Macular Hole Surgery

Posts Tagged ‘eye’

Dr Matthew Russell of Vision Eye Institute explains what a macular hole is and how it is treated.

Macular hole surgery with indocyanine green assisted internal limiting membrane peel. This 73 year old woman had a macular hole in her right eye for 3 years. She initially declined surgery for the macular hole. She had trouble with her left eye and had treatment of retinal tears 3 months ago. Her left eye did fine, but now, out of concern for the future health of her two eyes, she elected to have surgery to close the macular hole in her right eye. The visual acuity is 20/200 and this is a stage IV macular hole.

The Good News and the Bad News About Eye Floaters
By Jeffrey Guild

The Good News

I’ve always been a good news first type of guy. Well, here it is: If the vitreous humor has already pulled off of the back of the eye safely, it won’t be under tension and will not pull the retina off the back of the eye. So, no retinal detachment. This is called a PVD (posterior vitreous detachment).

You can think of the interface between the vitreous and retina like plastic wrap: it’s clingy. If it’s already pulled away from its normal position where it pushes the retina flat, it won’t rip or tear holes at it starts to shrink. This type of pulling causes a common condition in the ERM, or epi-retinal membrane, which can tear in the center of the retina’s vision, creating a ‘Macular hole.’ I’m sure you realize you don’t want a hole in the middle of your vision. It is possible to self-monitor for this by using an Amsler Grid. The wrinkling that occurs where the retina and vitreous interface causes scar tissue to form. To get an idea of how this occurs mechanically in the eye, just lift up your sleeve and notice how it wrinkles.

The Bad News

Now we’re on to the bad news. That is, if you have a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), the floaters in your eyes are more noticeable. In general, eye floaters are more visible in a bright background which has a lot of contrast.

The most common posterior vitreous detachments form a ring over the head of the optic nerve. This is called a Weiss’s ring. The shape of the ring is caused by the release of attachments at the rim of the optic nerve head. This ring is often significant visually, and is far larger and more condensed than your classic floaters. The more classic type of eye floaters are stringy with undefined shapes. Also, a typical eye floater is more often mobile than the ring-shaped one. In general, a person who has a posterior vitreous detachment has greater risk for retinal detachment (RD) – this is because they are experiencing changes in vitreous humor already.

Doctor Jeffrey Guild graduated from the New England College of Optometry, Boston. He has practiced optometry for twelve years in several states including Massachusetts, Texas, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. Currently, he lives and practices on Maui at the multi-disciplinary Center for Sight clinic. Dr. Guild has also practiced internationally, including one year in Jamaica and missions in Mexico, Guatemala, and Thailand with Gift of Sight and the Lions Club. Dr. Guild has experience in all modes of practice: private, with an ophthalmologist, corporate, and HMO. As an active orthokeratology practitioner and specialty contact lens fitter, his current area of interest is within the vitreous and retina. Dr. Jeffrey Guild graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara as a Biology major. He played lacrosse for UCSB and became a founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega campus fraternity. His interests include scuba diving, golf, paddling, tennis, and running. Dr. Guild believes that an integrated, holistic approach to treatment is best for his patients. See: http://www.fixeyefloaters.com for more info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Guild

http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Good-News-and-the-Bad-News-About-Eye-Floaters&id=2541213

Eye Care Essentials
By Washington Stoker

Getting the most from life involves looking after yourself constantly. Eye care is no less-important than working out in the gym, taking restful vacations or eating the correct kinds of food. Eye care is even more important for those people who experience symptoms of eye disease or difficulties.

Low vision occurs when you have a particular eye disease and struggle to see under certain circumstances. If you have poor vision, even with glasses or contact lenses, then you have some form of visual impairment. In the Western world, these are usually caused by:

1. Birth defects.

2. Cataracts.

3. Glaucoma.

4. Macular degeneration.

If you suffer from any of these eye care problems, you can benefit from a multitude of visual aids to assist your sight:

1. Special eyeglasses.

2. Large print books.

3. Braille books.

4. Reading assistance via software.

If you suffer from any of the following problems, eye care assistance can help in your treatment:

1. Cataracts.

2. Glaucoma.

3. Retinal disorders.

4. Conjunctivitis.

Pink Eye

Pink eye is the common name given to conjunctivitis. This is an infection and is very contagious (this is why kids often suffer from this condition). If you have conjunctivitis, you may experience swelling and redness, maybe a discharge from the eyes or even swelling. However, there is a solution in the form of antibiotics and eye drops, or maybe creams and compresses. These are usually prescribed once the origin of the infection is known.

Retinal Disorders

The retina can be found at the back of the eye and it is very sensitive to light. The retina transmits the images to the brain. Disorders of the retina (which can be treated with eye care) include:

1. Macular pucker.

2. floaters.

3. Retinal detachment.

4. Macular hole.

Cloudy Cataracts

It has been estimated that over 50% of US citizens (by the time they reach the age of eighty) have some form of cataract problem, often needing to resort to surgery. Again, a variety of symptoms are evident:

1. Double vision.

2. Unclear vision.

3. Glare.

4. Difficulty seeing during the evening.

5. Frequent prescription changes for glasses and contact lenses.

6. Colors appearing paler than normal.

It usually takes quite a while for cataracts to develop and eventually it may be necessary to have a man-made lens fitted. However, some good advice for preventing cataracts developing include wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

Optic Nerve

The optic nerve can be damaged by glaucoma which occurs when the fluid pressure in the eye rises to such an extent that it puts pressure on the nerve itself. You might find that there is a history of glaucoma in your family. The over 60s are also prone to this condition. It can be treated using eye drops and/or surgery, but it is good advice to get an eye exam at least every two years to check that all is okay with your vision.

The upshot to all of this is to take your eye care seriously and have frequent checks on the condition of your vision. Early detection of any problems could be vital in finding a suitable and effective treatment.

Washington Stoker writes on a variety of topics and subjects that happen to grab his attention! Come visit his latest website at http://www.WiiActiveGuide.com that looks at keeping fit with the Wii Active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Washington_Stoker

http://EzineArticles.com/?Eye-Care-Essentials&id=927843

3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery
By Charlie Cory

There are a number of reasons why you should do eye laser surgery, but also many reasons why you shouldn’t. This article examines those reasons, in order that you can make an informed decision if eye laser surgery (or Lasik) is right for you.

To start, we can discuss the conditions which are certainly treatable by Lasik, and mean that you could or you should do eye laser surgery.

Myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia farsightedness or astigmatism are all treatable by eye laser surgery. As long as your vision has remained unchanged for at least two years, then you would probably experience benefit from having the procedure done.

There are some caveats to these though, and we can start with your age.

If you are under 18 years old, then eye laser surgery is most definitely not right for you. The FDA has not approved any laser for the use of LASIK for people under 18, because in all likelihood, your visions prescription will still be changing. There is also the legal argument that minors may not be able to sign a legal consent form.

There are also some other considerations.

You should be aware that eye laser surgery, like all other surgical procedures, does come with some risks attached to it, and your vision at the end may be less than perfect. Furthermore, it is possible that you may encounter side effects such as a ‘glare’ effect. If you are not willing to accept the potential risks, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

Once the Lasik procedure has been completed, there will be a significant amount of time required to recover. In other words results will not be immediate. You will also need to follow a fairly strict regime of medications such as eye drops. If you feel unable to do this, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

If you have any of the following conditions:-

* Diabetes

* Auto immune diseases

* If you are Immunocompromised at all

* Collagen vascular disease

Then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery.

If you are taking any medications which might impair or prevent your natural healing, then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. The type of medications in question are steroids or immunosuppressants.

There are a number of existing eye conditions which also mean that you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. Some of the conditions in question are as follows:-

* Keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorder

* Corneal scarring

* Glaucoma

* Cataracts

* A recent occurrence of ocular herpes.

* Retinal disease

* Dry eye

Any of these conditions should preclude you from undertaking eye laser surgery.

I hope this article has been of use, and you leave better informed about eye laser surgery than when you arrived. If you have doubts or questions, then always refer to your Lasik surgeon or doctor.

You can visit Charlie’s website about eye laser surgery, to review information on 3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlie_Cory

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Vitrectomy Recovery – The Aftermath of Eye Surgery
By Charlie Cory

The eyes are very sensitive. I cannot imagine anyone not cringing at the thought of eye surgery. Anyone who has experienced a vitrectomy will have experienced what it is like to have partial sight. So, vitrectomy recovery is something which needs your very careful attention, if you want to achieve the best possible results from your eye surgery.

A vitrectomy is a procedure to remove the vitreous from the eye. The vitreous is a colourless gel-like substance which fills the space behind the len of the eye, and is attached on all sides to the wall of the eye, the lens and the retina.

The vitreous must remain clear to maintain a clarity of vision, and if anything causes the vitreous to lose clarity, then a vitrectomy can be performed to remedy the situation and to try and improve the quality of vision for the patient.

A vitrectomy can also be performed if any damage occurs to the retina, such as a detachment or a tear. In such cases it is common for a gas bubble to be inserted into the eye. The gas bubble will, over time, be absorbed into the eye, but during the period of recovery from eye surgery, it will, with correct head placement, act to press the retina back against the eye wall. This is a critical part of vitrectomy recovery.

Many hospitals will provide a special head rest that allows the patient to rest in a chair with the eyes pointing directly down. The benefit of this is that the gas bubble floats upwards and presses against the retina, ensuring that gentle pressure is applied to the retina to aid recovery. The same head rest can be adapted for use at night so that the patient can sleep face down, ensuring that the gas bubble is pressed against the retina overnight.

This technique of head rest is known as ‘posturing’. The duration of this technique depends on the advice of the surgeon, but could be anything between five and fourteen days. After my surgery, I was told that I had to adopt this posturing position all day every day, with only 10 minutes in each hour to stretch my legs etc. I was able to get by by listening to music and listening to talking books during the day, but it was most problematical for me, at nighttime.

Sleeping on one’s front may not pose problems for everyone, especially with a head rest to keep your head in the appropriate position. I however, suffer from discomfort in the small of my back, and lying in this position became excruciating after an hour or so. The advice I received was to take pain killers, so that the posture could be held for as long as was necessary to maintain the correct recovery position.

I overcame the problem largely through the use of large numbers of pillows under my chest and midriff which had the effect of alleviating the pressure in the small of my back.

The article was written by Charlie Cory, who is the owner of FX Eyes, a website dedicated to providing advice about buying special effects contact lenses online, and eye care.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Vitrectomy-Recovery—The-Aftermath-of-Eye-Surgery&id=95460

I See a Fruit Fly in My Eye!
By Dr. William Goldstein

Is that normal??

That’s a very common complaint when patients call the office. They are usually puzzled, often scared, and always eager to find out why they are seeing weird dots, floaters or webs inside their eye.

The only way to really assess this problem is with a complete, dilated eye exam. Even though the eyedrops are a hassle, they allow the ophthalmologist to look at the entire retina, including the optic nerve, blood vessels (veins and arteries), the macula and fovea, as well as the peripheral retina. The vitreous gel is usually optically clear, but sometimes floaters or strands can be seen within it.

When a patient calls the office with these complaints, it is important that their complaint be treated in an urgent or emergent fashion. This means that an examination must be carried out within twenty four to forty eight hours of the call to the office. This is the safest way to examine and treat promptly to prevent further complications.

First the visual acuity is checked in each eye with glasses. The pressure check is not essential for this type of emergency visit. Dilation with eyedrops is carried out, usually just to the eye that is affected. A very careful examination of the retina is performed, usually using special tools such as 4-mirror contact lens apparatus, or indirect ophthalmoscope with depression for a good view of the peripheral retina. This is the area where most tears or detachments are found.

If a tear is found, immediate treatment with an Argon laser can be carried out in the office setting. The goal with this type of laser is to ‘wall off’ the tear, so that it cannot extend. It is usual to perform a few hundred spots, and to completely surround the tear. Commonly, 3 rows of laser are performed around the tear, and then the treatment is extended to the edge of the retina, an area known as the Ora Serrata.

If the hole or tear does extend, fluid can get under the retina and cause a full detachment. If a detachment occurs, sugical treatment is usually necessary. Obviously, it is better to get to this problem BEFORE the retina begins to detach. Sometimes detachments can be treated with more extensive laser. Other times, cryotherapy is needed. Sometimes a gas bubble (such as perflourate), or silicone oil is needed. In addition, some patients will need an encircling band placed around their eye. This is known as a scleral buckle, and is very successful in re-attaching the retina. Unfortunately, it requires a trip to an operating room, and can result in high degrees of near-sightedness. This is, of course, better than having a complete detachment!!

In a very few cases, the detachment progresses, and a surgery on the inside of the eye (known as vitrectomy) needs to be performed. If none of these treatments work, the patient may go blind from this problem.

If you, or anyone you know, has floating dots, webs, or flashing lights in their vision, tell them not to wait!! Get it checked out, even if the symptoms seem to be getting better.

Personalized care in a high tech environment…Trust the doctor that doctors trust! Go to http://www.2020vision.com now to arrange a free LASIK Shelby Township evaluation with Dr. Goldstein

Information regarding LASIK eye surgery in Michigan is available at Dr. William Goldstein’s website, http://www.2020vision.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._William_Goldstein

http://EzineArticles.com/?I-See-a-Fruit-Fly-in-My-Eye!&id=3785609

Eye Care Essentials
By Washington Stoker

Getting the most from life involves looking after yourself constantly. Eye care is no less-important than working out in the gym, taking restful vacations or eating the correct kinds of food. Eye care is even more important for those people who experience symptoms of eye disease or difficulties.

Low vision occurs when you have a particular eye disease and struggle to see under certain circumstances. If you have poor vision, even with glasses or contact lenses, then you have some form of visual impairment. In the Western world, these are usually caused by:

1. Birth defects.

2. Cataracts.

3. Glaucoma.

4. Macular degeneration.

If you suffer from any of these eye care problems, you can benefit from a multitude of visual aids to assist your sight:

1. Special eyeglasses.

2. Large print books.

3. Braille books.

4. Reading assistance via software.

If you suffer from any of the following problems, eye care assistance can help in your treatment:

1. Cataracts.

2. Glaucoma.

3. Retinal disorders.

4. Conjunctivitis.

Pink Eye

Pink eye is the common name given to conjunctivitis. This is an infection and is very contagious (this is why kids often suffer from this condition). If you have conjunctivitis, you may experience swelling and redness, maybe a discharge from the eyes or even swelling. However, there is a solution in the form of antibiotics and eye drops, or maybe creams and compresses. These are usually prescribed once the origin of the infection is known.

Retinal Disorders

The retina can be found at the back of the eye and it is very sensitive to light. The retina transmits the images to the brain. Disorders of the retina (which can be treated with eye care) include:

1. Macular pucker.

2. floaters.

3. Retinal detachment.

4. Macular hole.

Cloudy Cataracts

It has been estimated that over 50% of US citizens (by the time they reach the age of eighty) have some form of cataract problem, often needing to resort to surgery. Again, a variety of symptoms are evident:

1. Double vision.

2. Unclear vision.

3. Glare.

4. Difficulty seeing during the evening.

5. Frequent prescription changes for glasses and contact lenses.

6. Colors appearing paler than normal.

It usually takes quite a while for cataracts to develop and eventually it may be necessary to have a man-made lens fitted. However, some good advice for preventing cataracts developing include wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

Optic Nerve

The optic nerve can be damaged by glaucoma which occurs when the fluid pressure in the eye rises to such an extent that it puts pressure on the nerve itself. You might find that there is a history of glaucoma in your family. The over 60s are also prone to this condition. It can be treated using eye drops and/or surgery, but it is good advice to get an eye exam at least every two years to check that all is okay with your vision.

The upshot to all of this is to take your eye care seriously and have frequent checks on the condition of your vision. Early detection of any problems could be vital in finding a suitable and effective treatment.

Washington Stoker writes on a variety of topics and subjects that happen to grab his attention! Come visit his latest website at http://www.WiiActiveGuide.com that looks at keeping fit with the Wii Active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Washington_Stoker

http://EzineArticles.com/?Eye-Care-Essentials&id=927843

Lasik Surgery Defined
By Timothy James

Lasik(Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis – Is the up and coming type of eye surgery intended for correcting specifically Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism. Lasik has become hugely popular in the past few years due to it’s incredible value, incredible results and the quick and painless procedure. Lasik’s immence popularity has also become a default standard for those wanting to toss out their corrective lenses and/or glasses.

The Lasik procedure, originally discovered by Jose Barraquer of Columbia in 1960 where he developed the first operation to cut thin flaps in the cornea to alter its shape. Then in 1981 a man by the name of Rangaswamy Srinivasan found that an ultraviolet chemical laser could cut tissue in specific manner with little or no damage to the area surrounding the eye.

All of this led to Lucio Buratto and loannis Pallikaris first adaptation of LASIK surgery in 1990 by merging these previous techniques. It rapidly became popular due to it’s exacting results with less and less complications as compared to these former types.

One year later in 1991 Stephen Brint and Stephen Slade performed the surgery for the first time in the United States.

With rapid technology growth through the 90s, the procedure took on it’s new form and is much of what we see today. Notwithstanding the limitations of Lasik lasers and inessential destruction of the nerves within the eye have brought on many modified forms to this plain type. These include Epi-Lasik, Wavefront-guided PRK, Epi-LASIK, LASEK and FLIVC. Moreover the long term affects of Lasik are still being speculated.

There have been many post operative surveys to determine patient satisfaction with this procedure. These surveys found that the majority of patients come out ver satisfied with just under 100% being just satisfied. The small number of unsatisfied customers tend be those with complications such as

-Macular hole

-Dry Eyes

-Light Sensitivity

-Debris or growth under flap

-Posterior vitreous detachment

About Lasik Surgery about-lasik-surgery.youradcents.com [http://about-lasik-surgery.youradcents.com]

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