Month: February 2008

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Common Vision Problems & Treatments

Myopia (Short Sightedness):Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or when the cornea is too steep to focus the light precisely onto the retina. Instead, the light is focused on a point in front of the retina, resulting in poor distance vision. This is also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness.

Myopia can be treated or correct with the aid of the following:

*Glasses/Spectacles

*Contact lenses

*LASIK (Laser in situ keratomileusis)

*PRK (Photo refractive keratectomy)

*IOL (Intra ocular contact lens implants)

*CLE (Clear lens extraction)

CLICK & SEE

Hyperopia (Long Sightedness):
Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea too flat to focus the light precisely on the retina. Instead, the light is focused on a point behind the retina which results in poor near-vision eg. Poor reading. This is also known as long-sightedness or far-sightedness.

We can use various means to correct hyperopia:

*-Glasses/Spectacles

*-Contact lenses

*- LASIK (Laser in situ keratomileusis)

*- PRK (Photo refractive keratectomy)

*- IOL (Intra ocular contact lens implants)

*- CLE (Clear lens extraction)
.Astigmatism:-

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Astigmatism is caused by either an irregularly shaped cornea or at times, by an irregularly shaped lens.

In a “normal eye”, the cornea is shaped much like a round ball, and when light enters the eye, passes through the cornea and the lens, it is focused onto one precise spot on the retina.

In an astigmatic eye, the cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball. This shape causes the light to be focused on 2 or more spots on the retina instead of just the one, resulting in fuzzy vision.

Astigmatism can be corrected or treated with the aid of:

*Glasses/Spectacles

*Contact lenses

*LASIK (Laser in situ keratomileusis)

*PRK (Photo refractive keratectomy)

Presbyopia:-
The term presbyopia means that you are suffering from age-related stiffening of the lens. Most people who are over the age of 40 require glasses to read (even if they have never required seeing aids before). This is because the lens, which is the focusing element in the eye is less pliable and therefore less able to focus on close objects. This condition tends to worsen as time goes on, as further stiffening occurs in the lens.

Various means can be used to correct/treat presbyopia:

*Reading glasses/Spectacles

*Bifocal or varifocal glasses/spectacles

*Contact lenses (using a technique called
monovison.)

*LASIK (Laser in situ keratomileusis – using a
technique called monovison.)

*PRK (Photo refractive keratectomy)

Clear lens replacement (also known as Refractive lens Replacement or Intraocular Lens Replacement surgery IOL).
Monovision is a technique whereby one eye is adjusted for distance vision and the other for reading vision. This can be done with contact lenses or with surgery. Please see the MONOVISION subsection under “Refractive Lens Replacements” for further details.

Clear Lens Replacement surgery is increasingly becoming the preferred alternative for presbyopic patients who are finding it difficult to wear glasses or contact lenses.

.Strabismus (Squint):-

Strabismus (otherwise known as squint) occurs when the muscles which control the movement of the eyes do not function correctly. The eyes (or one eye) are often seen to be pointing in an unusual direction, prohibiting accurate focusing.

We can use various means to correct/treat Strabismus:

*Glasses/Spectacles

*Patches

*Squint surgery

*Botox injections administered to specific muscles of the eye.

*Strabismus sufferers are not prohibited from having other

*correctional treatments such as LASIK.

.Amblyopia (Lazy Eye):-

Many people make the mistake of thinking that amblyopia (or Lazy eye) is another name for strabismus (or squint). This is not true, however, strabismus may lead to amblyopia.

Squint is muscle-related condition, causing the eyes to point in different directions. You notice instantly when a person has a squint. Amblyopia is a condition which can not be seen. It is often very difficult to determine how a person became amblyopic.

In the case of amblyopia, we find that vision out of one eye is far better than that out of the other eye (for various reasons). Due to the comparative weakness in one eye, the brain will compensate by using the stronger eye most of the time in order to get a clearer image. This results in the weaker eye becoming “lazy”.

We test for amblyopia using eye charts and testing the visual acuity (clarity of vision) of patients.

Amblyopia can be treated or corrected by means of:

*Glasses/Spectacles

*PRK

*Vision therapy

*LASIK

Amblyopic patients are not prohibited from having other correctional treatments. In severe cases it may be recommended that certain treatments are not carried out.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose

Sources: http://www.eye-surgery-uk.com/eye_common.html

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Herbs & Plants

Tummy Wood {Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae)}

Botanical Name: Careya arborea Roxb.
Family:    Lecythidaceae
Genus:    Careya
Species:    C. arborea
Kingdom:    Plantae
Order:    Ericales

Common name:Cocky apple
English name: Tummy wood.
Sanskrit name: Kumbhi.
Vernacular names: Ben and Hin : Kumbhi; Guj : Kumbi; Kan : Kaval, Doddala, Asanda; Lod : Kumbi-daru, Kumbhi; Mal: Alam, Pelu; Mun : Asanda-daru, Kumbhir; Sad: Kumbi; San: Khubati; Tam: Ayma; Tel: Araya, Duddipa.

Trade names: Kumbhi, Kumbi.

Habitat:Sub-Himalayan tract occu­rring throughout India up to an elevation of 1700 m. and Thiland & different parts of South east Asiea

Description: Careya arborea is a deciduous tree that grows up to 15m-45ft high. Its leaves turn red in the cold season. Flowers are yellow or white in colour that become large green berries. The tree grows throughout India in forests and grasslands.

The tree with large ovate, ovate-oblong leaves clustered at the end of the branchlets, old le_ves often red/purple; flowers large, white and pink, in dense spikes, fruits large globose green, crowded with calyx tube, deciduous….CLICK & SEE

Flowering: March-May; Fruiting: July.
.
Chemical contents: Bark: lupeol, betulin; Leaf: ellagic acid, hexacosanol, quercetin, β-sitosterol, β-spinasterol taraxerol and its OAc, valoneic acid, careaborin, β-amyrin; Seed: α-spinasterol, α-spinasterone, baringtogenol-C, careyagenol-E.

Medicinal Uses:

Traditional use: LODHA: (i) Root-paste: in body pain, (ii) Root-bark decoction (with long pepper) : in fever, (iii) Stem-bark powder (paste with honey): to children in cold and cough; SANTAL : Stem-bark: (paste with margosa) : in leucoderma

Remarks: Only plant named by William Roxburgh in honour of William Carey. Lodhas use fresh stem bark decoction for washing septic wounds of cattle, and keep a dry fruit in a room as snake repellant. Oraons use powdered stem, root and leaf for poisoning fish.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.bsienvis.org/medi.htm#Bauhinia%20vahlii
http://thaiherb.most.go.th/plantdetail.php?id=309
http://www.dnp.go.th/MFCD1/saraburisite/webpage/tree1.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Careya_arborea

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Chalazion

A chalazion immediately after excision
Image via Wikipedia

Alternative Names:Meibomian gland lipogranuloma

Definition:
A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland.
It is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid.

..click to see the pictures >....…(01)..…..`(1)..…....(2)………….(3)..………………

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…………………………………………...Eyelid affected by Chalazion
Chalazions differ from styes (hordeolums) in that they are usually painless apart from the tenderness caused when they swell up, and in size (chalazia tend to be larger than styes). A chalazion may eventually disappear on its own after a few months, though more often than not, some treatment is necessary.
A large chalazion ca. 20 minutes upon excision. This bipartite chalazion was removed via two separate incisions. Further along the lower eyelid, signs of chronic inflammation are visible.

Causes:

A chalazion develops within the glands that produce the fluid that lubricate the eye. These are called Meibomian glands. The eyelid has approximately 100 of these glands, which are located near the eyelashes.

A chalazion is caused by blockage of the duct that drains one of these glands. A chalazion begins as swelling and tenderness, and later forms a cyst-like growth. Many chalazia disappear without treatment after a few months

Signs and symptoms:

*Painful swelling on the eyelid

*Eyelid tenderness

*Sensitivity to light

*Increased tearing

*Swelling on the eyelid

*Heaviness of the eyelid

Diagnosis:
Exams and Tests

Examination of eyelid confirms the diagnosis.
Rarely, the Meibomian gland duct may be blocked by a skin cancer. If this is suspected, a biopsy may be needed to diagnose the disorder.

Treatment:
A chalazion will often disappear without treatment within a month or so.

The primary treatment is application of warm compresses for 10-15 minutes at least 4 times a day. This may soften the hardened oils blocking the duct and promote drainage and healing. If the chalazion continues to get bigger, it may need to be surgically removed. This is usually done from underneath the eyelid to avoid a scar on the skin.

Topical antibiotic eye drops or ointment (eg chloramphenicol or fusidic acid) are sometimes used for the initial acute infection, but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion. Chalazia will often disappear without further treatment within a few months and virtually all will resorb within two years.

If they continue to enlarge or fail to settle within a few months, then smaller lesions may be injected with a corticosteroid or larger ones may be surgically removed using local anesthesia. . If the chalazion is located directly under the eyelid’s outer tissue, however, an excision from above may be more advisable so as not to inflict any unnecessary damage on the lid itself. Eyelid epidermis usually mends well, without leaving any visible traces of cicatrisation. Depending on the chalazion’s texture, the excision procedure varies: while fluid matter can easily be removed under minimal invasivion, by merely puncturing the chalazion and exerting pressure upon the surrounding tissue, hardened matter usually necessitates a larger incision, through which it can be scraped out. Any residual matter should be metabolized in the course of the subsequent healing process, generally aided by regular appliance of dry heat. The excision of larger chalazia may result in visible hematoma around the lid, which will wear off within three or four days, whereas the swelling may persist for longer. Chalazion excision is an ambulant treatment and normally does not take longer than fifteen minutes. Nevertheless, owing to the risks of infection and severe damage to the eyelid, such procedures should only be performed by a doctor.

Rarely chalazia may reoccur and these will be biopsied to help rule out tumors.

Antibiotic eye drops are usually used several days before and after removal of the cyst, but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion.

A chalazion that keeps coming back should be biopsied to rule out tumor.

Click for :->Chalazion and its online homeopathic treatment

Prognosis: Chalazia usually heal on their own. The outcome with treatment is usually excellent.

Complications:
A large chalazion can cause astigmatism due to pressure on the cornea. This will resolve with resolution of the chalazion.Complications including, but not limitedtohypopigmentation may occur with corticosteroid injection.The presence of recurring chalazion in the same area sometimes leads to a consideration of sebaceous cell carcinoma.The minor operation is quite painless, the eyelid is injected with a local anesthetic a clamp is put on the eyelid, then the eyelid is turned over and the chalazion is scraped out.

When to contact your Healthcare Provider:
Apply warm compresses and call your health care provider if the swelling progresses or persists longer than 1 month.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if lumps on the eyelid continue to enlarge despite treatment or are associated with an area of eyelash loss.

Prevention:
Proper cleansing of the eyelid may prevent recurrences in people prone to chalazia. Cleaning the eyelash area with baby shampoo will help reduce clogging of the ducts.

Click to see also:-> Stye
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.
Resources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001006.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalazion

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News on Health & Science

Pro-Anorexia Site Clampdown Urged

Campaigners are calling for social networking websites, such as Facebook and MySpace, to clamp down on pro-anorexia sites.

………………………….…....click & see
…………………………….Anorexia can be debilitating

Doctors at one of the country’s largest eating disorders treatment centres said they needed to act more responsibly.

The eating disorders charity, B-eat, said little progress had been made on combating “pro-ana” sites.

The networking sites said it was hard to distinguish between support groups and “pro-anorexia” groups.

But a spokesperson for MySpace said they were working with organisations such as B-eat.

Over 1.1 million Britons are known to suffer from an eating disorder.

The vast majority are women, although experts believe the numbers could actually be much higher as many cases go undiagnosed.

Specialists and charities say the rise of the internet and new media has played a significant part in providing easier access to information on how to get thin.

Research has shown that young women exposed to pro-ana websites felt more negative, had lower self-esteem, perceived themselves as heavier and were more likely to compare their bodies with other women.

‘Common theme’

Dr Ty Glover, consultant psychiatrist on the Eating Disorders Unit at Cheadle Royal Hospital, said it had proven difficult to shut down pro-ana websites, but the situation was slightly different for sites such as Facebook.

“Social networking sites can censor their material and we expect them to act responsibly,” he said.

We are horrified at the content of these sites and the tips they give on how to be thin.

“People with eating disorders are extremely vulnerable and often have very low self esteem, so pro-ana and pro-mia sites can be very damaging as they are sending out the wrong advice.”

It is thought there are more than 500 pro-ana and pro-mia internet sites.

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter has asked the government to promote awareness of the dangers of such websites.

“These websites are truly despicable and only help to reinforce the myth that having an eating disorder isn’t a problem,” he said.

Susan Ringwood from B-eat, who are due to launch a report this week calling for better support for families of people with eating disorders, said the websites encouraged people to avoid treatment.

“We believe that the sites should act responsibly.

“They have acted to remove other content that is seen as ‘dangerous’, or could encourage young people to do dangerous things.”

She said they were not calling for such sites to be banned completely, but for greater awareness of the dangers and for more support online so the sites are not the “only refuge”.

But Shannon Bonnette, who is recovering from anorexia, told the BBC that looking at anorexia web pages actually helped her overcome the illness.

“What I found through visiting those site was that there was a common theme – everybody stays miserable,” she said.

A spokesperson for MySpace said: “It’s often very tricky to distinguish between support groups for users who are suffering from eating disorders and groups that might be termed as “pro” anorexia or bulimia.

“Rather than censor these groups, we are working to create partnerships with organisations like B-eat.

“We have also placed ads on pro-anorexia profiles for up to a year from the National Eating Disorder Association to target these groups with positive messaging about how and where they can get help.”

A spokesperson for Facebook said the site supported the free flow of information.

“Many Facebook groups relate to controversial topics; this alone is not a reason to disable a group.

“In cases where content is reported and found to violate the site’s terms of use, Facebook will remove it.”
Click to see also:->
Girls aged seven ‘have anorexia’
Dying to be in control
Brain chemistry link to anorexia
BBC probe into anorexia websites
Warning over pro-anorexia sites
Seeking ‘thinspiration’
Opening up about anorexia

Sources: BBC NEWS/HEALTH, 24Th. Feb. ’08

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Herbs & Plants

Desert date (Indian Soapberry Tree Or Thorn Tree)

Botanical Name:Balanites aegyptica (L.) Delile ( Balanitaceae)

Syn : Balanites roxburghii Planch, B. aegyptica var. roxburghii Duthie.

English names: Desert date, Soapberry tree, Thorn tree.

Sanskrit name: Ingudi.

Vernacular names: Ben and Hin : Hingan; Mar: Hinganbet; Tam: Nanjunda; Tel: Gari.

Trade name: Hingan.
Habitat: In India :Bihar, Deccan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (Kanpur) and Sikkim.

Description:Spiny tree, about 6 m high; branches glabrous or puberulous and ending in very strong ascending spines; leaves alternate, bifoliate, ashy green, leaflets coriaceous; cymes axillary, 4- to 10-flowered; flowers green, velvety pubescent; fruits ovoid, about 5 cm in length, fleshy drupes, 1-seeded; seed oily but exalbuminou8.

…
You may click to see  pictures:

Flowering: November, also during February to May; Fruiting: Winter.

Ecology and cultivation: Xerophyte, found chiefly on black cotton soil; does not thrive in rocky areas.

Chemical contents: Plant: diosgenin and yamogenin; Root: steroidal sapogenin, diosgenin, yamogenin; Stem-bark: steroidal sapogenin, nitrogen glucoside, sesquiterpene, balanitol, bergapten; Leaf: 6 diosgenin glucosides; Fruit: steroidal sapogenin, yamogenin, 5 diosgenin glycerides, 6 diosgenin glucosides, diosgenin, balanitisins A, B, C, D & E; Seed: a saponin of diosgenin, non-edible fatty oil.

Medicinal uses : TRIBES OF PANCH MAHAL (Maharashtra) and RURAL FOLK: Bark, Leaf, Fruit and Seed: as anthelmintic and purgative; Fruit: in boils, leucoderma and other skin diseases; Fruit-pulp: in whooping cough.

Modern uses: Plant: cytotoxic and antitumour principle isolated; Bark: bactericide; EtOH (50%) extract of bark: spasmolytic; Seed-kernel oil: antimicrobial, useful in burns and ulcers, spermicidal.


Other Uses: Fruit-pulp is edible and used for cleansing silk and cotton. Fruit-shell is used in fire-cracker industry. Wood is chiefly used for making walking sticks and as fuel.

.Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider
Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Balanites_aegyptiaca_0730.jpg

http://www.bsienvis.org/medi.htm#Bacopa%20monnieri

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