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Tired, Achy Eyes?

Tired, Achy Eyes?

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Are your eyes tired, dry, or achy? Many factors can contribute to these types of symptoms. But a big culprit can be the intense use of your eyes. Spending too much time looking at screens and handheld devices, like smartphones, can strain your eyes. So can normal aging. What can you do to find relief?

One major cause of eye discomfort is not blinking enough. “When we focus on tasks like reading or computer work, our blink rate just plummets,” says Dr. Chantal Cousineau-Krieger, an NIH ophthalmologist.

Not blinking enough can cause your eyes to become dry and uncomfortable. Certain people are more prone to eye dryness, too. This includes those over age 50, women, and people who wear contact lenses. Certain medications, like antihistamines, and health conditions can also add to eye dryness.

Avoiding other factors that increase eye dryness may help your eyes feel better, too. Air blowing directly in your face from a fan or from air vents in the car can contribute to eye dryness, says Cousineau-Krieger. So can smoke or windy conditions. Normal aging can also lead to eye strain. With age, we start to lose our ability to focus on close objects. This is called presbyopia. Our eyes need to work harder to focus.

“When we look at something up close, we flex the muscle inside of our eye,” Cousineau-Krieger explains. “And just like any other muscle, if you hold the contraction for a long time, the muscle can become fatigued. Eventually, in your 40s, you end up not being able to see things up close as well. It’s a natural part of aging that goes along with gray hair and wrinkles. And then we typically need reading glasses to be able to see things up close.”

But eye strain doesn’t only happen to adults. Children can also develop symptoms from intensely using their eyes. They may not tell you that their eyes hurt. Instead, they may start blinking forcefully or rubbing their eyes.

Spending too much time on screens is also now believed to be contributing to children developing nearsightedness. Studies have shown growing rates of nearsightedness in children over the past few decades. To relieve eye discomfort, you can try some simple steps. Experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule. Take eye breaks every 20 minutes and look far in the distance, about 20 feet away, for about 20 seconds.

“Experts are recommending that children spend time outdoors playing to help them focus on things further at a distance,” says Cousineau-Krieger. “Hopefully, this will also help decrease the amount of nearsightedness. The amount of nearsightedness is going up around the world.”

Taking screen breaks and focusing on more distant objects can be helpful for everyone’s eye health. See the Wise Choices box for more eye health tips. If simple lifestyle changes don’t bring you relief from eye discomfort, it may be time to see a doctor for an eye exam.

Reference:
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-fatigue-causes-symptoms-treatment
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2024/09/tired-achy-eyes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/symptoms-causes/syc-20372397

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/eye-care

Blood vessels in eyes may help predict heart disease and biological aging risk.

Blood vessels in eyes may help predict heart disease and biological aging risk.

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That’s a fascinating and accurate insight. This field of research is growing rapidly and holds significant promise for non-invasive health diagnostics.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the blood vessels in your eyes (the retina) can serve as a window to your heart health and biological age.

Why the Retina is a Unique “Window”
The retina is the only place in the body where you can directly and non-invasively view microvascular blood vessels (arterioles and venules). These tiny vessels are sensitive to the same pressures and damage that affect the entire circulatory system, including the heart and brain. Changes in their structure and function often mirror what’s happening in vessels you can’t see.

  1. Predicting Heart Disease Risk
    The condition of the retinal vessels, known as Retinal Vascular Caliber, is a key indicator.

What Doctors Look For:
Narrowing of Arterioles: This is a classic sign of hypertension (high blood pressure). The constant high pressure causes the vessel walls to thicken, making the central light reflex (the visible column of blood) appear narrower.

Arteriovenous (AV) Nicking: This occurs when a hardened retinal artery compresses a vein where they cross, causing the vein to appear “nicked” or pinched. It’s a sign of chronic hypertension and advanced vascular damage.

Microaneurysms, Hemorrhages, and Cotton-Wool Spots: These are signs of more severe damage, often seen in diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy. Since diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, these findings are a red flag for systemic cardiovascular issues.

The Link to Heart Disease:
The same processes that damage retinal vessels—inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction also damage the coronary arteries supplying the heart.

Studies have shown that people with narrower retinal arterioles and wider venules have a higher risk of developing hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, even after accounting for traditional risk factors like smoking and cholesterol.

  1. Predicting Biological Aging Risk
    This is an even more cutting-edge application. The concept is that the “age” of your retinal vessels may be a better indicator of your overall health and mortality risk than your chronological age.

Retinal Age Gap: Researchers are using advanced AI to analyze retinal images and predict a person’s “biological age” based on the health of their retinal vasculature. How it works: A deep learning model is trained on thousands of retinal images from healthy people to learn what a “normal” retina looks like at different chronological ages.

The Key Finding: People whose retinas look “older” than their actual age (a positive “retinal age gap”) have a significantly higher risk of death from all causes, and specifically from cardiovascular disease. A large study found that every 1-year increase in the retinal age gap was associated with a 2-3% increase in all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk.

Why it Reflects Biological Aging:
The retina is part of the central nervous system (it’s an extension of the brain). Its health is closely linked to brain health. The microvasculature in the retina is sensitive to cumulative lifelong damage from factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and oxidative stress—all key drivers of biological aging.

Therefore, an “aged” retina suggests accelerated aging and cumulative damage throughout the entire body’s vascular and neurological systems. The Future: AI and Routine Screening
The traditional method of a doctor manually examining the retina is being supercharged by Artificial Intelligence.

Automated Analysis: AI algorithms can now quickly and accurately measure retinal vessel caliber, detect lesions, and even calculate a “retinal age” from a simple, non-invasive photograph.

Potential for Widespread Use: Because retinal imaging is quick, cheap, and non-invasive, it has the potential to become a powerful tool for mass screening. A routine eye exam could one day provide a risk assessment for heart disease, stroke, and overall health, prompting earlier intervention.

The blood vessels in your eyes are far more than just tools for vision. They are a unique and accessible mirror of your body’s circulatory and neurological health. By examining them, doctors and AI can get an early, direct look at the silent damage caused by conditions like hypertension and diabetes, potentially predicting your risk for major heart events and even your rate of biological aging.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. While retinal health is an exciting area of predictive medicine, it is not a standalone diagnostic tool. Always consult with your primary care physician and a cardiologist for a comprehensive assessment of your heart disease risk.

This is a fascinating and rapidly advancing area of research. The claim that blood vessels in the eyes can help predict heart disease and biological aging risk is strongly supported by scientific evidence.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works, the science behind it, and what it means for the future.

The Window to Your Health: The Retina

The back of your eye, called the retina, is the only place in the body where doctors can directly and non-invasively view a network of tiny blood vessels (microvasculature) and nerves.

The health of these small vessels is a mirror of the health of similar-sized vessels throughout your body, including in your brain, heart, and kidneys. Damage to these microvessels is often a very early sign of systemic (whole-body) diseases.

1. Predicting Heart Disease (Cardiovascular Risk)

The link between the retina and heart disease primarily revolves around a condition known as Retinopathy.

How it Works:

  • Shared Physiology: The small vessels in your retina are similar in size, structure, and function to the small vessels that supply the heart muscle itself. Factors that damage one are likely to damage the other.
  • The Damage Process: Conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) and atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries) don’t just affect large arteries. They also cause:
    • Narrowing (Arteriolosclerosis): The retinal arteries become thicker and narrower.
    • AV Nicking: Where arteries cross over veins, they can compress them, a sign of chronic high blood pressure.
    • Hemorrhages & Microaneurysms: Weakened vessel walls can leak blood or form tiny bulges.
  • What Doctors Look For: An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) or even an AI algorithm analyzing a retinal image can identify these changes. Their presence is classified as Hypertensive Retinopathy or, if related to diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy.

The Evidence:
Multiple large-scale studies have shown that people with these retinal changes have a significantly higher risk of:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Death from cardiovascular causes

Essentially, the retina acts as an “early warning system,” showing damage from high blood pressure and vascular disease long before a major cardiac event like a heart attack occurs.

2. Predicting Biological Aging Risk

This is an even more cutting-edge application. The concept is that the condition of your retinal vessels can reveal your “biological age” as opposed to your “chronological age.”

How it Works: Researchers use a metric called the “Retinal Age Gap.”

  1. Training an AI: Scientists train a sophisticated deep-learning algorithm on hundreds of thousands of retinal images from healthy people.
  2. Learning the Pattern: The AI learns what a “healthy” retina looks like at different chronological ages (e.g., age 40, 50, 60). It becomes an expert at predicting someone’s age just from their retinal scan.
  3. Calculating the Gap: The AI then analyzes a new person’s retina and gives a “retinal age” prediction. The difference between this predicted biological age and the person’s actual chronological age is the “Retinal Age Gap.”
    • Example: If the AI says your retina looks like that of a 50-year-old, but you are only 45, you have a +5-year Retinal Age Gap.

What the Research Shows:
A large study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that:

  • A large Retinal Age Gap (e.g., your retina is “older” than you are) is significantly associated with a higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular disease.
  • This link remained strong even after accounting for traditional risk factors like age, smoking, and BMI.

Why is this a powerful indicator?
The retina is part of the central nervous system (it’s an extension of the brain). Its health is intimately tied to the overall health of your circulatory system and cellular aging processes. An “older” retina suggests accelerated aging and cumulative damage throughout the body’s vascular and neurological systems.

The Future: AI and Retinal Scans

This research is moving quickly from the lab to the clinic, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

  • Automated Screening: AI can analyze a routine retinal photo in seconds, providing a quantitative and objective assessment of cardiovascular risk and biological age.
  • Accessibility: A quick, non-invasive retinal scan could become a standard part of a general health check-up, not just an eye exam, making advanced risk prediction more accessible.
  • Personalized Medicine: It could help doctors identify high-risk individuals earlier, allowing for more aggressive and personalized preventative strategies (like lifestyle changes and medications).

Limitations and Important Caveats

  1. It’s a Predictor, Not a Crystal Ball: A retinal scan is a powerful risk indicator, but it’s not a definitive diagnosis. It adds to the overall picture alongside blood tests, blood pressure readings, and family history.
  2. Still in Development: While the science is robust, the use of “retinal age” as a clinical tool is still being refined and validated.
  3. Cannot Replace Specific Tests: It won’t tell you your exact cholesterol levels or if a specific artery is blocked. It assesses the health of your microvasculature, which is a proxy for systemic health.

Conclusion

The idea that the blood vessels in your eyes can predict heart disease and biological aging is not science fiction; it’s solid science. Your retina provides a unique, real-time window into the health of your entire circulatory system and the pace of your body’s aging. With the help of AI, this “window” is poised to become a revolutionary tool in preventative medicine, helping people take control of their health long before serious problems arise.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/blood-vessels-eyes-predict-heart-disease-biological-aging-risk

https://health.medicaldialogues.in/health-topics/eye-health/eye-scans-may-predict-heart-disease-and-biological-ageing-say-researchers-157448

https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/aging-in-plain-sight-what-new-research-says-the-eyes-reveal-about-aging-and-cardiovascular-risk

What to know about vision loss

What to know about vision loss

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Either total or partial loss of vision is referred to as vision loss. Vision loss in one or both eyes can happen suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause. Some forms of vision loss can be reversed or are only temporary. People of all ages are frequently disabled by vision issues. Over 1 million Americans are blind, and an estimated 12 million people in the US who are 40 years of age or older have some kind of visual impairment. Partial or total vision loss can result from a variety of factors, such as aging, migraines, injuries, and medical disorders. The causes of sudden or gradual vision loss, as well as treatments and coping mechanisms, are examined in this article.

Losing the ability to see clearly is called vision loss. Central vision loss, or difficulty seeing objects in the center of vision, peripheral vision loss, or difficulty seeing objects out of the corner of the eyes, general vision loss, night blindness, difficulty seeing in low light, blurry or hazy vision, feeling as though one’s vision is out of focus or as though one is looking through a filter, and the inability to see shapes or only shadows are some of the various types of vision loss that can be brought on by various diseases or conditions.

Causes of sudden vision loss occur for a few seconds or minutes to a few days and can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Migraine: A common visual symptom of migraine is migraine aura, which is experienced by many migraineurs. Visual aura symptoms are present in about 25 to 30 percent of migraineurs. Some people experience spots, sparkles, or zigzag lines as a result. Others experience tunnel vision, total blindness, or loss of vision on either side. Headache is frequently, but not always, associated with these visual disturbances. They usually persist for 10 to 30 minutes and last less than an hour. After a few seconds, some disappear.

Keratitis: People who wear contact lenses may be more susceptible to keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea, than those who do not. Keratitis may result from an eye injury or infection. Blurred vision, pain, light sensitivity, or vision loss are some of the symptoms. This state is transient. A doctor will prescribe medicine to treat it.

Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pinkeye, can result in blindness. An infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva is known as conjunctivitis. Additionally, it may result in pain, redness, blurriness, or vision problems. Temporary in nature, conjunctivitis typically goes away on its own. Antibiotic eye drops may be helpful for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Eye strain: An individual may experience vision loss and start to perceive objects as blurry if they stare at a screen for an extended time. This is typically a transient issue that can be fixed by letting the eyes rest and removing oneself from the screen for a while. By following the 20-20-20 rule, eye strain can be avoided. This implies that someone looks away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.

Corneal abrasion: Sudden vision loss can also result from eye injuries. The severity of the injury will determine whether it is temporary or permanent, and the appropriate course of treatment will be determined. To determine the extent of the eye injury, people might wish to consult an eye specialist.

Causes of gradual vision loss
Loss of vision is not always abrupt. It can occasionally occur over an extended length of time. The eye condition known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect a person’s peripheral vision. One of the main causes of vision loss in adults over 50 is AMD. This can happen very slowly or very quickly. Near the center of their vision, many people start to notice a fuzzy patch that could get bigger over time.

Glaucoma: A class of illnesses known as glaucoma harms the optic nerve, which is found in the rear of the eye. Glaucoma symptoms can develop so gradually that a person may not be aware of their condition until they undergo an eye exam. Either one or both eyes may experience it. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness, starting with peripheral vision. For glaucoma, doctors employ a few different approaches, such as surgery, laser treatment, and medications (usually eye drops). Damage cannot be undone by treatment.

Diabetic retinopathy: People with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, a condition that results in blindness and vision loss. It impacts the blood vessels in the retina, which is the tissue layer at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light. Diabetic retinopathy can develop in anyone with diabetes, so diabetics need to have regular eye exams to detect it early. Symptoms are not always apparent in the early stages. Medication, laser therapy, or surgery may be used as forms of treatment.

Diagnosis: When someone suddenly loses their vision, it should be handled as a medical emergency, and they should get help right away. A doctor may perform an eye exam to diagnose vision loss. To assess a person’s vision, they might shine a light in their eyes or ask them to read the letters on a chart. In order to examine your retina and optic nerves, they might also dilate your eyes. A neurological examination to assess brain and eye function may also be part of the diagnosis.

Prevention: Although there are steps people can take to take care of their eye health, it is not always possible to prevent vision loss. putting the eyes to rest. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from staring at a screen to focus on something 20 feet away. wearing eye protection. When engaging in specific activities, such as playing sports, building projects, or doing home repairs, wear safety goggles or glasses. putting on sunglasses. Select sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. Keep up a healthy lifestyle: Diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) and hypertension (retinal vein occlusion) are two major causes of vision loss. The risk of these issues can be decreased by maintaining a healthy weight, diet, and lifestyle. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking, getting regular eye exams, and being aware of your risk for eye diseases can all help protect your eyes.

There are numerous causes of vision loss. Conjunctivitis and migraines are examples of transient causes. Permanent vision loss can result from medical conditions like AMD and diabetic retinopathy. Eye disease frequently has no symptoms or warning indicators. The best methods to maintain eye health are early detection and treatment of eye issues, and it’s critical to get medical help if vision loss develops.

Common Medications for Other Conditions in People with Lupus

Common Medications for Other Conditions in People with Lupus

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Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue. This inflammation can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Lupus can be a life-threatening disease, but with the right care and treatments, individuals can live long, happy, and healthy lives. Most often, serious issues come from heart disease, kidney failure, or infections.

Doctors often use The following medications to treat other conditions that commonly occur in people with lupus. Although these drugs do not specifically address the underlying cause of lupus, they are used to treat other conditions that may be compounded or indirectly caused by lupus. Since lupus affects people differently, treatment courses are highly individualized. Please remember to take your medications exactly as directed by your physician and notify him/her of any concerns upon your next visit. Never take any medications until they are approved by your doctor – in other words, do not self-medicate!

Aspirin Low doses of aspirin are often recommended for lupus patients who have antiphospholipid antibodies and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Antidepressants Anti-depressant medications are used to treat depression and anxiety, present in almost half of all people who have lupus. You must speak with your doctor if you feel you are experiencing clinical depression because many people who are physically ill respond well to anti-depressant medications. In addition, your doctor may treat your depression in different ways depending on the cause.

Antiplatelet Medications (Platelet Antagonists) Some lupus patients are at an increased risk for blood clots due to the prevalence of a condition known as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). Platelet antagonists help prevent these clots and in doing so, also help to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other complications.

Osteoporosis Medications (Bisphosphonates) Bisphosphonates are medications used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. People with lupus are at an increased risk for this condition due to the inflammation they experience with the disease. Certain medications taken by lupus patients also increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone.

Blood Pressure Medications (Anti-hypertensives) 25-30% of people with lupus experience hypertension (high blood pressure). The most common causes of high blood pressure in people with lupus are kidney disease and long-term steroid use. Other medications, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) can also cause elevations in blood pressure. It is important to remember that while diet and exercise are essential for optimal cardiovascular health, these elements alone may be insufficient in controlling your blood pressure; in this case, your doctor will prescribe a medication.

Anticoagulants Anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) are medications that decrease the ability of the blood to clot and are used in lupus patients with antiphospholipid antibodies to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), stroke, and heart attack.

Gastrointestinal Medications Many people with lupus suffer from gastrointestinal problems, especially heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Peptic ulcers can also occur, often due to certain medications used in lupus treatment, including NSAIDs and steroids. Certain medications may be prescribed or recommended by your doctor to control these conditions.

Cholesterol Medications (Statins) Statins are medications that lower the level of cholesterol in your blood by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. People with high levels of cholesterol in their blood face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which can lead to chest pain, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Studies have shown that people with lupus are more likely to have clogged arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke at a younger age. This increased risk is caused by elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation, conditions that occur often in people with lupus. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) can provoke or compound these symptoms. For this reason, the cholesterol-lowering properties of statins are commonly called upon for lupus patients.

Thyroid Medications Autoimmune thyroid disease is common in lupus. It is believed that about 6% of people with lupus have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and about 2% have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). A thyroid gland that is functioning improperly can affect the function of organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and skin. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, fatigue, depression, moodiness, and dry hair and skin. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss, heart palpitations, tremors, and heat intolerance, and eventually lead to osteoporosis. Treatment for both underactive and overactive thyroid involves getting your body’s metabolism back to normal.

Fibromyalgia Medications Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, general fatigue, and non-restful sleep. Many people with lupus have fibromyalgia; in fact, much of the pain that people with lupus feel is due to this condition. Three medications are used to reduce some of the physical and emotional symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Restasis (Dry Eye Medication) Restasis is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat eye symptoms related to Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva do not function correctly.

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

For more details, kindly visit below.