Lasik Eye Surgery See The World More Clearly

Lasik Eye Surgery See The World More Clearly
Lasik Eye Surgery See The World More Clearly

LASIK eye surgery is a medical procedure using a laser on the eye of a patient who has eyesight problems. LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileuses. LASIK can be used to improve the eyesight of patients who are far-sighted, near-sighted or have an astigmatism. After LASIK surgery has been performed, patients with these types of eyesight problems should not have to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by an eye surgeon nowadays. It has become very popular because of it’s pain-free operation and because of its more or less instantaneous results. This is the major advantage that LASIK has over other surgical procedures to correct imperfect vision. After a couple of days rest you will soon see a definite improvement in your eyesight.

The surgical procedure itself is quick and virtually painless, and is performed under local anaesthetic. It consists of the eye surgeon cutting a hinged flap in the cornea which is then folded back to expose the lens of the eye. A laser from an instrument called a ‘microkeratome’ is used to vaporize aberrations and reshape the cornea so that the image focuses on the correct part of the retina, therefore improving the vision. The hinged flap in the cornea is then folded back into place for healing.

You will see two main types of LASIK surgery being advertised. Traditional LASIK surgery and Wavefront LASIK. Conventional LASIK surgery corrects the focusing power of the eye by remodelling the shape of the lens with the aid of laser. Wavefront LASIK is a variation of the traditional procedure and produces a spatially varying correction based on readings from a wavefront sensor. A wavefront sensor measures the eye itself by detecting any aberrations on the cornea. It achieves this by sending a weak laser source into the eye, and by measuring and processing the reflection off the retina. The Wavefront laser procedure is carried out using computer aided equipment and doctors have reported improved eyesight results from Wavefront over traditional LASIK surgery.

Although beneficial to thousands of patients, as is usually the case there can also be some disadvantages to LASIK eye surgery. Firstly, it can be an expensive treatment and prices can vary from area to area and from doctor to doctor. Secondly, as in all surgical procedures, there can be post-surgery complications. Common complications include patients developing glare and halos and possibly double vision which can affect night time vision capability. Others develop severe dry eye syndrome which may need to be treated with drops or cream for the rest of your life. However, complications in LASIK surgery are rare and the vast majority of patients benefit from almost perfect vision without eyeglasses or contacts after surgery.

If you decide to proceed with LASIK surgery you should carefully research the subject to find out as much as possible about the procedure. You should also research the eye surgeons that perform the surgery and if possible act on personal referral. Keep in mind that when pricing the surgery that not all advertisements for LASIK quote the full and final price and many have add-on costs. Finally, before proceeding with the surgery, make sure to have a thorough conversation with your eye surgeon so that you are fully aware of all the benefits and risks.

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Irc New Non Surgical Way Of Hemorroids Treatment

Irc New Non Surgical Way Of Hemorroids Treatment
Irc New Non Surgical Way Of Hemorroids Treatment

Hemorroids represent one of the most common colorectal complaints heard by family physicians. Each year approximately 10.5 million Americans experience hemorrhoidal symptoms. They are the bane of pregnant women, overweight people, and a large percentage of the American population over the age of 30. In fact, hemorroids will strike at least 50 percent of the population, according to national statistics. That’s a lot of people suffering from this nasty condition.

Although, there are ways that people can prevent the onset of hemorroids, or help reduce the pain caused by them, some patients may end up needing surgery. For years, physicians and patients have been awaiting a surgical treatment for hemorroids that causes less pain and a shorter recovery period than traditional procedures. Now we have one. It is called Infrared Coagulation Technology (IRC). Traditional surgery is done below this line, causing the patient a lot of pain for a long time after surgery.

Treatment with IRC – a method obtaining it’s popularity in treating hemorroids. This procedure is performed usually after undergoing a colonoscopy while the patient is sedated. This procedure involves applying infrared light through the anus to compress and seal haemorrhoid veins.

This method is painless, safe, and effective. Before any treatment, a physician will conduct a routine external and internal examination to chart your hemorrhoid disease to determine whether or not you are a candidate for IRC.

Many medical studies find IRC to be the non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment of choice because it is fast, well tolerated by patients, and virtually problem free.

The success of IRC technique depends upon many factors such as the size and duration of the hemorrhoid. The European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, states that 92 percent of patients reported they were symptom-free following IRC therapy. That “cure” rate is somewhat diminished when a large hemorrhoid has been neglected for many years. It is best to treat them when they are small are more readily curable.

Millions of patients have been treated with IRC. Experience tells us that hemorroids treated with IRC generally do not recur. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and proper bowel habits will also help.

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What Is Tumescent Liposuction

What Is Tumescent Liposuction
What Is Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction involves the surgical removal of excess body fat using a combination of traditional liposuction techniques and tumescent anesthesia. The procedure is relatively new to the cosmetic surgery scene, having come into widespread use in the 1990′s. Tumescent liposuction offers significant benefits over traditional liposuction techniques for its ability to minimize post-operative discomfort, curtail surgical bleeding, and reduce bruising and swelling during the recovery period.

Tumescent liposuction is unique in that it uses large volumes of a dilute solution of lidocaine, paired with the drug epinephrine. The lidocaine serves as a local anesthetic, eliminating the need for patients to go under general anesthesia. The epinephrine serves to temporarily restrict capillaries, thereby reducing bleeding during the surgery. This combination allows surgeons to perform liposuction using minimal amounts of sedatives. The lidocaine is retained in the body for several hours after the procedure, giving the patient up to 12 to18+ hours of pain-free recovery. The use of tumescent anesthetic also eliminates the drunken feeling felt by many patients after going under general anesthesia, as well as the nausea felt by traditional liposuction patients.

At the start of the procedure, the surgeon anesthetizes the skin at select locations using tiny needles. Once the skin has been numbed, longer needles are used to anesthetize the subcutaneous fat with large quantities of the dilute lidocaine and epinephrine solution. Patients are frequently given a mild sedative, such as Valium to help relax them during the procedure. Once the areas to be treated are completely numb, the doctor begins the liposuction. Small holes, called adits, are made in the skin using round skin biopsy punches to form access sites for the liposuction microcannulas. A microcannula is a very small stainless steel tube, ranging from 1mm to 3mm in diameter, designed to effectively remove small amounts of fat. Fat is suctioned out of the body in small tunnels through the microcannula, leaving the fibrous strands attached to the skin and muscles intact. Once the desired fat has been suctioned out, the microcannulas are removed. Since the adits are such small holes, there is no need for sutures using this method. This actually serves to speed up the healing process since drainage can occur via the adits, greatly reducing the amount of swelling and bruising of the treated areas.

Tumescent liposuction, as with any other type of surgical procedure, does carry some risks. Patients should expect some side-effects from the procedure such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness of the treated areas. Significant drainage will occur in areas where adits were formed. Some skin irregularities may result from the procedure, though this side-effect is greatly reduced with the use of both the tumescent anesthesia and microcannulas. Other, more serious side-effects can include blood clots, infection, and allergic reactions to the anesthesia.

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How To Overcome The Symptoms Of Gout

How To Overcome The Symptoms Of Gout
How To Overcome The Symptoms Of Gout

Gout is one of the oldest and most painful diseases known to man. In the middle ages a gout patient was described as someone who was rich, corpulent and aristocratic, particularly one with enormous appetite for food, drink and women. And it is almost and always associated with men.

The symptoms of gout are irregular, excruciatingly painful attacks that are felt in the joints although typically each gouty episode affects one joint at a time. The most commonly affected joints are those of the big toe, which becomes red and swollen, hot and painful so that even the weight of a bed sheet seems unbearable. Other joints such as the knees and elbows are also affected, but one at a time.

The attacks usually last for about two weeks and then subside, recurring at some time in the future. The reoccurrence of the attacks varies

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Flaxseed Essentials

Flaxseed Essentials
Flaxseed Essentials

Despite all the concern about fat in our diet, the body does require healthy fats and oils to function. The problem is that most people are getting the wrong kinds of fats in their diet and are lacking the good, healthy fats. Besides being an energy source, healthy fats and oils are nutrients used in the production of cell membranes, as well as in several hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids.

These compounds help regulate blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel constriction, blood clotting and the nervous system. In addition, dietary fat carries fat-soluble vitamins.

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Issues Raised By The Surgical Treatment For Inguinal Hernia

Issues Raised By The Surgical Treatment For Inguinal Hernia
Issues Raised By The Surgical Treatment For Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernia is a common type of hernia that occurs in the region of the groin. The disorder usually generates mild, unspecific symptoms, which can be misleading in establishing the correct diagnosis. Most people with inguinal hernia may actually have no symptoms at all, thus rendering the process of diagnosing the disorder even more difficult. The only reliable means of diagnosing inguinal hernia involve MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), X-ray scans, computerized tomography and laparoscopy. Due to the fact that inguinal hernia generally progresses latently, most people are diagnosed with the disorder long after they develop complications, thus requiring immediate surgery. However, if the disorder is discovered in time, patients have the possibility to choose whether they will have their hernia surgically repaired or not.

Besides from being difficult to diagnose, inguinal hernia also raises many post-operative issues. Although the surgical intervention for this type of hernia is a simple procedure that involves minimal risks, it can’t always prevent the disorder from reoccurring. In fact, the majority of patients that suffer surgical hernia repair experience an aggravation of the disorder in time. Considering the fact that inguinal hernia has a pronounced post-operative recurrent character, many doctors recommend patients to delay surgical intervention until it is absolutely required.

The exact reasons why inguinal hernia tends to reoccur in patients who have suffered surgical intervention remain unknown. However, the post-operative recurrence rate of inguinal hernia in patients is very high. Medical scientists have conducted various experiments in order to establish whether surgical intervention is indicated or not for patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernia. One recent study reveals that patients who decide to delay surgery generally experience the same symptoms as patients who suffer surgical interventions. 

Another recent experiment suggests that there is a greater chance for patients who have suffered surgery to experience more intense symptoms than patients who decide not to have their inguinal hernia surgically repaired. Hence, physicians recommend surgical intervention only to patients who suffer from complicated inguinal hernia, suggesting that surgery is not the best option in the treatment of the disorder. In fact, most medical professionals consider surgery to be a last-resort procedure in the treatment of inguinal hernia.

Despite the fact that the occurrence of inguinal hernia can’t be effectively prevented, most people diagnosed with the disorder can prevent the development of complications. If the disorder is timely discovered, probably the best option for patients is to keep the hernia under control and to delay surgery for as long as possible. People who suffer from mild, uncomplicated forms of inguinal hernia are recommended to avoid intense physical effort and to reduce the amount of stress in order to prevent further aggravation of the disorder. Also, patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia should pay regular visits to their doctors for physical examination. If patients who suffer from mild inguinal hernia take special measures for preventing the development of complications, they can delay surgery for many years.

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How To Improved Vision After Lasik Laser Eye Surgery

How To Improved Vision After Lasik Laser Eye Surgery
How To Improved Vision After Lasik Laser Eye Surgery

Longer visual recovery time compared to LASIK laser eye surgery. LASEK laser eye surgery causes dry eye less frequently than LASIK laser eye surgery. LASEK laser eye surgery may cause more pain and discomfort than LASIK , but less pain than PRK laser eye surgery. Find out the facts about LASIK, where to go for LASIK, and how to talk with the people who know about laser eye surgery. During LASIK laser eye surgery, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to cut a thin flap in the cornea. Healing after LASIK laser eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly. Despite the pluses, there are some disadvantages: Changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed after LASIK laser eye surgery.

Most patients notice improved vision within a few days after LASIK laser eye surgery. Recovery is quick and usually no bandages or stitches are required after LASIK laser eye surgery. After having LASIK laser eye surgery, most patients no longer need corrective eyewear. Visit this site to find out more about laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK surgery. You may have noticed printed advertisements and television commercials that advertise a type of laser eye surgery called LASIK. The risk of corneal haze is much less with LASIK laser eye surgery than it is with PRK.

Learn about lasik eye surgery and other treatments for vision problems. Lopatynsky provides LASIK, vision correction, eye surgery, refractive surgery and eye care services. However, complications in LASIK surgery are rare and the vast majority of patients benefit from almost perfect vision without eyeglasses or contacts after surgery. One option in vision correction is LASIK eye surgery, which is rapidly growing in popularity.

Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK eye surgery, since they consider it as a cosmetic procedure. The popularity of LASIK surgery has risen in large part because of the eye’s rapid healing and the absence of pain following the procedure. In this article, you will find out exactly what happens during a LASIK procedure as you follow this author through his own eye surgery. It is also important for those who undergo LASIK eye surgery to have realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure. The book explains: how the eye works, the entire Lasik correction procedure, it explained the surgery, and what you could expect after the surgery.

http://www.laser-vision.info/lasik-eye-surgery/

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What Is Cataract Surgery And How Does It Work

What Is Cataract Surgery And How Does It Work
What Is Cataract Surgery And How Does It Work

Cataract surgery involves the surgical removal of the lens of an eye that has formed a cataract. Cataract extraction is the one of the most common eye surgeries performed and is widely regarded as being one of the safest procedures in the medical community. A cataract occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque as a result of age, illness, or trauma. This cloudiness can interfere with the eye’s natural ability to direct light and focus an image on the retina. As a result, individuals with cataracts frequently experience a loss of vision.

There is no known way to reverse the damage caused by cataracts, although the complete removal and replacement of the affected lens with an artificial lens can restore an individual’s vision. The two most common procedures for cataract extraction are called ICCE (intracapsular cataract extraction) and ECCE (extracapsular cataract extraction). Both of these procedures are typically done under a local anesthetic on an out-patient basis, so cataract surgery patients are free to go home the same day.

Extra-capsular surgery involves the removal of the affected lens while leaving the majority of the elastic lens capsule intact. This allows for the direct implantation of an intraocular lens into the lens capsule. Extracapsular surgery may be performed using one of two methods: conventional ECCE or phacoemulsification. Conventional ECCE involves making a small incision into the cornea or the sclera of the eye. The cataract is then manually removed through the incision so that a replacement intraocular lens can be inserted. Conventional ECCE is best suited for those patients who suffer from very hard cataracts or who have a weak or thin epithelium covering the cornea.

The second method, phacoemulsification, makes use of an ultrasonic handpiece. Ultrasound waves vibrate the cataract, causing it to shatter and break up into a number of small pieces. These pieces are then removed through aspiration via a small incision in the cornea, after which a replacement intraocular lens can be inserted. Phacoemulsification uses a much smaller incision and may not even require stitches, with the result that this procedure often affords patients a shorter recovery period.

Intra-capsular surgery involves the removal of the entire lens of the eye including the lens capsule. This procedure was commonplace up until the 1980′s in the United States, but is rarely performed today due to medical advances in cataract surgery. To extract the lens the surgeon makes a large incision in the cornea and injects medicine into the eye. This causes the zonular fibers that hold the lens in position to break apart and dissolve. A small probe is inserted into the incision and placed on the lens so that it may be frozen via a cryogenic solution, such as liquid nitrogen. The probe is then withdrawn from the eye, pulling with it the frozen lens. Once the affected lens has been removed, an intraocular lens implant may be inserted in front of the iris as a replacement. Finally the incision is stitched up.

Intra-capsular surgery has a high risk of complications due to the pressure that is placed on the vitreous body of the eye during the procedure. Patients have a prolonged period of healing (up to 6 weeks), and are at a high risk for retinal detachment and swelling of the eye. It is for this reason that nearly all modern cataract extractions are performed via the extracapsular surgery method.

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Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs As A Serious Risk Factor For Ulcer

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs As A Serious Risk Factor For Ulcer
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs As A Serious Risk Factor For Ulcer

Ulcer is a common type of digestive disorder that can affect different levels of the gastrointestinal system. Ulcer generally causes inflammation and open lesions to the soft tissues and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common types of ulcer are duodenal and stomach ulcer. While most duodenal ulcers are mild, stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications such as perforation of the stomach wall and internal bleeding. In some cases, stomach ulcer can eventually lead to gastric cancer, a life-threatening disease.

There are various causes and risk factors of stomach ulcer. The major causes of stomach ulcer are infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and the stomach’s overproduction of digestive fluids. The categories at risk of developing stomach ulcer are: people with ages over 50, smokers, people who have suffered abdominal surgery, people who have acquired abdominal injuries and people who follow ongoing treatments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

Recent studies have revealed that certain medications have a great contribution in the occurrence of stomach ulcer. Commonly prescribed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs greatly increase the risk of developing stomach ulcer. These drugs affect the digestive system on multiple levels: they weaken the mucosal protective cover of the internal organs; they stimulate an overproduction of gastric acid and pepsin; they perturb the blood circulation at the level of the stomach.

Diclofenac is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescribed in the treatment of arthritis. This medication is known to block the body’s production of cox enzymes, chemicals that have a very important role in renewing the stomach’s protective mucosal cover, considerably increasing the risk of developing stomach ulcer. Statistics indicate that ongoing treatment with Diclofenac is responsible for causing more than 150.000 new annual cases of ulcer in the United States. Furthermore, an annual number of 10.000 patients who follow prolonged treatments with this drug are expected to die as a consequence of ulcer complications.

Although new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex are considered to be safe, most patients who follow prolonged treatments with these medications also develop ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies indicate that more than 10 percent of patients who receive ongoing treatment for arthritis develop recurrent ulcers. In time, some of these patients also develop serious complications such as perforated or bleeding ulcers.

In present, medical science is unable to replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with other safer medications. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have many side-effects, they are also the primary option in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. In order to prevent the occurrence of ulcer in patients who receive such medication treatments, this category of people should benefit from frequent medical examinations.

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Survey Shows Two Thirds Of Migraine Sufferers Dissatisfied

Survey Shows Two Thirds Of Migraine Sufferers Dissatisfied
Survey Shows Two Thirds Of Migraine Sufferers Dissatisfied

If you haven’t found relief for migraine, you’re not alone. About 28 million people suffer from the severe, throbbing pain of migraine, which can last from hours to days, keeping sufferers from family, work and daily life.

Yet, two-thirds of patients say they are less than satisfied with their current treatment, according to a survey of 3,064 migraine sufferers conducted by Pfizer. Sufferers may often feel discouraged and unmotivated to discuss the pain and impact with others, even their doctors.

To help sufferers overcome barriers that can prevent them from seeking effective pain relief, life coach and migraine sufferer Rhonda Britten is speaking out as part of a new education campaign sponsored by Pfizer.

“The impact of migraine on a person’s life can be tremendous,” said Britten, star of the reality show “Starting Over.” “But many are living with pain because they have become too frustrated to do anything more to help themselves.”

Applying problem-solving techniques that she developed through her Fearless Living Institute, Britten has created a series of exercises to motivate sufferers to talk with their physicians. Specifically, the tools take sufferers though a step-by-step process to help them assess the impact of migraine on their daily lives, identify why they have not taken action to find adequate pain relief, and ultimately have more productive discussions with their doctors. The tools are available in a free brochure called “Be Stronger Than Your Migraine,” by calling (866) 519-0300.

Dr. Dion Graybeal, assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, agrees that too many migraine patients suffer needlessly.

“Patients must play an active role in seeking out the care they need,” Graybeal said. “Even sufferers who feel like they have ‘tried everything’ may not be aware of all the treatment options available to them. Patients need to feel comfortable talking to their doctor to find what is right for them.”

Vanessa Simmons, 27, has had migraine since high school.

“I assumed that all treatments worked the same so I didn’t go back to my doctor to tell her that I wasn’t getting relief,” she said. “Thankfully, I finally opened up about the impact migraine continued to have on my life and worked with my doctor to identify the right treatment for me.”

The new brochure is part of the free tool kit developed by Pfizer, “Understanding in a Box,” that also includes tips for family and friends, information about effective treatment, and the children’s book “Mama Lion’s Migraine.”

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Lasik Doesn T Stop Your Eyes From Aging

Lasik Doesn T Stop Your Eyes From Aging
Lasik Doesn T Stop Your Eyes From Aging

LASIK is a surgical procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. More than 1 million patients undergo the LASIK procedure in the United States each year.

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision immediately upon completion of their surgery. By the next day, vision is often dramatically improved. However, patients should understand that while fast visual recovery characterizes the operation, it can take several months before some patients achieve their final vision after LASIK. Several studies demonstrate that the vision of a number of patients continued to improve up to six months post-operatively. During that time, patients may experience slight fluctuations in vision throughout the day. These symptoms generally diminish with time.

For some patients, vision after LASIK matches the sharpness of vision they had with glasses or contact lenses before the procedure. However, an estimated 1.5 million LASIK patients still face a return to glasses as their near vision begins to diminish with age. Fortunately, there’s another procedure-recently approved by the FDA-to help treat presbyopia, the common condition known as “aging eyes.”

NearVision CK (conductive keratoplasty) is currently being used by refractive surgeons to improve near vision in presbyopic patients, and is also being studied for its effectiveness in patients with a history of LASIK vision correction to treat nearsightedness (myopia). The preliminary clinical data holds promise for the millions of successful LASIK patients who aren’t interested in renewing their dependence on corrective lenses.

Boasting one of the highest safety profiles in the refractive market, NearVision CK uses gentle radio waves instead of a laser or scalpel, bringing near vision back into focus without cutting or removing of tissue-all during a painless procedure that takes just minutes to perform. Most post-LASIK NearVision CK trial patients recount dramatic changes in their ability to perform everyday tasks without glasses, including:

• 95 percent of patients were able to read a computer screen, compared to only 67 percent prior to the NearVision treatment; and

• Only 29 percent of patients were able to read menus or golf scorecards without glasses, but more than 86 percent were able to do so post-NearVision CK.

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Treatment Of Fibromyalgia

Treatment Of Fibromyalgia
Treatment Of Fibromyalgia

Although there is no exact treatment for fibromyalgia, but some preventive measures can be taken to get rid of it. Presently doctors are concentrating on managing pain, relaxing muscles and reduced depression. Doctors prescribe patients, low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight training. Some other measures are heat applied to sore muscles, stretching exercises (Pilates is one form.) and massage.

As there is no specific medicine for fibromyalgia, doctors try to reduce the pain and increase the sleep. In order to achieve that following types of medicines are prescribed:

Analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may reduce the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. However, its effectiveness varies with individuals. Tramadol (Ultram) is a pain reliever medicine that may be taken with or without acetaminophen. Doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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The Advantages Of Minimal Repair Technique In The Treatment For Hernia

The Advantages Of Minimal Repair Technique In The Treatment For Hernia
The Advantages Of Minimal Repair Technique In The Treatment For Hernia

Modern medicine has known a rapid progress in the last decades and many traditional forms of treatment have been replaced by new, improved medical techniques. While in the past open surgery was the only option available for most patients diagnosed with hernia, nowadays the surgical treatment for hernia is a lot simpler and involves fewer risks. Thanks to the modern medical equipment available these days, the surgical treatment for hernia is safer and involves a shorter period of post-operative hospitalization.

Until recently, open surgery was a very common form of medical treatment for hernia. This type of surgery involves wide abdominal incisions, exposing the patients to a high risk of developing complications (internal bleeding, post-operative infections). In addition, patients who suffer traditional surgery recover slowly and require up to a few weeks of hospitalization. From an esthetical point of view, traditional surgery also leaves patients with pronounced, slow-healing abdominal scars. Due to these undesirable effects of “open surgery”, most medical professionals have recently replaced it with modern, more reliable surgical procedures, such as the “Minimal-Repair Technique”.

The “Minimal-Repair Technique” is a revolutionary surgical procedure in the treatment for hernia. Initially intended for correcting inguinal hernia, the “Minimal-Repair Technique” can nowadays be performed in the treatment of various other forms of hernia. This new approach in the surgical treatment for hernia is aimed at locally correcting the physiological defects caused by the disorder, thus requiring fewer and smaller incisions.

By repairing only the affected regions of the groin and by leaving the healthy tissues intact, this new form of surgery has revolutionized the medical treatment for hernia. The “Minimal-Repair Technique” is faster, more reliable and very safe. This procedure leaves no visible scars and it considerably speeds up the patients’ post-operative recovery. While patients who suffer traditional hernia surgery require a long period of hospitalization, most patients treated through this new medical procedure can leave the hospital a few hours after the operation. Furthermore, the “Minimal-Repair Technique” enables patients to recover completely within 14 days after the surgery.

The “Minimal-Repair Technique” has been embraced by doctors worldwide and it is now considered to be among the safest and most reliable options in the treatment for hernia. This new medical approach in the surgical treatment for hernia is especially recommended to professional athletes, who are now able to continue their practice within only a few days after surgery. The “Minimal-Repair Technique” provides remarkable results and has proved to be a very safe alternative to open surgery, as the risks of post-operative complications have been virtually eliminated.

Thanks to its advantages, the “Minimal-Repair Technique” is nowadays preferred by both patients and medical surgeons in the detriment of traditional surgery. This new approach in the treatment for hernia has become very popular lately and it is nowadays rated as one of the best forms of surgery.

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Open Your Eyes To Healthy Vision

Open Your Eyes To Healthy Vision
Open Your Eyes To Healthy Vision

Most people consider vision their most valued sense yet many of us take our eyesight for granted and hardly think twice about what it would be like to lose our vision. Every day I sit with patients whose vision is threatened by age-related macular degeneration, a devastating condition that is also called AMD. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 60, and affects more than 15 million people in the U.S. More than 1.6 million people have advanced AMD, which can jeopardize the ability to read, drive, watch TV and even recognize family and friends’ faces. But thanks to recent medical advancements, patients now have better chances at preserving vision and slowing vision loss than ever before.

Dry and Wet AMD

There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD is more common, accounting for 90 percent of AMD cases, but it accounts for only 10 percent of the severe vision loss caused by AMD. Dry AMD is characterized by the development of yellow-white deposits underneath your retina, known as drusen. In the early stages of AMD, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, dry AMD may develop into wet AMD, the more serious form of the disease. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels that are weak start to grow and often leak blood and fluid in the back of the eye, which is why the disease is called wet. The blood and fluid can cause the macula (the central part of the retina, responsible for central vision) to become distorted and scarred, which harms and blurs central vision. Wet AMD can develop rapidly, often leading to severe vision loss in the affected eye within months.

Most cases of wet AMD begin as dry AMD, so it’s important to know if you are at risk for wet AMD so you can monitor your vision and catch wet AMD early. Unfortunately, patients often seek care for wet AMD too late. Recent studies suggest that the earlier wet AMD is caught and treated, the better vision outcomes may be.

Help Protect Your Eyesight

Because early treatment for wet AMD may garner the best results, it’s important to monitor for changes in vision and if you’re over the age of 60, you should schedule regular eye exams with your eye doctor. If you’re diagnosed with dry AMD and are told that you are at risk for developing the wet form, your doctor may give you a simple self-monitoring tool called an Amsler grid, which is a convenient way to help monitor your vision at home. The Amsler grid only takes about two minutes to test both eyes separately (with reading glasses if you have them) and should be used daily. Post the grid at eye level either on your refrigerator door or bathroom mirror-or somewhere easy to remember, so it becomes part of your daily routine. Catching wet AMD early is critical, so if you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or wavy lines on the Amsler grid, you should immediately make an appointment with your eye doctor.

Treating Wet AMD

Recently, wet AMD patients have benefited from major scientific advancements in treatment. Just a few years ago, laser therapies were the only available treatments and they were only appropriate for a small amount of people with the condition.

Today, a drug called Macugen (pegaptanib sodium injection) is available and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat all types of wet AMD and is proven to preserve vision over the long term by slowing vision loss.

The Amsler grid is a simple self-monitoring grid that people at risk for wet AMD can use every day at home. More information about AMD and free Amsler grids are available by visiting www.my eyehealth.org or calling (866) 702-EYES (3937).

MACUGEN is indicated for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Important safety information

MACUGEN is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections or with known hypersensitivity to pegaptanib sodium or any other excipient in this product.

Safety or efficacy of MACUGEN beyond 2 years has not been demonstrated.

Intravitreal injections including those with MACUGEN have been associated with endophthalmitis. Proper aseptic injection technique-which includes use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent)-should always be utilized when administering MACUGEN. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment, should an infection occur.

Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 30 minutes of injection with MACUGEN. Therefore, IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately.

Serious adverse events related to the injection procedure occurring in

Most frequently reported adverse events in patients treated for up to 2 years were anterior chamber inflammation, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye pain, hypertension, increased IOP, ocular discomfort, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity, visual disturbance, vitreous floaters, and vitreous opacities. These events occurred in approximately 10% to 40% of patients.

Rare cases of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema, have been reported in postmarketing experience following the intravitreal administration procedure.

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What Are The Lasik Procedures

What Are The Lasik Procedures:

The LASIK surgeon uses computer software to guide the IntraLase laser beam, which applies a series of tiny (3-micron-diameter) bubbles within the central layer of the cornea. The resulting corneal flap is created at a precise depth and diameter pre-determined by the surgeon. As occurs with a mechanical microkeratome, a small section of tissue at one edge of the flap is left uncut, forming a hinge that allows the surgeon to fold back the flap so that the cornea can be accessed and reshaped for vision correction.

LASIK has proven to be a safe and effective method of laser eye surgery as recently published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by Ophthalmologist Professor Michael O’Keeffe reporting the results of a long term study commenced in 1998 and 1999 whereby LASIK patients were followed for a period of 5 years.

The LASIK Procedure

1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.

2. A protective flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.

3. Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of your cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.

4. The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.

5. Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.

Are there Follow Ups after Lasik Treatment?

Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then at least 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concerns or need attention.

So, we urge you to find out more about Lasik Surgery today!

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Laser Eye Surgery A Risk Analysis For My Daughter

My daughter has worn glasses since being 8 years old. She switched to contact lenses at 16. She is 21 now and told me yesterday that she is considering using her savings from her part-time job to get laser eye surgery.

Now I wear glasses and can see that they are inconvenient at times. I tried contacts years ago, before the newest generation of soft daily wear lenses were developed. One day I will get around to trying them again. But I know nothing about laser eye surgery, so I told her I would find out more and then we could talk about it.

I have summarised what I found in the paragraphs below.

Laser eye surgery, or LASIK surgery (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis ) is one answer for those people who do not want to wear glasses all the time. The surgeon uses a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the tough part at the front of the eye. Because the shape is changed, the eye’s own lens is more able to do all the focussing that’s necessary, reducing the need for glasses or contacts.

There are some risks attached to the procedure, as there are to all surgical procedures, but most patients are pleased with the results.

You do need to be aware of the specific risks and to weigh up how important these negative effects of Lasik surgery are to you.

Some patients develop extended blind spots, they cannot see certain lines on a reading chart or when reading a book and have to move their heads to overcome this.

If you have very strong lenses, for either near sightedness, or long sightedness Lasik surgery may not be very successful.

Some patients develop glare, halos and double vision. All of these symptoms can make life unbearable. Other patients lose vision in low contrast settings, like driving at dusk.

You may develop a severe case of Dry Eye Syndrome. This is a permanent condition that causes discomfort and occasional blurring of vision.

These risks put off a lot of potential patients from having laser eye surgery. They would certainly put me off, and I will do my best to persuade my daughter not to go ahead.

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