’s involved with these procedures.

Low prices won’t be available to everyone and the price can increase significantly when other factors are taken into account. Laser Eye Surgery Cost

There have been a number of new procedures introduced to laser eye surgery and this again is a big factor in the overall cost of procedures. Testing before surgery is very much recommended and anyone not going through some type of pre-operative testing would be putting themselves at risk.

With testing though comes cost in most cases and while a procedure is advertised at what appears to be a great price, by the time the the patient has gone from the initial consultation, the testing and then the actual procedure, the amount quoted on the bill is going to look a lot different than the original price which attracted their attention in the first place.

Here are some questions you need to ask before proceeding with laser eye surgery:

- Exactly what are you getting for the price advertised?

- Establish what’s not involved in the actual price.

_ Why are the extras needed?

- Will it be risky for you if you take shortcuts?

- Is it expensive?

The cost of laser eye surgery in many cases is almost insignificant given the benefits obtained from the procedure.

Lasik corrective eye surgery is a big step for many people but the one common theme following the procedure is how beneficial it has been for many patients.

Sure, there are risks involved but that is the case with any type of surgery and this aspect is usually covered in detail during the pre-surgery stage with your doctor. Lasik corrective eye surgery is a relatively quick procedure and in the main, the benefits can certainly outweight the risks.

Apart from the actual surgery itself, the recovery phase is extremely important and patients need to follow the advice of their doctor to the letter. In this article, we will look at some of the post operative experiences you can expect and some of the things which could affect you during this period.

Post Operative Lasik Corrective Eye Surgery

Following surgery, it’s not just a matter of heading home and resuming normal life. There is a recovery period and in some cases, it could extend for months. It all depends on the severity of the surgery.

For example, dry eye may be a problem and eye drops will be prescribed in most cases. You don’t want to ignore using eye drops if your doctor has suggested they will be of help. Here are other recovery issues to look out for:

- If the doctor has applied a protective covering to the eye make sure you wear it. Irritants such as hair or bacteria could get into the eye and cause a lot of discomfort, possibly even infection. If you have pets, try to keep them away from him during these first few days to prevent any stray animal hairs from finding their way to his eye.

- Be aware of any stinging sensation which could be present following surgery. Let your doctor know. Many patients have reported this stinging which is usually caused by sand or dirt particles. If it causes major discomfort your doctor could prescribe medication to deal with it.

- Some patients could be sensitive to light so keeping the home a little darker than normal can provide relief. Wearing dark glasses when venturing outside may also help in coping with light irritation.

- Driving should not be attempted even for those patients who haven’t been unduly affected during the port operative stage. At least driving shouldn’t be attempted for a few days. It’s all about cutting down the risks and giving yourself the best chance of a full and incident-free recovery.

- Make sure you keep your post operative appointments with your doctor. These are vitally important as even though the surgery appears to have gone through without a hitch, these appointments are maintenance based and if there are any problems you are not aware of, your doctor will usually find them.

- It’s also a good idea to make some notes on your recovery phase following Lasik corrective eye surgery. These will be a good indicator for your doctor and they can act on anything you record that’s out of the ordinary.

Laser vision corrective eye surgery has been a godsend for many people determined to do away with the use of glasses or contact lenses. Once upon a time, cost was a prohibitive factor with eye surgery but with the advent of new technology, laser treatment has afforded many the opportunity to take advantage of breakthrough techniques to improve vision.

It hasn’t been long since lasers were first approved as surgical tools. In fact, we are only talking 10-12 years ago during the mid 1990’s but the advancement in techniques has been amazing. And most of these breakthroughs have occurred in recent times.

It’s important to make the correct distinction between some eye surgery procedures. For example, eye surgery can also be referred to as opthalmic or ocular surgery while laser corrective eye surgery is not generally the same as refractive surgery.

Lasers are not always used with refractive surgery to make incisions however, the term generally umbrellas the overall intention of the procedure to refract the cornea.

Laser Eye Surgery Procedures

- The choices of laser vision corrective eye surgery used to correct many problems affecting vision are numerous. Cataracts refer to a clouding of the vision or the eye’s lens. They tend to affect the elderly the most and can distort vision to degrees mirroring legal blindness. Laser surgery can correct the problems that come from cataracts by simply reshaping and removing the “clouds” and changing the environment that creates them.

- Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to blindness due to blood pressure on the eye. Affecting an estimated 3 million Americans, glaucoma is known as the leading cause of blindness. There are several types of glaucoma which are mostly classified due to the urgency of the onset. Laser surgery can stop the spread of the symptoms by relieving the pressure on the eye.

- Macular regeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly and those 65 years of age or older. Macular regeneration affects the retina in that it breaks down or “regenerates” thus causing problems with the area of the eye responsible for sharpness and contrast in vision. Laser surgery can treat macular regeneration but cannot entirely cure it, so the symptoms can be controlled but the process cannot be entirely stopped.

Laser vision corrective eye surgery has come a long way in such a short time and it’s fair to say many have enjoyed a better standard of life because of it. The advances estimated over the next decade or two with this procedure are almost mind boggling.

 

Eye Health Article part 3 of 3

 

In part 2 of our 3 parts series titled ‘Eye Health Intrinsically Linked to Overall Health’ we will explored how an eye exam could prevent future vision loss brought on by diabetes. In this 3rd and final part in the series we will examine how obesity can actually lead to a life with diabetes. I hope you find this information helpful. - J.T.

Obesity Can Lead to Diabetes

Obesity is one of the major causes of Type II Diabetes and is one variable that can be adjusted and controlled by you to prevent onset of diabetes and thereby halting formation of diabetes related eye diseases as well.

Certain risk factors like age, family history, and ethnicity cannot be altered, but a change in lifestyle that includes a healthier diet and increased physical activity with or without weight loss may help reduce your risk.

The immense rise in Type II Diabetes in recent years, the serious health risks and costs associated with diabetes, and the fact that several of the risk factors are modifiable, have created great interest in the importance of diabetes prevention. If you have high blood pressure, are overweight, smoke, or use alcohol or drugs, you can help lower your risk by modifying your lifestyle. Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for Type II Diabetes. Lowering weight and blood pressure and quitting smoking can significant positive impacts on health and lifestyle.

Get More Info on Insulate Plus for Balanced Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

One in three Americans born today is predicted to develop diabetes as a consequence of obesity. It is estimated that at least half of all diabetes cases would be eliminated if weight gain could be prevented. Of particular concern are the current rates of overweight and obese children, due to inactivity and increases in caloric intake of almost all countries over the last 20 years.

“The rising levels of obesity worldwide are likely to drive the prevalence of diabetes even higher than present forecasts”, according to Professor Pierre Lefèbvre, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

A study done by the Harvard School of Public Health and published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that being overweight and obese was the single most important factor that predicted who would develop Type II Diabetes. During a 16 year follow-up period the study concluded that Type II Diabetes could be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle and risks decreased with weight loss, diet and exercise. Another study conducted by The Finish Diabetes Prevention Study Group found that with weight loss and better physical activity levels alone, people at high risk of developing diabetes could reduce their risk by more than 50%(The New England Journal of Medicine 2002; 346: 393-403). Control your weight with Native Remedies’ EcoSlim, Triple Complex Slimmer’s Assist, Detox Drops as aids to help you lose weight safely and naturally while substantially improving your health and reducing health risks.

Information compiled from International Diabetes Federation

If you have not seen your optometrist in over a year, be sure to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye examination right away and…

…To prevent and control diabetes and take care of your visual health at home, use Native Remedies’ Insulate Plus to assist in the treatment and prevention of diabetes and for healthy living, Vizu-All Plus for healthy eye function and visual problems and eye disorders associated with diabetes such as macular degeneration and cataracts, and Triple Complex Diabetonic to keep sugar levels stable and reduce cravings for sweet foods.

Get More Info on Insulate Plus for Balanced Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

 

Eye Health Article part 2 of 3

 In part 2 of our 3 parts series titled ‘Eye Health Intrinsically Linked to Overall Health’ we will explore how something as simple as an eye exam could prevent future vision loss brought on by diabetes. I hope you find this information helpful. - J.T.

Diabetes, Your Eyes and Health

Since over 33% of people with diabetes don’t know that they have it, an eye exam can be the only clue to detecting this potentially life-threatening disease. Changes to the blood vessels in the eye can signify various stages of diabetic retinopathy and left untreated, it can cause blindness. For those suffering from diabetes without knowing it, the detection and treatment of this disease can mean relief on many levels.

Get More Info on Vizu-All Plus for Eye Problems (Cataracts, Macular Degeneration and Visual Problems Associated with Diabetes)

Other eye diseases, like glaucoma, may cause vision damage and eventually blindness without the person ever experiencing any symptoms. During a comprehensive eye exam, the optometrist measures the pressure within the eye and examines the optic nerve in the eye, thereby determining the existence of glaucoma.

In the United States, diabetes is responsible for 8 % of legal blindness, making it the leading cause of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age. Every year, from 12,000 to 24,000 people lose their sight because of diabetes-related vision problems. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication. All of these eye problems can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. Diabetic eye disease includes glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal disease are more common in people with diabetes and contribute to the high rate of blindness. People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop glaucoma and cataracts than people without diabetes. The longer someone has had diabetes, the more common it is for individuals to have glaucoma and risk also increases with age. People with diabetes also tend to get cataracts at a younger age and have them progress faster. The longer someone has had diabetes, the more likely they are to have diabetic retinopathy, a term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. Often there are no symptoms or pain in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy and vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. Finding diabetic retinopathy early is the best way to prevent vision loss.

Risk of diabetic retinopathy can be greatly reduced. According to The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), better control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of retinopathy. The study found that the group that tried to keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible had substantially less eye, kidney, and nerve disease (New England Journal of Medicine, September 30, 1993).

Get More Info on Vizu-All Plus for Eye Problems (Cataracts, Macular Degeneration and Visual Problems Associated with Diabetes)

Statistical information above regarding diabetes compiled from The American Diabetes Association.

***************************

In part 3 of our 3 parts series titled ‘Eye Health Intrinsically Linked to Overall Health’ we will examine the link between obesity and diabetes..