he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to review whether LASIK, laser eye surgery, is really improving patients lives. FDA says that the move is in response to a number of concerns raised about patient satisfaction with the procedure.
Complications that patients can experience from LASIK include dry eyes, glare, double vision, an increased risk of inflammation or infection in the cornea, and rarely blindness.
An FDA advisory panel will hold a public meeting that will focus on patients' quality of life after surgery.
2008年7月7日星期一
2008年7月6日星期日
Dry Eye In Shih Tzus
Among other breeds of dog, Shih Tzus and Pugs are more likely to obtain keratoconjunctivitis. Keratoconjunctivitis is a Latin word which literally means dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva. It is commonly known as dry eye.
This disease is the result of abnormal production of tears. Tears are essential because it cleanse and lubricate the cornea, carry the nutrients and also help in healing and control of the infection.
KCS is thought to be caused by some viral infections like canine distemper as well as immune mediated diseases. Other reasons of this disease are hyperthyroidism and the use of sulfa-containing drugs. Sulfa-containing drugs cause dry eyes by producing a toxic effect and the absence of this drug may improve dry eye.
Dry eye in dogs is characterized with dull and dry winking eyes. He may also experience recurrent eye infections and/or corneal ulcers. Thick, green discharge is usually seen sticking to the hair around the eye. This is usually diagnosed in one eye first and later develops in the other eye within several months. A dog with KCS tends to squint and rub his eyes and is sensitive to light. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it is best to see your veterinarian immediately for eye examination.
Dry eye is diagnosed based on the symptoms mentioned earlier. Also with a Schirmer tear test (STT) that measures the production of the tear production in the eye. A dog’s normal STT values are 15 to 25 mm/minute. Dog breed that is susceptible to conjunctivitis, even without clinical signs of dry eye should undergo STT.
Treatment of KCS usually aims to restore the moisture of the eye by lubricating the eye, tear replacement, stimulating tear production, reducing bacteria overgrowth and reducing inflammation. Substitutes like polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose and hyaluronic acid are traditionally used to replace the lost tears. However, these solutions do not have a primary effect on the inflammation process and in the production of tears.
Recently veterinarians prescribe Cyclosporine, diluted in water and applied to the surface of the eye in order to stimulate tear production. Cyclosporine shows no undesirable effects even if used in long term basis. The use of cyclosporine may retain a dog’s vision for years but that doesn’t work for all patients with KCS. These treatments do not cure KCS, but are just ways to deal with this painful condition. In worst cases, dry eye can also be treated through surgery.
Dry eye seems to be a simple disease but if left untreated, might damage your dog’s vision or may even result to complete blindness.
This disease is the result of abnormal production of tears. Tears are essential because it cleanse and lubricate the cornea, carry the nutrients and also help in healing and control of the infection.
KCS is thought to be caused by some viral infections like canine distemper as well as immune mediated diseases. Other reasons of this disease are hyperthyroidism and the use of sulfa-containing drugs. Sulfa-containing drugs cause dry eyes by producing a toxic effect and the absence of this drug may improve dry eye.
Dry eye in dogs is characterized with dull and dry winking eyes. He may also experience recurrent eye infections and/or corneal ulcers. Thick, green discharge is usually seen sticking to the hair around the eye. This is usually diagnosed in one eye first and later develops in the other eye within several months. A dog with KCS tends to squint and rub his eyes and is sensitive to light. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it is best to see your veterinarian immediately for eye examination.
Dry eye is diagnosed based on the symptoms mentioned earlier. Also with a Schirmer tear test (STT) that measures the production of the tear production in the eye. A dog’s normal STT values are 15 to 25 mm/minute. Dog breed that is susceptible to conjunctivitis, even without clinical signs of dry eye should undergo STT.
Treatment of KCS usually aims to restore the moisture of the eye by lubricating the eye, tear replacement, stimulating tear production, reducing bacteria overgrowth and reducing inflammation. Substitutes like polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose and hyaluronic acid are traditionally used to replace the lost tears. However, these solutions do not have a primary effect on the inflammation process and in the production of tears.
Recently veterinarians prescribe Cyclosporine, diluted in water and applied to the surface of the eye in order to stimulate tear production. Cyclosporine shows no undesirable effects even if used in long term basis. The use of cyclosporine may retain a dog’s vision for years but that doesn’t work for all patients with KCS. These treatments do not cure KCS, but are just ways to deal with this painful condition. In worst cases, dry eye can also be treated through surgery.
Dry eye seems to be a simple disease but if left untreated, might damage your dog’s vision or may even result to complete blindness.
2008年7月3日星期四
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
This laser procedure involves creating a thin flap on the cornea (with a laser or a microkeratome) and reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with a laser.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
This laser procedure is similar to LASIK, but the laser treatment is performed on the surface of the cornea, not under a corneal flap.
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)
Epi-LASIK
LASEK is a laser procedure that can be considered something between LASIK and PRK. A corneal flap is created in LASEK, but it is significantly thinner than a LASIK flap and consists of only the top layer of corneal cells (called the epithelium). LASEK is also called Epi-LASIK.
This laser procedure involves creating a thin flap on the cornea (with a laser or a microkeratome) and reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with a laser.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
This laser procedure is similar to LASIK, but the laser treatment is performed on the surface of the cornea, not under a corneal flap.
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)
Epi-LASIK
LASEK is a laser procedure that can be considered something between LASIK and PRK. A corneal flap is created in LASEK, but it is significantly thinner than a LASIK flap and consists of only the top layer of corneal cells (called the epithelium). LASEK is also called Epi-LASIK.
Laser Vision Correction and Reading Glasses
Laser vision correction means you'll be able to drive and see TV without your glasses. But if you are over 40 years old, what about your reading vision?
Patients with good distance vision invariably become gradually more dependent on reading glasses around their mid forties. However if you are myopic (near sighted), you can read well without glasses, indeed you'll probably find yourself taking them off.
I often hear people tell me, "You mean I will still need glasses after the laser treatment, but now for reading? So what's the point?"
It does of course depend on the individual. For a taxi driver who just wants to be able to drive without glasses this is not a problem. But for a bank clerk who spends his entire day reading papers, suddenly requiring reading glasses for the first time will not be a welcome result after his laser treatment.
The solution to this problem is called Monovision. In Monovision we deliberately undercorrect one eye, the non-dominant eye, leaving it slightly myopic (near sighted), usually about -1.0 to -1.5. In this situation one eye, the fully corrected one, sees well for distance, and the other undercorrected eye sees well for near/reading.
In my experience about 75% of patients adapt well to this slight imbalance between the two eyes and no longer require glasses for distance or reading or any other daily activity. Pre-operative testing and counseling can select the best cases.
Farsighted candidates can also be helped with this technique although in their case they require an overcorrection (excess laser treatment) on one eye to make that eye deliberately slightly near sighted. Satisfaction in this group of patients is somewhat more difficult, but as far sighted people don`t see well either for near or for far, just giving them good distance vision is tremendously satisfying.
Patients with good distance vision invariably become gradually more dependent on reading glasses around their mid forties. However if you are myopic (near sighted), you can read well without glasses, indeed you'll probably find yourself taking them off.
I often hear people tell me, "You mean I will still need glasses after the laser treatment, but now for reading? So what's the point?"
It does of course depend on the individual. For a taxi driver who just wants to be able to drive without glasses this is not a problem. But for a bank clerk who spends his entire day reading papers, suddenly requiring reading glasses for the first time will not be a welcome result after his laser treatment.
The solution to this problem is called Monovision. In Monovision we deliberately undercorrect one eye, the non-dominant eye, leaving it slightly myopic (near sighted), usually about -1.0 to -1.5. In this situation one eye, the fully corrected one, sees well for distance, and the other undercorrected eye sees well for near/reading.
In my experience about 75% of patients adapt well to this slight imbalance between the two eyes and no longer require glasses for distance or reading or any other daily activity. Pre-operative testing and counseling can select the best cases.
Farsighted candidates can also be helped with this technique although in their case they require an overcorrection (excess laser treatment) on one eye to make that eye deliberately slightly near sighted. Satisfaction in this group of patients is somewhat more difficult, but as far sighted people don`t see well either for near or for far, just giving them good distance vision is tremendously satisfying.
2008年7月1日星期二
Things You Should Know Before Your Trip to Beijing
Ask the most seasoned traveler to share his or her experiences or to discuss some of the most spectacular places he or she has been, and Beijing is likely to be at the head of the list. Not only is Beijing rich in culture, it is certainly one of the most unique places in the world for a traveler to visit. In fact, all you have to do is take a look at some interesting facts about Beijing and you will want to see it for yourself.
The Center of It All
Did you know that Beijing is the center of China's political and educational establishments? You will find that the city is also the cultural cornerstone of China, which is why you can submerge yourself so deeply in the culture when you visit the area. Whether you want to get a peak at the every day lifestyle or if you want to get a better feel for China's political system, Beijing is a good place to start.
Getting Money From an ATM
The money used in Beijing is the RMB, which is called 'Kuai' in Beijing. The exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar is 8 Kuai per 1 US dollar, so the prices you see on goods in Beijing will appear to be more costly than you thought. You might also be surprised to find that you can use your foreign credit cards in many of Beijing ATM machines. Still, you should be prepared for the possibility of not being able to use your card when you visit.
For the best chance of using an ATM card, keep your eye out for a Bank of China ATM, as these ATMs are more likely to accept your card than any other. There are ATM machines located throughout Beijing and you should not have a problem finding a machine that will work for you. If you try to withdraw money from a Bank of China ATM and you are unsuccessful, you might want to try again. Although the country is known for its technology, the ability to connect to an international line is sometimes unavailable. As a result, you may receive a declined transaction the first time around.
Haggle for a Great Deal
When shopping in Beijing, you should also remember to haggle over the price of pretty much everything available from local merchants. Merchants in Beijing expect their shoppers to haggle over the price and getting involved in a price debate is a great way to really experience the Beijing culture. Of course, it can also help you get a cheaper price. Understanding this cultural difference of opinion is something you should think of as an event rather than an argument of price.
Beyond the price of goods, you should also be aware that there are counterfeit goods readily available in China. If you want to be sure you are getting the designer purse, hat or eyeglasses you wanted, you need to use extreme care. Otherwise, you might get a lot less than you expected. Still, whether you are looking for designer brands or not, you will be amazed by the multitude of offerings and the number of individual shops and vendors lining the streets in Beijing.
Finding the Facilities
After a day of shopping, you will likely find yourself needing to use the restroom. Have no fear! Finding public facilities in Beijing is relatively simply and the toilets are generally kept quite clean. Keep in mind that the English symbol for rest room is WC, so keep your eye out for this symbol when looking for a place to go to the bathroom. You can generally find a free bathroom to use in restaurants, supermarkets, Internet bars, and most public locations. If you find you need to use one of the moveable versions along the road, however, expect to be charged a small fee for the convenience.
The Night Life
With a day of shopping at the market behind you, you might now be ready to look into what Beijing has to offer at night. Disco is still king in China. Therefore, in Beijing, you can find the type of disco atmosphere you're looking for if you are ready to dance. Here, you will find every type of Beijing resident relaxing and having a good time. The crowd will likely be a mix of party lovers and friends who come to dance and enjoy the evening.
To find some of the best nightlife in Beijing, you'll want to look for a place called Banana Spicy for a great night of disco. If disco isn't your thing, and you want to see another aspect of Beijing's nightlife activities, grab a Chinese friend and go Karaoke. Though you won't find many English songs to choose from, this is entertainment in its purest form. Watching the Beijing residents who come and explode their voices to tunes that you cannot understand, is a lot of fun while also showing you that Beijing is a lot like home.
2008年6月30日星期一
What Lasik Vision Correction Surgery Is
What Lasik Vision Correction Surgery Is
Millions of people have been able to discard their eyeglasses or contact lenses after undergoing a Lasik laser vision correction surgery. But even though many people are aware that Lasik laser vision correction is a surgical procedure that employs a laser to improve eye sight, they are often unfamiliar with the details.
So, what exactly happens during the vision correction surgery done by a laser? Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) can free corrective lens wearers from their dependence on contacts and glasses. Vision problems that include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be corrected with this procedure.
LASIK utilizes a cold beam laser to reshape the corneal area as necessary in each patient in order to correct vision problems caused by imperfect corneas. Flaws in the shape of the cornea are responsible for these kinds of refractive errors. The Lasik laser procedure corrects the imperfections through reshaping the eye, allowing for clear vision.
This is done by making a small cut at the front of the eye to allow the laser to reach the area to be smoothed out. The surgeon cuts the flap using either a laser or a microkeratorne, which is a knife-like instrument. A small portion of tissue from the front of the eye is cut into a hinged-flap.
After the flap has been cut, the Lasik laser can access the cornea and begin repairing its shape, changing it into a correctly shaped cornea with normal function. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is returned to its normal position and the surgery is pretty much completed.
Although adjustments made to the cornea's shape are permanent, other Lasik vision correction measures can usually be made if necessary. While patients considering Lasik vision correction surgery should focus on the benefits of the procedure, they also need to understand that there is always the possibility of risks and side effects.
This procedure is fast, normally pain free, and has few side effects or possible risks. Each eye takes less than a few minutes when the Lasik laser is used on it for vision correction surgery. Most often patients complain that their vision is hazy but this problem usually disappears within a few days.
Prior to the procedure, all candidates for Lasik laser vision correction are guided through the process and gain knowledge of the options, risks, and long-term benefits. Still needing to wear corrective lenses is the most common risk after the surgery has been completed.
A Lasik laser vision correction candidate should consult with his/her eye care professional who will be able to assist the person in making an informed decision with regard to the procedure. Patients will be more at ease with their decision if, in addition to knowing that the procedure will help them see better, they understand what Lasik is and how it works.
Millions of people have been able to discard their eyeglasses or contact lenses after undergoing a Lasik laser vision correction surgery. But even though many people are aware that Lasik laser vision correction is a surgical procedure that employs a laser to improve eye sight, they are often unfamiliar with the details.
So, what exactly happens during the vision correction surgery done by a laser? Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) can free corrective lens wearers from their dependence on contacts and glasses. Vision problems that include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be corrected with this procedure.
LASIK utilizes a cold beam laser to reshape the corneal area as necessary in each patient in order to correct vision problems caused by imperfect corneas. Flaws in the shape of the cornea are responsible for these kinds of refractive errors. The Lasik laser procedure corrects the imperfections through reshaping the eye, allowing for clear vision.
This is done by making a small cut at the front of the eye to allow the laser to reach the area to be smoothed out. The surgeon cuts the flap using either a laser or a microkeratorne, which is a knife-like instrument. A small portion of tissue from the front of the eye is cut into a hinged-flap.
After the flap has been cut, the Lasik laser can access the cornea and begin repairing its shape, changing it into a correctly shaped cornea with normal function. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is returned to its normal position and the surgery is pretty much completed.
Although adjustments made to the cornea's shape are permanent, other Lasik vision correction measures can usually be made if necessary. While patients considering Lasik vision correction surgery should focus on the benefits of the procedure, they also need to understand that there is always the possibility of risks and side effects.
This procedure is fast, normally pain free, and has few side effects or possible risks. Each eye takes less than a few minutes when the Lasik laser is used on it for vision correction surgery. Most often patients complain that their vision is hazy but this problem usually disappears within a few days.
Prior to the procedure, all candidates for Lasik laser vision correction are guided through the process and gain knowledge of the options, risks, and long-term benefits. Still needing to wear corrective lenses is the most common risk after the surgery has been completed.
A Lasik laser vision correction candidate should consult with his/her eye care professional who will be able to assist the person in making an informed decision with regard to the procedure. Patients will be more at ease with their decision if, in addition to knowing that the procedure will help them see better, they understand what Lasik is and how it works.
ALTERNATIVE TO LASIK FOR VISION CORRECTION
According to the meshwork programme inform , after reports of defeated preoperative outcome of Lasik Surgery and ensuant warnings presented by bureau on LASIK surgery, whatever patients are fearing and indecisive to participate LASIK surgery for the communication of eye disease. Realizing that, whatever of the Optometrists of America, are considering of added alternatives that has been invented to form cornea of the eye.
“Vision rebuke surgery crapper be a enthusiastic choice for whatever patients, and jillions of grouping are mitigated with the results,” said Dr. Craig Hoeft, OD, of the Calif. Optometric Association. “But for those who are afraid and poverty to move until the bureau has more findings most Lasik and Vision ICL, a newer preoperative option, there are individual nonsurgical options that wage momentous results and are easy, easy and innocuous for many, whatever patients.”
Silicone hydrogel fleecy occurrence lense is digit of the field deciding to LASIK surgery. These lenses are caretaker semipermeable and crapper be attrited for 30 serial life without removal.
Another deciding is Corneal reshaping technology. This is also a non preoperative procedure. It reshapes the cornea daylong with specially fashioned pedal semipermeable therapeutic occurrence lenses that are inserted into the receptor before feat to bottom and distant in the morning.
There is still added deciding - unadaptable pedal semipermeable lenses (GP) or pedal semipermeable occurrence lenses. These are unadaptable lenses prefabricated of firm, imperishable impressible that transmits pedal into the eye. GP occurrence lenses are rigid, but they shouldn’t be potty with old-style “hard” occurrence lenses, which are today obsolete. GPs transfer more pedal to the receptor than do tralatitious fleecy occurrence lenses (although whatever newer polymer hydrogel fleecy lenses are same to GPs in pedal transmission).
Gas semipermeable occurrence lenses crapper also wage meliorate vision, durability, and installation status than fleecy occurrence lenses. They crapper be easier to clean, and since they’re long-lasting, they crapper be inferior pricey in the daylong constituent than fleecy lenses.
You can get ccna 640-802 exam test engine from exam4sure with $90.99.
“Vision rebuke surgery crapper be a enthusiastic choice for whatever patients, and jillions of grouping are mitigated with the results,” said Dr. Craig Hoeft, OD, of the Calif. Optometric Association. “But for those who are afraid and poverty to move until the bureau has more findings most Lasik and Vision ICL, a newer preoperative option, there are individual nonsurgical options that wage momentous results and are easy, easy and innocuous for many, whatever patients.”
Silicone hydrogel fleecy occurrence lense is digit of the field deciding to LASIK surgery. These lenses are caretaker semipermeable and crapper be attrited for 30 serial life without removal.
Another deciding is Corneal reshaping technology. This is also a non preoperative procedure. It reshapes the cornea daylong with specially fashioned pedal semipermeable therapeutic occurrence lenses that are inserted into the receptor before feat to bottom and distant in the morning.
There is still added deciding - unadaptable pedal semipermeable lenses (GP) or pedal semipermeable occurrence lenses. These are unadaptable lenses prefabricated of firm, imperishable impressible that transmits pedal into the eye. GP occurrence lenses are rigid, but they shouldn’t be potty with old-style “hard” occurrence lenses, which are today obsolete. GPs transfer more pedal to the receptor than do tralatitious fleecy occurrence lenses (although whatever newer polymer hydrogel fleecy lenses are same to GPs in pedal transmission).
Gas semipermeable occurrence lenses crapper also wage meliorate vision, durability, and installation status than fleecy occurrence lenses. They crapper be easier to clean, and since they’re long-lasting, they crapper be inferior pricey in the daylong constituent than fleecy lenses.
You can get ccna 640-802 exam test engine from exam4sure with $90.99.
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