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Medical Myths: All about psoriasis

Medical Myths: All about psoriasis

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Psoriasis Awareness Month is in August. In light of this, misconceptions about psoriasis will be confronted in the most recent episode of Medical Myths. We will talk about treatments, diet, hygiene, and other things.

One rather common immune-mediated skin condition is psoriasis. It results in the skin becoming flaky and crusty in certain areas, usually the knees, scalp, elbows, and back. On light skin, these patches appear red, and on dark skin, they may appear violet or purple. It is challenging to determine the precise prevalence of psoriasis worldwide. On the other hand, a 2020 study discovered that the prevalence ranges from 0.14 percent in East Asia to 1.99% in Australasia. Psoriasis can have an impact on a person’s quality of life and general well-being in addition to its physical symptoms. In a similar vein, stigma affects some psoriasis sufferers.

According to the authors of one study, stigmatizing attitudes toward people who have psoriasis are common in the US. Public awareness campaigns and medical student education programs could lessen the stigma associated with psoriasis sufferers. In light of this, we address some enduring misconceptions about psoriasis and enlist the assistance of two specialists to refute them. The first one is David Chandler, the CEO of the UK’s Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance. The second is Dominic Urmston, who works for the Psoriasis Association in the United Kingdom as the manager of patient advocacy and communications.

Psoriasis is contagious
This is a widespread myth, but it is still just that a myth. As Chandler clarified, psoriasis is not contagious. It’s an autoimmune disease where the body overproduces skin cells due to an improper immune response. It cannot be spread by direct contact between people, sharing of bodily fluids (such as kissing), or food or beverages. Additionally, it cannot be acquired by people in close quarters in public places like saunas or swimming pools.

Psoriasis is just dry skin
No, Chandler said, there’s a lot more to it than that. The normal skin turnover cycle is approximately every 28 days, but in psoriasis, it can occur as quickly as 4-5 days. The skin structure changes much more quickly. This rapid turnaround has prevented the skin cells from maturing. They accumulate into thick scales that the body is unable to normally shed. Furthermore, blood vessels also shift and migrate toward the surface, Chandler added, making the areas that are scraped bleed and turn extremely red and painful. Psoriasis can be crippling in more severe cases when it causes the skin to break and bleed, according to Urmston. Psoriasis on the hands or feet can make daily tasks challenging, and psoriasis on the buttocks or groin can make simple tasks like sitting down or using the restroom uncomfortable.

There is only one type of psoriasis
Many people believe that there is only one type of psoriasis and that it is always present. It is not the case, though. Chandler clarified that large plaque psoriasis, which has typical thick silvery scales, is the most prevalent type. Other forms include guttate psoriasis, which is sometimes referred to as raindrop psoriasis due to the tear-shaped scaly patches. Only areas that come into contact with other body parts, like the groin, underarms, or armpits, can develop inverse psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis: This rare kind of psoriasis causes a rash that peels over a large portion of the body. Pustular psoriasis: This kind typically affects the hands and feet and causes pus-filled bumps to appear.

Psoriasis results from poor hygiene
In Urmston’s words, having psoriasis does not indicate poor personal hygiene. Chandler agreed, no, really not. Psoriasis sufferers actually usually have to be meticulous when it comes to self-care because their skin is so sensitive and dry that it requires attention all the time. Additionally, he clarified that individuals with psoriasis frequently need to apply their treatments twice daily, which means that people will have to spend a lot of time managing it, especially in areas like the scalp, because if it is ignored, it will rapidly become extremely difficult to manage.

Doctors can cure psoriasis
This is untrue as well because there isn’t a treatment for psoriasis at this time. But, as Chandler pointed out, scientists are still learning more about the illness, and this new knowledge might eventually result in a treatment. Crucially, psoriasis can be effectively managed and treated, as Urmston noted, and dermatologists and physicians can provide a variety of treatment alternatives.

Psoriasis only affects the skin
Although psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it affects more than just the skin. Psoriasis is not limited to the skin. According to Urmston, psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the joints and is thought to develop in 6–42 percent of individuals with psoriasis. It frequently affects the knees, hands, and feet joints, as well as the lower back and heel, which are places where tendons join to the bone. Psoriasis can affect a person’s mental health in addition to their physical health. According to Urmston, those who have psoriasis are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and low confidence, all of which can have a serious influence.

No treatments can relieve psoriasis
It is a myth that there are no treatment options, even though there is no cure. Depending on how severe a person’s psoriasis is, there are a variety of treatments that can help, according to Chandler. These include ointments, gels, foams, and topical (applied) creams. Along with disease-modifying medications that come in tablet and injectable form, light therapy is also utilized. Each of these methods has different advantages and disadvantages. Since psoriasis is a lifelong chronic condition, a patient’s treatment plan may need to be modified over time in collaboration with their physician. A physician is usually the one who prescribes topical (applied to the skin) treatments in a variety of formulations (creams, ointments, and gels) for the majority of psoriasis patients. A dermatologist can recommend additional treatment options, such as UV light therapy, tablet and injection treatments if the patient’s psoriasis is more severe or if different topical treatments don’t work.

Psoriasis only affects adults
Psoriasis can affect children and, very infrequently, newborns, even though it is most frequently observed in adults. It typically begins in adolescence and lasts a lifetime, according to Chandler. According to Urmston, MNT, there appear to be two “peaks” in the onset period: in the late teens to early 30s and in the 50–60 age range.

Psoriasis is the same as eczema
Even though psoriasis and eczema share similar primary symptoms, they are two very different conditions. As Chandler clarified, psoriasis is not based on an allergic reaction, whereas eczema frequently is. Additionally, eczema is more prevalent in young children and goes away with time. On the other hand, psoriasis is less common in kids and usually lasts a lifetime. According to Urmston, they also typically affect different parts of the body. Psoriasis typically manifests on the outside of the elbows and knees as well as on the scalp, while eczema typically appears inside the crook of the elbow and knee. In general, psoriasis and eczema have distinct underlying mechanisms.

Eczema is a skin condition that can be caused by environmental, genetic, or other factors; psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Nonetheless, there exist certain indications indicating eczema may also be an autoimmune disorder. Urmston made a significant statement: “For both conditions, early initiation of the most appropriate treatment pathway necessitates a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional.

Changing your diet can cure psoriasis
Chandler told MNT that there is no proof that a specific diet can treat psoriasis. Since psoriasis tends to “wax and wane,” many people may link dietary adjustments to improvement; however, this could just be a coincidental occurrence. He did, however, add that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising frequently, and adhering to a balanced diet are all generally sound recommendations for general wellbeing.

As of right now, solid research has not been done to connect any particular dietary modification to a reduction in the symptoms of psoriasis. Since obesity, alcoholism, and smoking have been shown to exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, leading a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious, balanced diet can help manage psoriasis. Although it cannot be cured, psoriasis can be managed. To start treatment as soon as possible, anyone who thinks they may have psoriasis should consult a physician. Like with all medical conditions, scientists are still looking into potential approaches to better control the symptoms. Maybe one day, scientists will also find a treatment.

Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

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Psoriasis is regarded by medical professionals as an immune-mediated inflammatory illness even though the actual origin is uncertain. This indicates that the underlying cause of the disease is inflammation.

In the United States, psoriasis affects up to 3% of adults. It can affect other bodily components, such as the joints and eyes, and manifest signs on the skin, such as elevated plaques and discolouration. According to experts, inflammation may be the common culprit affecting these various locations.

What results in psoriasis inflammation?

Immune system malfunction in psoriasis patients leads to an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the dermis, the middle layer of skin. Additionally, the disease accelerates the proliferation of skin cells in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.

Skin cells typically develop and slough off over the course of a month. In those with psoriasis, this process accelerates to only a few days. Skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface instead of being shed, causing painful symptoms such elevated plaques, scales, edema, and redness or discolouration.

Despite the fact that psoriasis is a skin disorder, the inflammation it causes affects the entire body. It can raise the risk of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, and others.

Is inflammation curable in any way?

Although immune system dysregulation is the cause of the inflammation in psoriasis, research suggest that patients can lessen this inflammation by making dietary and lifestyle modifications. This may aid in symptom reduction and quality-of-life enhancement. Many psoriasis sufferers can sustain remission a prolonged period without having psoriasis symptoms using these techniques. In addition, certain psoriasis treatments work by lowering inflammation. Topical corticosteroids, biologics for injection, and oral drugs are some of these. Psoriasis affects people differently. Some patients will need longer-term care than others.

Managing inflammation

Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, the following behaviors may lessen inflammation caused by psoriasis and raise a person’s chances of going into remission. consuming a wholesome diet Diet and systemic inflammation are closely related. According to studies, some inflammatory food habits might worsen psoriasis symptoms and increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Everybody’s definition of a healthy diet is unique.

You can follow below steps to avoid Psoriasis.

Avoiding inflammatory foods: Some foods and drinks include anti-inflammatory compounds that exacerbate inflammation and bring on the symptoms of psoriasis. Soda and highly processed foods like salty snacks, sweets, and animal items are two examples.

Take into account an anti-inflammatory diet: Psoriasis symptoms are regularly reduced by diets high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. For instance, a 2018 study of 35,735 individuals, 3,557 of whom had psoriasis, found that those who consumed a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet had fewer severe cases of psoriasis than those who did not.

Being healthy in terms of weight

A risk factor for the onset of psoriasis is obesity. Overweight or obese psoriasis sufferers may also have more severe symptoms than those who are of a moderate weight. In individuals with excess body weight, weight loss may lower inflammatory indicators and assist in reducing psoriasis symptoms. In a 2020 study, it was discovered that individuals with psoriasis and obesity or overweight who underwent a 10-week program to lose 12% of their body weight saw a 50–75% reduction in the severity of their psoriasis. An average of 23 pounds were lost by participants.

Implementing other healthy habits

There are a number of behaviors that might lessen inflammation and enhance psoriasis symptoms, including:

• Avoiding or quitting smoking: Smoking has a negative impact on one’s health and aggravates inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.

 • Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol might increase psoriasis symptoms and contribute to inflammation.

 • Remaining active can help with psoriasis symptoms by preventing prolonged periods of inactivity. According to one assessment of the literature, those with psoriasis who lead sedentary lifestyles experience more severe symptoms than those who engage in regular exercise.

• Getting enough sleep: A lack of sleep can cause the body to become inflammatory. According to studies, getting little or no sleep might raise blood levels of inflammatory indicators. Adults should sleep for 7-9 hours every night, according to experts, to maintain good health.

• Controlling stress levels: Prolonged stress causes the immune system to become overactive and promotes inflammation. Up to 88% of psoriasis sufferers cite stress as a symptom cause. Stress-relieving exercises like yoga and meditation may be beneficial.

When should I get medical help?

Anyone who is going through a psoriasis flare and is curious about how to lessen the symptoms and inflammation of the condition might want to think about consulting their healthcare team, which includes their dermatologist. They can offer suggestions for diet and lifestyle modifications that may help lower inflammation and lessen psoriasis symptoms, as well as treatment options dependent on the severity of the symptoms. Additionally, they could advise taking vitamins or supplements.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psoriasis-and-chronic-inflammation
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/taming-the-chronic-inflammation-of-psoriasis
https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/facts-about-inflammation

For psoriasis medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/search.php?keywords=psoriasis

Latest note on dry eye treatment with probiotics.

Latest note on dry eye treatment with probiotics.

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Dry eye, a disorder in which the eyes are unable to sufficiently lubricate themselves, affects about 12% of the world’s population. The dry eye condition is now incurable.

Researchers from Houston, Texas’ Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a probiotic bacterial strain that enhanced dry eye in a mouse model.

Dry eye is a disorder where the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them adequately lubricated, resulting in pain, and affects about 12% of the world’s population.

The symptoms of dry eye disease can be managed with a variety of treatments even if there is currently no cure for the condition.

These remedies include over-the-counter eye drops, prescription drugs, and surgical procedures including inserting punctual plugs into the tear ducts of the eye.

Currently, scientists from Houston, Texas Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a probiotic bacterial strain that enhanced dry eye using a mouse model.

Dry eye: what is it?

Even though most people equate tears with sobbing, healthy eyes constantly generate tears. These tears, collectively referred to as the tear film, lubricate the eye, clear away any foreign objects, and shield the eyes from infection as a person blinks.

Dry eye illness can occasionally be brought on by an individual’s eyes not producing enough natural tears. There are several causes for this, including:

  • an issue with the tear film
  • tears that dry up too soon
  • age greater than 50
  • taking specific prescription drugs, like antihistamines
  • environmental problems such as wind, smoke, and arid weather
  • eyelid abnormality
  • prolonged use of contact lenses

having certain illnesses, such as thyroid problems, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or Sjögren’s syndrome.

Dry eye disease symptoms include:

  • feeling of stinging, stinging, or scratchiness in your eyes
  • like there is something in your eye
  • mucous around or in the eyes
  • sensitivity to light
  • inflamed or red eyes
  • Using contact lenses is challenging
  • fuzzy vision
  • eyes that are very wet.

Dry eye can result in eye infections and even damage to the cornea if it is not properly recognized and treated. Severe corneal injury may possibly result in visual loss.

The tummy and dry eyes

Previous studies suggest that dietary modifications may help manage dry eye in addition to medication interventions.

Omega-3 supplements dramatically reduced the symptoms and indicators of dry eye disease in patients with the condition, according to a 2019 study.

In 2019, another study found that giving persons with dry eye conditions short-term vitamin A supplements helped to improve the quality of their tears.

Finding innovative treatments for dry eye is crucial, according to Dr. Laura Schaefer, assistant professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and study’s lead author.

Only a few medications are now available to treat dry eye, and for some individuals, these medications do not perform very well to alleviate symptoms, she explained. In the U.S., dry eye affects about 1 in 20 people.

Since their prior research demonstrated a functional connection between gut bacteria and the symptoms of dry eye disease, Dr. Schaefer said she and her team chose to concentrate on studying a probiotic bacterial strain in the gut to treat dry eye.

She explained, “We conducted a number of trials utilising gut bacteria taken from Sjögren syndrome patients who have severe dry eye, from healthy patients with no eye disease. In dry settings, mice colonised with gut bacteria from Sjögren patients exhibit worse dry eye symptoms than mice colonised with gut bacteria from healthy patients.

“This suggests that the gut bacteria from healthy people protect the surface of the eye in dry conditions, and therefore one possible treatment avenue for dry eye would be probiotic bacteria that have similar protective effects,” Dr. Schaefer continued.

Probiotic bacteria research for dry eye

Dr. Schaefer and her team used a mouse model of dry eye for this study. First, mice received an antibiotic to eradicate “good” bacteria from their digestive tracts. After that, they were given either the probiotic bacterial strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 or a saline solution as a control before being placed in extremely dry conditions.

After 5 days, researchers discovered that mice fed the probiotic bacterial strain had ocular surfaces that were healthier and more intact than mice given saline fluid.

The mice given the probiotic bacteria also had more goblet cells in the tissue of their eyes. The cells known as goblet cells are responsible for producing mucin, a crucial component of tears.

“Our hypothesis was that the probiotic would be protective of the eye, and it was exciting to prove that is true,” stated Dr. Schaefer. It has been demonstrated via extensive research that the probiotic strain DSM17938 reduces inflammation in other tissues, most notably the gut, and enhances intestinal barrier function. However, it hasn’t previously been assessed in relation to the eye.

Future therapeutic options

We also discussed this study, in which he was not engaged, with Dr. Benjamin Bert, an ophthalmologist at Memorial Care Orange Coast Medical Centre in Fountain Valley, California.

“It was actually a pretty fascinating study to see the multi-components that are involved with both our understanding of the dry eye and then also our future abilities to treat dry eye,” he said.

Taking supplements, such as omega-3 supplements, has previously been found to be helpful for treating people with particular forms of dry eye. So it’s exciting to consider the gut microbiome as a potential therapy target, Dr. Bert said.

He explained that since this study was conducted using a mouse model, a human study would be required as the next phase in the investigation.

“It would be really interesting to see this used as a supplement in a human trial to really prove what their hypothesis is, of this being a significant benefit or a possible treatment that could be used for patients with dry eye,” he continued.

REFRENCES:

For Eye disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=63

Best ways to treat and relieve your tired eyes.

Best ways to treat and relieve your tired eyes.

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Eyes that are tired may appear bloodshot, bloated, or puffy. What causes eye fatigue? A multitude of factors, such as allergies, lack of sleep, nutrition, and digital eye strain, can make your eyes look and feel tired.

Making adjustments to your daily routine or environment is the typical course of treatment for eyestrain. Some individuals might require care for an underlying eye issue.

For some people, wearing glasses that are prescribed for specific activities, such as for computer use or for reading, helps reduce eyestrain. Your eye specialist may suggest that you take regular eye breaks to help your eyes focus at different distances.

Get a few of your tea bags.

Black or green tea’s caffeine may help with dark circles by constricting blood vessels and lowering blue colouring. Moreover, these caffeinated teas can eliminate bloating by pulling out fluid.

But use rooibos (red tea) or chamomile if you want a more calming effect for itchy skin.

Instructions:

  • For two to four minutes, steep two tea bags in a mug of hot water.
  • After removing the tea bags, squeeze any remaining water out of them.
  • The tea bags can be chilled for ten minutes in the refrigerator or allowed to slowly cool at room temperature.
  • Spend 15 minutes with the bags resting over your closed eyes.
  • Never leave them on for more than 30 minutes at once.

Reach into the coffee maker

While a caffeine fix for the skin might also assist reduce blotchiness or puffiness, your cold brew might provide you a refreshing jolt. With an ice cube tray, start by freezing some freshly made coffee. When the coffee ice is ready, rub one ice cube for a few seconds:

  • beneath your eyes
  • between your brows
  • across your nose’s bridge.
  • from your eye’s outer corners to your temples

Try the 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream as well. Reviewers give this product 4.5 stars and claim it can help alleviate crow’s feet and keep eyes hydrated.

Get a cucumber from your crisper.

Vitamin C and folic acid, which are both abundant in cucumbers, aid to promote cell growth and protect against environmental damage. The final outcome? Reduced puffiness, inflammation, and discolouration under your eyes.

Instructions:

  • Cut a cucumber into two half-inch-thick slices.
  • For about 15 minutes, place the slices over your closed eyes.
  • Instead, try using cold spoons. They can aid in blood vessel constriction and lessen dark circles beneath the eyes.

Try the Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel as well. Reviewers indicate that while this gel may be too harsh for people with sensitive skin, it nevertheless performs better than more expensive creams.

Massage your eyes with a tap.

You can improve lymph outflow by gently tapping your brows, cheekbones, and eye sockets with your index and middle fingers in a circle. This might lessen inflammation and even out skin tone.

Instructions:

  • Spend at least 30 seconds massaging your eyes while using an eye cream.
  • Embrace the pressure, but don’t rub or push too hard.

Think about eye cream

Must you shell out a lot of money for a nice balm? The simplest response is no about dark circles.

However, you might experiment with more reasonably priced moisturising salves that contain tea, coffee, or cucumber extract; some of these treatments may also assist to lessen the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

For a boost, apply under-eye patches.

A more recent fad for treating the skin around your eyes is under-eye patches. They are adorable and perfect for Instagram, but many people also find them to be useful. Just be aware that they provide more of a short fix—if you will, a helping hand after a wild night out.

Unsure on how to choose your patch? Use components like retinol and hyaluronic acid that are gentle on the eyes. Check out our list of the top choices to pack your suitcases as well.

Pick up the concealer that corrects colours.

Marcus clarifies that concealers merely assist in hiding dark circles. In other words, they won’t contribute to the reduction of puffiness. She advises combining an eye cream with concealer because of this: Use an eye cream to help with both the symptoms and the cause, and then cover up any remaining darkness with concealer.

On moisturised skin, concealer will go on more smoothly, she says. Hence, using a moisturising eye cream before applying concealer helps prepare the skin.

Concealer by itself can still be effective in an emergency. So, grab a tiny amount of color-correcting concealer the next time an important meeting or function sneaks up on you.

Try:

  • if you have a darker skin tone, orange.
  • you might have lighter skin, wear pink.
  • If your circles often appear overly purple, use yellow.

Why do we get dark circles or puffiness?

Genetics is the biggest explanation for this, especially for those of you who have exhausted all other options.

If you have periorbital hyperpigmentation, often known as dark circles under the eyes or sunken eyes, you may be genetically predisposed to the condition. Similar to hereditary face features, you can also have permanent under-eye pouches.

Here’s why certain qualities are highlighted.

Eyes under bags

When the tissue there fills with water, the lower lids and bags become puffy. An increase in fluid retention in that region can be brought on by the fatty tissue retained within the socket and upper lid thinning out with age.

While looking in the mirror first thing in the morning, puffiness is frequently the most noticeable. That’s because during sleep, fluid has an opportunity to collect. Once you’ve been vertical for a while, bags usually start to disappear.

Shady circles

Despite the fact that there are numerous causes for dark circles, those around the eyes often have a somewhat darker complexion simply because the area’s thinner skin is stretched over a collection of purple blood vessels and muscle.

Prevent tired eyes

Extend your time in bed

Cut your late-night Netflix session short, or try to get as much rest as you can. Prop your head up a little bit while you sleep if you continue to experience morning eye puffiness or blue colouring.

Marcus notes that sleeping with your head slightly elevated can aid in avoiding fluid buildup in the periorbital region. Before going to bed, take off any makeup to prevent smearing it in your eyes and aggravating the skin around them.

Apply a cool towel.

To help with the “I just woke up” look, Marcus advises placing a cool washcloth over your eyes. She claims that this reduces puffiness and skin discolouration by generating vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels).

Also, it can have a calming impact all around, and you won’t need to search your refrigerator for fresh cucumbers.

Do some eye exercises.

Marcus claims that eye strain can make eyes fatigued by reducing the flow of naturally lubricating tears and causing dry eyes.

“Taking regular breaks from screen time and completing eye exercises may help minimise eye strain and, as a result, help eyes function normally by releasing lubricating tears, lowering dryness, redness, and bloodshot eyes,” she explains.

Exercise for the eyes can be rather easy. In instance, one exercise merely requires you to change your focus while sitting. Here, pick up a handful of these basic techniques. Moreover, face yoga (yes, it exists) can help lessen eye strain.

Adapt the lighting and gadget displays.

According to Marcus, taking breaks from screen time to prevent eye strain can also be beneficial.

Keeping your phone or tablet in night mode reduces exposure to blue light, which can enhance the quality of your sleep, the expert continues.

Put on your blue light spectacles.

Blue light glasses may reduce the strain if night mode isn’t effective in preventing your tablet or device from gleaming brightly like a diamond.

Breaks from the screen

According to Marcus, prolonged screen usage might strain the eyes. This occurs in part as a result of the blood vessels around your eyes enlarging, which can cause dark circles, as you would have imagined.

Let your eyes to take little breaks for a much-needed vacation:

  • Give the 20/20/20 rule a try. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen. Focus for 20 seconds on a distant object that is at least 20 feet away.
  • Move and stand up. Spend at least five minutes standing up, stretching, and moving about after each hour of screen usage.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/make-eyes-look-more-awake
  • https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-relieve-tired-eyes
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403
  • https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/eye-fatigue-how-to-prevent-relieve-tired-eyes/
  • https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/ways-relieve-tired-eyes/

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Are the eyes the window to our health condition?

Are the eyes the window to our health condition?

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Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and even Alzheimer’s disease can all be identified simply looking into someone’s eyes. Most people have their eyes checked periodically. However,few may be aware that an eye exam is used for more than simply vision correction and vision testing.

The eye is the only organ in the body that allows for a non-invasive examination of the inside by medical professionals due to its frontal “window.” The retina, which is located at the back of the eye, is where blood vessels and the optic nerve are visible in detail.

An optometrist may refer a patient to a medical ophthalmologist if a normal eye exam causes them to have concerns. The medical ophthalmologist will further investigate by doing additional eye exams. If the results of their examinations point to a systemic disease, doctors can then refer the patient to the appropriate expert.

What can be diagnosed?

A routine eye exam can discover vision issues including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Also, other eye conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The optometrist can learn a lot about a person’s general health by checking the blood vessels in the retina and the optic nerve.

This non-invasive method can identify a wide range of medical illnesses. This includes hypertension, diabetes, thyroid issues, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, and hypertension that may not be immediately apparent to the eyes (MS).

“Ocular inflammation can damage a variety of eye structures and is frequently the initial symptom of a systemic illness. According to Dr. Ibrahim, concentrated history-taking and a guided evaluation of the pertinent physiological systems, including blood testing, are the keys to determining the cause.

Eye Exams and Your Health

Doctors can identify general health concerns early enough to intervene with the use of eye examinations. With the use of advanced tests, ophthalmologists can more accurately forecast cardiovascular events. This includes stroke and perhaps spot early indications of mental deterioration like Alzheimer’s. Learn how eye exams can reveal much more than simply eye health by reading the information below.

Brain tumours and stroke

Because the blood vessels in the brain and eyes are similar, an eye doctor may occasionally be able to identify a problem with the brain by looking at the blood vessels in the eyes. If swelling or shadows are noticed in the eye, this could be a sign of a dangerous brain problem. This includes a tumour or blood clots that could cause a stroke.

Diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edoema are conditions where diabetes has damaged the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye (DME). In order to help control their blood sugar, the patient would be encouraged to consult a doctor if an optometrist discovered leaky blood vessels in their eyes. The slow changes begin before any visible symptoms are seen. The likelihood of maintaining vision improves with earlier management of diabetic eye illness.

Hypertension

An eye exam can identify high blood pressure, which is characterised by excessive blood vessel pressure. Sometimes even before your regular doctor makes the diagnosis. You can see swelling, haemorrhages, and leakage in the eyes as a result of the blood vessels that are injured. The CDC claims that approximately one in three adults have hypertension, known as “the silent killer,” and that up to 20% of those people are unaware of their condition. Thus, early diagnosis during an eye doctor’s evaluation can actually save lives.

High Cholesterol

Exams of the eyes might also spot cholesterol accumulation. One of the simplest illnesses to diagnose during a thorough eye exam is high cholesterol. Since the deposits of the disease show up on the front of the eye as a thin, grey rim surrounding the cornea. By analysing artery and vein patterns, it can also be found in the retina.

Retinal Blood Vessel Occlusion is a condition in which blockages limit blood flow to the back of the eye. This leads to temporary or permanent vision loss. These deposits may be an indication of the current or future development of this condition.

Heart Problems

Certain heart disorders that cause the carotid artery in the heart to accumulate plaque can also result in deposits that obstruct the ocular arteries in the eyes. An optometrist would often advise consulting a specialist if they notice these modifications to the vascular system at the back of the eye.

Several Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis may be to blame for sudden visual loss (MS). While the colour and appearance of the optic nerve are indicators of MS that the optometrist can detect, such instances will be sent for additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Thyroid

There are various ways that thyroid disease can manifest in the eyes. Certain thyroid abnormalities can lead to dry eye illness because the thyroid gland regulates the hormones that influence tear production. Furthermore, hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid condition, can cause the extraocular muscles to expand and stiffen, resulting in bulging eyes, a sign of Graves’ disease.

Inflammation

The eyes may become inflamed as a result of systemic illnesses that are linked to inflammation in the body. For instance, uveitis, which can result in eye inflammation, redness, and blurred vision, is more common in patients with autoimmune illnesses including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.

Cancer

An eye exam can occasionally reveal metastatic malignancies like breast cancer, leukaemia, and other types of cancer. Eye specialists can also diagnose lymphoma and other eye cancers in addition to the previously stated brain cancer, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma (skin cancer), which can also be diagnosed. A good eye check saves lives.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/biking-vs-running-2
  • https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/article/eye-window-your-health
  • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-eyes-a-window-to-your-health/
  • https://www.eyecaredoctors.com/2019/12/22/eyes-are-windows-to-your-health-2019/

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Eyedrops Could Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

Eyedrops Could Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

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According to new research, eye drops frequently administered before to eye tests may prevent toddlers from becoming nearsighted.

Eye muscles are relaxed and the pupils are dilated with atropine eye drops. Myopia, or nearsightedness, could be avoided in youngsters by using a low concentration, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Most Americans—about one-third of them—are nearsighted. Due to people spending more time indoors and staring at screens, The Wall Street Journal predicted the number will rise to about 60% in 30 years. Myopia that is too severe can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Myopia, according to physicians, happens when the eyeball lengthens and light entering the eye can no longer reach the retina in the rear of the eye. The necessity for spectacles or contact lenses, which work by reflecting light back onto the retina, results from this.

According to Nimesh Patel of Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the study, atropine drops prevent people from seeing what is right in front of them. The exact mechanism by which the drops prevent nearsightedness is unknown, he claimed.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness )?

Myopia, a disease that affects many people, causes near objects to appear clear while far distant objects to appear blurry. It happens when light rays incorrectly bend (refract) due to the shape of the eye or specific portions of the eye. Light rays are focused in front of the retina, which is where they should be directed to illuminate the retina, the nerve tissue at the rear of the eye.

Between the ages of 20 and 40, nearsightedness typically becomes more stable after developing during childhood and adolescence. As a rule, myopia runs in families.

Nearsightedness can be verified by a simple eye checkup. You can use eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery to correct your hazy vision.

How can eye drops improve vision in myopia?

Myopia sufferers cannot experience an immediate eyesight improvement from eye drops. However, studies have shown that over time, low-dose atropine eye drops can enhance vision. They can thereby stop the progression of myopia in youngsters. These drops can help slow the progression of myopia, lowering the risk of progressive myopia, a condition that can impair vision.

Children who have progressive myopia, or nearsightedness, need a stronger prescription at each checkup. High myopia is frequently developed in people with progressive myopia. Furthermore, when individuals become older, this may increase the chance of problems that could endanger their vision. The progression of myopia can occasionally be slowed down by using methods like myopia control contact lenses or spectacles.

Although these are excellent choices, some kids could feel uncomfortable wearing these specialised lenses. It might be simpler for these kids to receive atropine eye drops everyday just before bed.

Additionally, some eye specialists could suggest a combination of low-dose atropine eye drops along with myopia-controlling contacts or spectacles. This may be a comprehensive strategy for managing myopia.

Importance to slow down myopia progression

The likelihood of having good vision in the future can be increased by stopping the growth of myopia. Millions of kids run the risk of acquiring excessive myopia, which will cause permanent visual loss.

When myopia grows to -6.00 D or higher (severe myopia), a person may be at risk for:

  • a breach in the retina known as retinal tears
  • The retina separates from the back of the eye in a retinal detachment.
  • A disorder known as glaucoma that can harm the visual nerve
  • A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens.
  • Myopia-related macular ageing
  • A separation of the vitreous gel from the retina is known as a posterior vitreous detachment.
  • Damage to the optic nerve is called optic neuropathy.

What are atropine eye drops?

Eye drops containing atropine have long been used in medical offices. They enlarge the pupil while also paralysing the eye’s accommodating mechanism.

For pupil dilatation, eye doctors typically employ 1% atropine eye drops in their offices. Children need a lesser dose, such as 0.01%, 0.025%, or 0.05% concentration, to control their myopia.

It is unclear how exactly atropine inhibits the progression of myopia. Atropine generally has a better effect on controlling myopia at higher concentrations. Studies are being conducted to determine the best dose and protocol.

Side effects of atropine eye drops

The small amount of atropine in the eye drops used to treat myopia shouldn’t have a significant impact on the eyes’ ability to concentrate. It has been demonstrated that atropine doses used in paediatric myopia treatment only slightly impact pupil size and up-close vision.

The following are side effects of atropine eye drops:

Can eye drops improve vision in other eye conditions?

Presbyopia

The FDA has approved eye drops for presbyopia that use the medication pilocarpine, which constricts the pupil. This enables a brief improvement in vision by extending the field of vision.

Dry eye

People with dry eyes can use certain eye drops to regulate and replace their tears. Some patients’ eyesight may be improved by these drops by preserving a steady tear film, which is necessary for high visual acuity.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/eye-drops/can-eye-drops-improve-vision/
  • https://www.pediatricophthalmologypa.com/eye-library-5/atropine-for-the-treatment-of-near-sightedness-myopia-in-children/
  • https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20230214/eyedrops-could-prevent-nearsightedness-in-kids

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Causes and treatment for irritating Eye twitching.

Causes and treatment for irritating Eye twitching.

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Myokymia, or twitching of the eyelids, can be brought on by dry eyes, eye irritation, eye strain, lack of sleep, or an excessive amount of caffeine. Eyelid spasms that are severe or persistent could be symptoms of various diseases.

Myokymia, often known as an eyelid twitch, is a recurrent, uncontrollable spasm of the eyelid muscles. Although it can happen in either the upper or lower lids, a twitch typically happens in the upper lid.

These spasms are typically minor and feel like a slight tugging on the eyelid. Some people may have a spasm that is severe enough to make both eyelids totally close. These spasms normally last for a minute or two and happen every few seconds.

Eyelid twitching episodes might happen at any time. It’s possible for the twitch to come and go for several days. After that, you might not twitch for several weeks or even months.

Although the twitches are usually mild and unharmful, you could find them annoying. Most spasms will go away on their own, rarely requiring medical intervention.

When they are accompanied by additional face twitches or uncontrollable movements, eyelid spasms can occasionally be a sign of a persistent movement problem.

Types of eyelid twitches

Three types of eyelid twitching can be distinguished:

  • General eyelid spasm
  • essential blepharospasm
  • hemifacial spasm

General eyelid spasm

Eyelid spasms occasionally are deemed normal and don’t always signify a major issue. These twitches can be caused by a number of environmental causes and typically go away when you rest. You might want to discuss your symptoms with your doctor if these twitches persist and interfere with your daily activities.

Benign essential blepharospasm

You can have benign essential blepharospasm, which is the terminology for persistent and involuntary winking or blinking, if the spasms become chronic (long-term).

Usually affecting both eyes, this illness is more prevalent in women than in men. Up to 50,000 Americans may be affected by it, and it often appears in middle to late adulthood. Over time, the condition is likely to get worse and may lead to:

  • hazy vision
  • increased light sensitivity
  • facial twitches

Hemifacial spasm

When only one eye is affected by the eyelid twitch, a hemifacial spasm may be present. This particular spasm is a neuromuscular problem that is typically brought on by a blood vessel placing too much pressure on a facial nerve.

In addition to being more prevalent in Asian people, this illness affects women more frequently than it does men. Untreated, it could result in:

  • eye twitching that occurs often and without control
  • not being able to open your eye
  • your entire facial muscles on one side start to twitch.

What causes eyelid twitches?

There are many different reasons why eyelids could twitch. Talking to your doctor about this symptom could be helpful if it is causing you any trouble.

Eyelid twitching or spasms could be brought on by or aggravated by:

  • corneal abrasion, eye strain, or irritation
  • irritations caused by the environment, such as wind, bright lights, the sun, or air pollution
  • weariness or little sleep
  • physical effort or tension
  • usage of coffee, cigarettes, or alcohol
  • wet eyes
  • adverse effects of medicine
  • sensitivity to light
  • Uveitis, or swelling of your eye’s middle layer
  • Eyelid inflammation is known as blepharitis.
  • Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis
  • migraine attacks

Complications of eyelid twitches

Rarely are spasms of the eyelids a sign of a more severe brain or nerve problem. These more serious illnesses nearly typically come with other symptoms in addition to eyelid twitching.

The following brain and nerve conditions might produce eyelid twitches:

  • Bell’s palsy, also known as facial palsy, is a disorder that makes one side of your face droop downward.
  • Dytonia, which results in sporadic muscle spasms and twisting or contorting of the bodily part in question
  • Due to cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), your neck may occasionally spasm and your head may occasionally twist in an uncomfortable manner.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition of the central nervous system that impairs movement and cognition and produces exhaustion and eye twitching
  • Parkinson’s disease, which can result in shaky limbs, rigid muscles, balance issues, and speech difficulties
  • Involuntary movements and verbal tics are hallmarks of the Tourette syndrome.

Eye Twitching Treatment

The majority of mild twitches vanish on their own. Getting enough sleep and limiting coffee, alcohol, and tobacco use may be beneficial. Try over-the-counter artificial tears if your eyes are dry or irritated.

Benign essential blepharospasm cannot be cured. However, your physician can provide symptom relief. Botulinum toxin is the most widely utilised therapy (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin). Hemifacial spasms are also treated by it.

To reduce the spasms, your doctor will inject little quantities into your eye muscles. The effect gradually fades away after a few months. You’ll require multiple treatments.

Your doctor might recommend drugs such as:

  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)
  • Hydrochloride of trichexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane, Tritane)

These typically provide only transient comfort.

Alternative therapies consist of:

  • Biofeedback
  • Acupuncture
  • Hypnosis
  • Chiropractic
  • Nutritional treatment
  • coloured glasses

These therapies haven’t been shown to be effective in scientific trials. Your doctor might recommend surgery in some circumstances. Some of the muscles and nerves that surround your eyelid are removed during a treatment known as a myectomy.

A hemifacial spasm is brought on by pressure from an artery on your facial nerve, which can be relieved through surgery. The effects are long-lasting. However, there is always a potential of problems with surgery.

Eye Twitch prevention

Try keeping a notebook and documenting when your eyelid spasms occur if they are happening more regularly.

Take note of how much caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco you consume, as well as your level of stress and the amount of sleep you have been obtaining in the days before and during the eyelid twitching.

Try going to bed 30 minutes to an hour earlier if you notice that you experience more spasms when you don’t get enough sleep to help relieve the strain on your eyes and lessen your spasms.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/eyelid-twitch
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/causes/sym-20050838
  • https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/why-your-eyes-twitch
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17663-eye-twitching

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Know the mainstream causes & symptoms of colour blindness.

Know the mainstream causes & symptoms of colour blindness.

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What is color blindness?

When issues with the color-sensing pigments in the eye result in difficulty or a lack of capacity to discern colours, colour blindness is the result.

Most colorblind people are unable to tell the difference between red and green. Although this type of colour blindness is less prevalent, it might be difficult to distinguish between yellows and blues. Instead of the reds, greens, and teals that others see in colour charts, most colour blind people see the following hues:

  • yellow
  • grey
  • beige
  • blue

Mild to severe cases of the illness are possible. Achromatopsia, or total colorblindness, causes a person to only be able to see in grey or black and white. This syndrome is extremely uncommon, though.

Although there is a continuum (spectrum) of colours that we can all perceive, which ones we do so depends on how effectively our photoreceptors work. Your eyes have cells called photoreceptors that react to particular light wavelengths. Each person perceives colour slightly differently, and certain age-related eye diseases like cataracts may cause our perception of colour to vary over time.

Why do we see different colors?

Distinct light wavelengths are what we actually perceive as different colours when we view them. Your eyes have photoreceptors, which are cells that interpret light entering the eye to aid in colour perception. Rods can distinguish between light and darkness. When the lighting is bright enough, cone cells may distinguish colours. A different colour of light in the visible spectrum is associated with each wavelength. The longest wavelengths are red, the middle ones are green, and the shortest ones are blue.

How common is color blindness?

In men, colour blindness is more prevalent. Men are more likely to inherit colour blindness, while women are more likely to possess the faulty chromosome that causes it.

Approximately 8% of white males and 0.5 % of all girls are born with colour vision deficiencies, according to the American Optometric Association.

According to a 2014 study on colour blindness in Southern California preschoolers, non-Hispanic white children are more likely to have the condition than Black children, who are less likely to have it. In the entire world, 1 in 30,000 persons have achromatopsia. Up to 10% of them are completely colour blind.

Types of color blindness

Different colour vision issues are brought on by various types of colour blindness.

Colour blindness to red and green

Red and green can be difficult to distinguish from one another due to the most prevalent type of colour blindness.

Red-green colour blindness comes in 4 different forms:

  • Deuteranomaly. The most typical kind of red-green colour blindness is this one. It intensifies the red in green. This kind is modest and typically doesn’t interfere with daily activities.
  • Protanomaly. Red appears less brilliant and more greenish as a result. This kind is modest and typically doesn’t interfere with daily activities.
  • Deuteranopia and Protanopia. They both render it impossible for you to distinguish between red and green at all.

Blue-yellow color blindness

It is challenging to distinguish between blue and green as well as between yellow and red when one has this less prevalent type of colour blindness.

Blue-yellow colour blindness comes in two varieties:

  • It is challenging to distinguish between yellow and red and blue and green due to tritanomaly.
  • You can’t distinguish between blue and green, purple and red, or yellow and pink if you have tritanopia. Colors also appear less vivid as a result.

Blindness to all colours

You cannot see any colours if you are completely colour blind. This is exceedingly rare and is also known as monochromacy. You might also have problems seeing clearly and be more sensitive to light, depending on the type.

What causes color blindness?

The retina, a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye, is made up of cone-like nerve cells that help you see colours.

Different wavelengths of light are absorbed by three different types of cones, and each kind responds to either red, green, or blue light. To help the brain distinguish between hues, the cones transmit information.

Color perception will be compromised if one or more of these cones in your retina are damaged or absent.

Heredity

Most cases of colour vision impairment are inherited. Usually, a woman passes it on to her son. Blindness or other vision loss is not brought on by inherited colour blindness.

Diseases

A illness or injury to your retina can also cause colour blindness.

Glaucoma is characterised by an excessively high intraocular pressure, which is the pressure inside the eye. The optic nerve, which transmits messages from the eye to the brain so you can see, is damaged by the pressure. Your capacity to discriminate between hues could therefore deteriorate.

Since the late 19th century, it has been known that persons with glaucoma cannot discriminate between blue and yellow, according to the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

The cones are found in the retina, which is harmed by macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. It may lead to colour blindness. It can sometimes result in blindness. The lens of your eye gradually transforms from translucent to opaque if you have a cataract. This could cause a fading of your colour vision.

Various other conditions that might impair vision include:

Medications

Changes in colour vision may result from taking certain drugs. These include thioridazine and chlorpromazine, two antipsychotic drugs.

Ethambutol (Myambutol), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can affect the optic nerve and make it difficult to perceive particular colours.

Other elements

Other causes may also contribute to colour blindness. Age is one of the factors. Age-related progressive vision loss and colour deficiencies are possible. Additionally, the loss of colour vision has been connected to harmful compounds like styrene, which can be found in some plastics.

Symptoms of color blindness

A change in your eyesight is the sign of colour blindness that occurs the most frequently. For instance, it could be challenging to tell a traffic light’s red from green. Colors can appear less vivid than previously. A color’s various hues could all appear to be the same.

Color blindness frequently becomes obvious in young toddlers as they begin to learn their colours. Some people’s issue is not noticed since they have developed an association between certain hues and particular objects.

For instance, they refer to the colour they perceive as green since they are aware that grass is green. A person might not be aware that they aren’t seeing specific colours if their symptoms are quite minor.

If you think you or your kid may be colorblind, you should talk to your doctor. They can confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other, more severe health problems.

Who’s at risk for color blindness?

The majority of colorblind people have the condition from birth. They have inherited it from their relatives. However, certain drugs, ocular diseases, and even injuries can cause colour blindness.

You could be more susceptible to colour blindness if you:

  • are men.
  • being white.
  • possess relatives that are also colorblind.
  • Take vision-altering drugs.
  • have eye conditions such cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration.
  • Experiencing diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Alzheimer’s disease (MS).

How is color blindness diagnosed?

Color perception is individual. It is impossible to tell if you perceive reds, greens, and other hues in a similar manner to those who have excellent vision. Nevertheless, during a routine eye checkup, your eye doctor can check for the problem.

Pseudoisochromatic plates, a unique type of picture, will be used in testing. These pictures are composed of coloured dots with embedded numbers or symbols. These numerals and symbols can only be seen by those with normal vision.

You might not see the number or might see a different number if you have colorblindness. As a large portion of early childhood instructional materials focus on the identification of colours, it is crucial that kids are evaluated before they begin school.

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How dangerous is Retinoblastoma for babies and toddlers?

How dangerous is Retinoblastoma for babies and toddlers?

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The retina is where Retinoblastoma, an eye cancer, first appears (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye). Children younger than five are most frequently affected by it. Adults and older children can occasionally contract it as well.

Even though retinoblastoma is the most frequent cancer in children, it is still uncommon. Only 200 to 300 kids are diagnosed with retinoblastoma annually in the United States. It affects both males and girls equally, regardless of race or ethnicity. One or both eyes may develop retinoblastoma.

Early detection of this eye cancer is crucial because it is frequently treatable.

What is retinoblastoma?

The thin layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of your eye is called the retina. It is in charge of absorbing light, converting it into neural impulses, and transmitting these signals as images to your brain.

Retinoblasts are cells that develop into the retina’s nerve cells throughout development. Retinoblastoma can develop if some of these cells proliferate uncontrollably. When the nerve cells (neurons) that form the retina have genetic alterations, retinoblastoma develops.

Retinal neurons divide and grow very quickly in the early stages of a child’s development until they eventually halt. These genetic abnormalities cause retinal neurons to proliferate and divide uncontrollably in children, leading to the development of tumours.

Young children are most at risk for having retinoblastoma because their neurons develop so quickly. In actuality, retinoblastoma typically affects children under the age of 6 and is diagnosed at an average age of 2 in those who do.

How does retinoblastoma develop?

Long before birth, the development of the eyes begins. Retinoblasts are cells that exist in the early stages of eye development and replicate to produce new retinal cells. These cells eventually cease proliferating and develop into mature retinal cells.

It happens very infrequently for this process to go awry. Some retinoblasts don’t mature; instead, they grow uncontrollably and develop into the malignancy retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma is caused by a complicated series of cellular events, but it virtually invariably begins with a change (mutation) in the RB1 gene. A mutation in the RB1 gene prevents it from functioning as it should, despite the fact that the normal RB1 gene aids in preventing uncontrolled cell growth. There are two main forms of retinoblastomas that can develop depending on where and when the RB1 gene is altered.

What causes retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma comes in two varieties: inheritable and sporadic. They stem from several causes. Let’s examine each in greater depth.

Inherited Retinoblastoma

Approximately one-third of all cases of retinoblastoma are inherited. In this type, not just a child’s retinal cells but every cell in their body has cancerous abnormalities.

The majority of the time, these mutations are acquired relatively early in a child’s development, but occasionally, they are passed down from one of the parents. The two eyes are most frequently affected by this kind of retinoblastoma (bilateral retinoblastoma).

There is a possibility that you will convey the retinoblastoma-causing gene to your offspring if you carry it. Because of this, it’s crucial to consult a genetic counsellor if you have ever received a diagnosis for this ailment and intend to become a parent.

Sporadic Retinoblastoma

A child will not have retinoblastoma mutations in every cell in their body in the remaining two-thirds of retinoblastoma cases. Instead, one retinal neuron in one of their eyes experiences a mutation that causes it to divide uncontrollably, which is when their cancer initially manifests.

You cannot pass sporadic retinoblastoma on to your offspring. It’s unclear what causes the genetic changes that lead to retinoblastoma in children, whether it’s inheritable or sporadic. It’s crucial to keep in mind that there are no recognised risk factors for this illness, thus there was nothing you could have done to stop the condition from afflicting your child.

A youngster must, however, undergo early screening if there is a family history of retinoblastoma.

Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma typically affects infants and young children, therefore its symptoms aren’t always immediately noticeable. You might spot some of the following symptoms in your child:

  • Instead of the traditional red reflex, leukocoria, a white reaction that develops as light enters the pupil, or a white mass behind one or both pupils that is frequently observed when a flash shot is taken
  • Eyes that strabismus, or gaze in various directions (crossed eyes)
  • redness and swollen eyes
  • Nystagmus, or uncontrollable, repetitive eye movements
  • bad vision

Other symptoms are possible, but they are often less prevalent. Make an appointment with your child’s paediatrician if you see any of these signs or any other changes in one or both of your child’s eyes that worry you.

How is retinoblastoma treated?

Each patient’s retinoblastoma treatment is unique. It relies on a number of variables, such as:

  • the tumor’s size
  • the tumor’s location
  • whether only one eye is impacted or both
  • stage of the tumour and whether it has migrated to tissues away from the eye (metastasis)
  • age and general well-being

Retinoblastoma treatments include:

  • chemotherapy
  • Cryotherapy, sometimes called cold therapy
  • laser treatment
  • radiation treatment
  • Enucleation, or the removal of the afflicted eye via surgery

To get the best outcomes, doctors occasionally combine various therapies.

Treatment for retinoblastoma that only affects one eye relies on whether the eye’s vision can be preserved. If the tumour affects both eyes, surgeons will attempt to preserve some vision by saving at least one eye.

The objectives of treatment for retinoblastoma are:

  • to preserve the kid’s life
  • eradicate cancer
  • to try and keep the eye
  • keeping as much of the vision as feasible

to reduce the chance of treatment adverse effects, particularly radiation therapy, as it could raise the likelihood that a kid would later get another form of cancer.

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Important types of Cataract everyone need to know about.

Important types of Cataract everyone need to know about.

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What is Cataract?

A cataract is a hazy, thick region that develops in the eye’s lens. When proteins in the eye clump together, the lens is unable to transmit clear images to the retina. This leads to the development of a cataract. The retina functions by processing impulses from the light that enters via the lens. The optic nerve receives the signals from it and delivers them to the brain.

It gradually gets worse and eventually obstructs your eyesight. Cataracts can develop in both of your eyes, but they typically do not do so simultaneously. Older persons frequently develop cataracts. The National Eye Institute estimates that by the time people reach the age of 80, more than half of Americans either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery.

What Are the Symptoms?

Typically, cataracts form gradually. You might not even be aware of their presence until they begin to block light. Next, you might observe:

  • hazy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision
  • Nearsightedness (in older persons)
  • alterations in how you see colour
  • driving issues at night (glare from oncoming headlights)
  • glare issues during the day
  • vision in the damaged eye is double.
  • Problems with spectacles or poorly functioning contact lenses

What Causes Cataracts?

The most frequent reason is ageing. This results from typical eye changes that start to occur after the age of 40. Normal lens proteins begin to degrade at that point. The lens becomes clouded due to this. Most people over 60 begin to experience some lens clouding. However, visual issues can not appear for a few of years. There are more causes of cataracts, such as:

  • having cataract-affected parents, siblings, or other family members
  • having certain health issues, such diabetes
  • smoking
  • having undergone radiation therapy for your upper body, surgery, or sustained an eye injury

Types of Cataract

When protein accumulates in the eye’s lens, clouding it, cataracts grow. This prevents crystal-clear light from going through. It may result in some vision loss for you. Cataracts can take many different forms.

Atomic cataracts

This type of cataract, also known as a nuclear sclerotic cataract, is the most common one observed by physicians. Most people who live long enough acquire one.

They develop in the nucleus, or core, of the lens. Your reading vision may actually improve as they get worse. Second sight is referred to as such, yet it is transient.

The lens hardens and turns yellow or even brown over time. Small details are difficult to perceive, colours become less vibrant, and in the dark. Also, brilliant objects appear to have haloes surrounding them.

Cortical cataracts

These develop on the cortex, the outside edge of your lens. They initially appear as white triangle-shaped wedges that point in the direction of your eye’s centre. They emit light as they expand.

Glare is the major symptom. Driving at night could be challenging for you. They may also cause you to feel as though there is a fog in front of your eyes. Identifying distinct colours or determining an object’s distance may be challenging.

You usually get them removed at a young age since they can cause problems with both close and far vision.

Cataracts in the posterior capsule

These develop right inside the rear of your lens capsule, the structure in your eye that encloses and stabilises the lens. Directly in the path of the light as it travels through the lens, they are.

You may experience symptoms within months because they develop more quickly than other cataracts. Your close-up vision is impacted, and they make it more challenging to see in strong light.

Prior to the capsule cataracts

This type develops right inside the lens capsule’s front portion. One may be brought on by an eye injury or edoema. Atopic dermatitis, a kind of eczema, can also cause this.

They might not require treatment if they are tiny or located outside the centre of the lens, it can prevent the eye from learning to see because a doctor must remove one that limits vision after a newborn is born.

Accidental cataracts

A cataract can develop as a result of numerous traumas. You may suffer from one if a ball strikes your eye, or if you suffer burn, chemical, or splinter injuries. The cataract may manifest right after following the damage or years later.

Additional cataracts

Doctors refer to a cataract as secondary if it develops as a result of another illness or medical procedure. Possible causes include diabetes, the use of steroid medications like prednisone, and even cataract surgery.

Ray-induced cataracts

UV radiation from the sun can harm your eyes in addition to your skin. This is something you may already be aware of. If you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection, you could occasionally get cataracts.

This type of cataract is more common in people who work outside, such as farmers and fishermen. Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to avoid it. Another adverse effect of radiation therapy for cancer is cataracts.

Cataracts with zonules or lamellae

This variety often affects both eyes and younger children. They are transferred from parent to child via the genes that cause them.

These cataracts may develop into a Y shape and appear as little white dots in the lens’s centre. It is possible that the lens’ entire centre will eventually turn white.

Polar cataracts in the back

These develop on the rear of your lens in the middle. They’re frequently brought on by genes that have been passed down through your family.

It’s fortunate that posterior polar cataracts frequently don’t show any symptoms because they are challenging to remove.

Cataracts on the polar front

They appear as tiny white dots that develop in the front and centre of your lens. Usually, these cataracts don’t impair your eyesight.

Cataracts following a vitrectomy

The clear gel at the centre of your eye is called vitreous. It is removed during a procedure called a vitrectomy. The procedure may cause a cataract but can help with some eye conditions.

Cataracts in Christmas trees

They develop in your lens and are also known as polychromatic cataracts. People with myotonic dystrophy are more likely to experience them.

Cataracts with a rusty hue

A nuclear cataract becomes extremely hard and brown if untreated. It is known as brunescent.

You find it difficult to distinguish between hues, especially blues and purples. Surgery to remove it is more difficult, time-consuming, and dangerous than when you receive early therapy.

Cataracts caused by diabetes

You may develop this uncommon form of cataract if you have diabetes. It quickly worsens and develops a snowflake-like gray-white pattern.

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