Monthly Archives: March 2022

Medicine, Resources

Eye Health: Cataracts

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Cataracts involve the lens of the eye which is located just back of the cornea.

The lens is composed of evenly aligned collagen fibers which are progressively damaged  by ultraviolet light as we age. Cataracts cause clouding of the lens and reduce visual acuity, as well as causing a stiffening and rigidity of the lens which keeps it from changing shape for close-up activities like reading.

If you live long enough, cataracts are almost inevitable and the main decision is when to get them corrected. With intraocular lenses, the operation has few downsides.

The halo around oncoming headlights disturbed my night driving, and was a major reason for me to get my cataracts removed.

I used to require glasses all the time, and took them off to read. Now I wear no glasses, and even reading is possible without glasses, since one of my eyes has a  -1.5 diopter cylindrical  astigmatism.  You can ask for one Intraocular lens to be slightly nearsighted, if you wish to avoid needing reading glasses.

I prefer to use my corrective glasses to read, however.

—Dr. C.

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Medicine, Videos

Diagnosis: Six Warning Signs Of Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in people of all genders and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It happens when the cells that line the colon become abnormal and grow out of control.

Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:22 What is colon cancer? 1:00 6 warning signs of colon cancer 2:13 How are patients screen for colon cancer? 2:32 Who is at risk for colon cancer? 3:15 Is colon cancer treatable?

Medicine, Resources

Skin Conditions: What Are The Causes Of Rosacea?

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  1. Alcohol. Alcohol can dilate the tiny blood vessels in the face, causing the face to flush. Drink in moderation only on special occasions, if at all. Not only can drinking alcoholic beverages cause flare-ups, but so can topically applied alcohol in various facial cleansing products. Always check product ingredients and avoid those containing alcohol or other overly drying ingredients.
  2. Spicy or hot foods and drinks. Foods that contain spicy ingredients can affect the blushing areas of the face, leading to redness. If you love spicy food, go with mild spice and only enjoy these dishes on occasion. Since hot (temperature-wise) food and drinks often trigger facial flushing, you should allow your food or warm beverage to cool a bit before consuming.
  3. Exercise. Regular exercise is important for everyone, but it’s also a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups. But don’t abandon your exercise routine. Rather, limit outdoor exercising to morning or evening hours to avoid midday heat and sun exposure. When exercising outdoors, use shaded trails for cycling or jogging. And always remember to keep yourself well hydrated.
  4. Sun and wind exposure. Sun exposure, hot and cold temperatures and wind exposure frequently aggravate rosacea symptoms. Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen when outside, even on cloudy days. If possible, stay inside on particularly hot, humid days. If you must venture out in the cold or wind, cover your cheeks and nose with a scarf.
  5. Anxiety and stress. Stress and anxiety can cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, so use stress management techniques when needed. Make sure to get plenty of rest and practice deep breathing when you feel anxiety creeping up.
Medicine

Eye Infections: What Is Herpetic Keratitis?

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Herpetic Keratitis is a viral infection of the transparent, frontmost part of the eye, the  cornea.

Herpes 1 or 2  when rubbed into the eye from a cold sore, or contacted from somebody else with herpes, will often affect the cornea. The use of corticosteroid eyedrops or ointment will allow the disease to spread faster.

The symptoms are pain and redness of the eye and are a medical emergency, needing prompt treatment by your doctor to prevent scarring and blindness.

Antiviral eyedrops, such as valacyclovir, are used to treat ophthalmic herpes.

A related condition is ophthalmic zoster, caused by the varicella zoster virus. The VZ virus will produce chickenpox in unimmunized people, go into dormancy in the nervous system, and then resurface, if immunity wanes, as shingles. If the shingles occurs in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, affecting the skin near the eye, the cornea  will often be involved. Ophthalmic zoster is also treated by antiviral eyedrops.

The varicella zoster virus is closely related to the herpes simplex virus, and is a member of the same nasty family of viruses.

—Dr. C.

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Medicine, Resources, Videos

Diagnosis: Mayo Clinic Explains Liver Cancer

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Learning about liver cancer can be intimidating. Let our experts walk you through the facts, the questions, and the answers to help you better understand this condition.     

Video timeline: 0:00 Introduction  0:22 What is liver cancer?  2:04 Who gets liver cancer? / Risk factors 3:02 Symptoms of liver cancer 3:52 How is liver cancer diagnosed?   4:48 Treatment options       5:36 Coping methods/ What now?      6:00 Ending   

For more reading visit: https://mayocl.in/3q8Lzwk

Medicine, Videos

Infections: The 5 Types Of Viral Hepatitis Explained

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Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. Researchers have discovered several different viruses link that cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Infographics, Medicine, Resources

Eye Diseases: Keratoconus – Causes And Symptoms

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Keratoconus involves the cornea, the front most part of the eye, which becomes thin, and then can bulge out in ways that make correction with glasses difficult. It usually involves both sides although one side is worse. When it occurs only in one eye and not regularly followed, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat properly.

In keratoconus, there is a thinning of the cornea caused by collagen deterioration. This can be usually detected by an ophthalmologist with his slit lamp, which is a low magnification microscope.

Vision loss is always distressing, but arguably is even worse when it afflicts young people in the process of developing their identity, and interferes with schoolwork.

Keratoconus is usually begins in adolescence, progresses over 10 to 20 years, and stabilizes in the third decade of life.

There are a number of treatments depending upon the severity of the condition. In the beginning glasses suffice. Later on, a hard scleral contact lens can be used. There are treatments aimed at cross linking the corneal collagen and strengthening it. The worst cases require a corneal transplant.

The most important thing is to go promptly to a good eye doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist.

–Dr. C

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