Although Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease and experts are still learning how it spreads, touching a surface or object that has any virus or germs on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly eyes can lead to infection.
We’ve teamed up with Dr. Jennifer Tsai, OD to answer a few questions about ways to protect your eyes during this outbreak.
Is it safe to wear contacts?
Yes, as of now and the most sanitary option is daily contacts.
The cardinal rule for staying healthy is to wash your hands often. The eyes are an entry point for germs, including viruses which makes washing your hands immediately before handling contacts especially important. This will also help keep the silicone hydrogel clean and free of unwelcome particles, like skin oils, dust, and harmful bacteria. The American Optometric Association recommends that you scrub your hands carefully and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand drying with unused paper towels. This should occur before every contact lens insertion and removal. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
How do you clean your glasses?
COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces for 1-3 days. To sanitize glasses, fill a spray bottle with 3/4 alcohol (70% ethyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol), 1/4 water, and 2-3 drops of dish soap. Apply the solution and wipe any part of the frames that touch your face. This solution is only recommended for glasses without anti-reflective coating and not plastic lenses, as the alcohol can strip off the coating.
For most frames, adding a drop of soap to the surface and rubbing with your fingers will do a substantial job of removing any bacteria. Be sure to wash your hands first (to remove any oil) and don’t forget the nose pads!
To dry, shake off excess water and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Be mindful that using your shirt or paper could scratch the lenses. Microfibers can sometimes leave particles so if you don’t have a cloth, use a compressed air duster instead (like the one for your keyboard).
Is it safe to wear eyelash extensions?
It’s currently unclear but why risk it? Bacteria can live on hair and lashes for short amounts of time. Stick to mascara for now and be sure to sanitize your brushes and applicators regularly.
How do you clean makeup applicators?
Easy! Fill a spray bottle with 3/4 rubbing alcohol and 1/4 water, then apply to any brushes before every application. You can also use gentle shampoo periodically. Simply squirt a bit into a cup of warm water, then soak your sponges in the bubbly solution. Squeeze and rinse until the water runs clear. For brushes, swirl the tips in the water and shampoo, then in the palm of your hand to work up a lather. Next, run the bristles under warm water until there is no more product. Finally, lay all your brushes and sponges flat on a clean cloth to dry. Voila!
This article was reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Tsai, OD. Dr. Tsai practices optometry in New York City.
Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
People who have diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin their body does produce in an efficient manner. This can affect your blood sugar levels. It’s important to monitor what you eat to keep your blood sugar levels as steady as possible.
One way to do this is by checking the glycemic index (GI) score of each food. The GI shows how much a certain food can increase your blood sugar levels. GI helps with the planning of daily meals and avoiding high-carbohydrate combinations. A low GI is between 1 and 55 and high is 70 and above.
It’s important to know that natural foods, such as garlic, though not rich in carbohydrates, can influence blood sugar levels.
Most adults can safely consume garlic. For some people, taste, odor, or spiciness can be an issue.
Traditionally, garlic has been recommendedTrusted Source to help reduce high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Garlic consumption may also reduce the incidence of heart disease, a condition that affects approximately 80 percent of people with diabetes.
A 2006 study found that raw garlic might help reduce blood sugar levels, as well as reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. This is particular interest, as diabetes increases a person’s risk of atherosclerosis-related inflammation.
Though this is still under investigation, a 2014 review of studiesTrusted Source also supported the idea that regular garlic consumption may help lower blood sugar levels.
Garlic is also a good source of vitamins B-6 and C. Vitamin B-6 is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin C may also play a role in maintaining blood sugar levels.
If you don’t mind the taste, add a couple of finely chopped garlic cloves to your salads or potato salad. There isn’t a standard dosage for eating garlic, so feel free to add garlic whenever a recipe or snack allows.
If you prefer a less strong odor and taste, look for garlic greens, which are young plants, and garlic scapes, which are curly shoots that appear as the plant matures. They’re available at farmers markets and local produce stores during the spring season. Both have a milder flavor. You can chop them and mix them in salads, dips, and savory spreads.
It’s recommended that you let chopped garlic sit for at least 5 minutes to allow allicin, one of the herb’s main components, to be at its highest concentration. This may enhance the herb’s potential health benefits.
If you find the taste of raw garlic too offensive or are unable to have it as often as you’d like, you may want to try supplements. Look for aged garlic extract or other garlic extracts that contain allicin.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing supplements:
Consult with your doctor before adding supplements to your regimen. They can help you determine whether this is the best option for you.
Always buy from a reputable manufacturer that doesn’t use heat processing. This can destroy the active compounds in the garlic, which provide the most health benefits.
Avoid completely odorless products. They’re likely stripped of the sulfur compounds that give the characteristic smell and are responsible for some of its possible health benefits.
You can use garlic to improve the taste and quality of meals. Consuming it may also help you maintain better levels of health. For best results, consume garlic regularly in moderate amounts. Cooking garlic lowers its potential therapeutic qualities, so be sure to use fresh and raw garlic in your dishes. Supplements are also an option, but you should consult with your doctor before using them.
23 Top-Notch Lunch Ideas for People with Diabetes
Figuring out what to eat for lunch every day can be challenging, especially for people with diabetes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious, healthy, and easy-to-prepare options that can help round out your diet and keep blood sugar levels steady.
Here are 23 healthy and delicious lunch ideas for people with diabetes.
Burrito bowls are delicious and easy to tailor to your taste buds by adding your favorite ingredients.
To keep the carb content low, try using mixed greens as your base instead of rice, and top with beans, salsa, and grilled veggies.
You can also throw in some chicken, ground beef, or tofu to boost the protein content, which may support better blood sugar control (1Trusted Source).
2. Turkey veggie wrap
Wraps are convenient, customizable, and portable, making them a great choice for lunch.
Turkey veggie wraps, in particular, are high in protein and feature a variety of fiber-rich vegetables, which can slow the absorption of carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar levels (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
Be sure to opt for whole wheat or low carb wraps and fill up on nutrient-dense ingredients, such as hummus, tomatoes, lettuce, and bell peppers.
3. Tuna salad
Tuna salad is a healthy, high protein meal typically made with ingredients like tuna, celery, onions, and mayonnaise (3Trusted Source).
You can make it at home and boost the protein content by trading mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Or, add more fiber with veggies like carrots, radishes, or tomatoes.
Pair your tuna salad with some whole wheat crackers for a simple lunch to enjoy at home, work, or school.
4. Stuffed bell peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are often filled with meat or beans, mixed veggies, and whole grains like brown rice, couscous, or quinoa.
By choosing high protein and fiber-rich ingredients for your filling, you can easily make it a healthy, diabetes-friendly meal.
Lean sources of protein like ground beef or ground turkey are great choices, along with nutritious veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, and onions.
5. Chicken fajita bowl
A chicken fajita bowl can be a healthy, flavorful lunch for people with diabetes.
They’re easy to prepare in advance and typically feature several foods high in protein and fiber that help keep your blood sugar levels in check, including chicken, brown rice, and veggies.
Be sure to pack on the vegetables to maximize the potential health benefits and top it off with a bit of salsa, avocado, or cilantro.
6. Buddha bowl
Buddha bowls are popular meals consisting of small portions of several different foods, typically plant-based proteins, veggies, and whole grains.
Not only can you mix and match the ingredients to add more protein and fiber to your diet, but you can also make it ahead for a simple and convenient meal to enjoy during the workweek.
Edamame, sliced avocado, quinoa, broccoli, red cabbage, cucumber, sweet potato, tofu, and carrots can all be great additions to your Buddha bowl.
Brown rice is considered a whole grain, meaning that it contains all three parts of the wheat kernel.
Some studies show that eating more whole grains could be linked to improved blood sugar control (4Trusted Source).
Brown rice is also rich in fiber, which can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream to prevent spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels (2Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Try pairing brown rice with stir-fried veggies and a lean protein source for a healthy and delicious lunch.
8. Quinoa
In addition to its high fiber content, quinoa is one of only a few available plant-based complete proteins. That means it contains all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs to obtain from food sources (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
It also has a low glycemic index, which is a measure of how much certain foods affect your blood sugar levels (8Trusted Source).
Quinoa salad can be a simple and nutritious lunch option for people with diabetes. It’s easy to customize using whichever ingredients you have on hand, such as chickpeas, feta, cucumber, tomato, beans, avocado, onion, or bell pepper.
9. Whole grain tortillas
Not only are whole grain tortillas versatile and delicious, but they can also be a great addition to your lunch if you have diabetes.
In fact, one large whole grain tortilla contains nearly 7 grams of fiber to help keep blood sugar levels steady (9Trusted Source).
For an easy lunch, add your favorite spread, like hummus or tzatziki, to a whole grain tortilla with some fresh veggies and your choice of protein.
10. Whole grain pasta
Whole grain pasta can be a healthy alternative to refined flour pasta, especially if you have diabetes.
In one small study, whole grain pasta was also more effective at reducing hunger and promoting feelings of fullness than refined pasta (12Trusted Source).
For the best results, load up on the veggies and include a good source of protein with your pasta, such as chicken, salmon, ground beef, or legumes.
11. Chicken
Chicken is jam-packed with protein, providing nearly 24 grams per 3-ounce (85-gram) serving (13Trusted Source).
One review of 13 studies reported that following a high protein diet could reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes, which could potentially improve blood sugar control (14Trusted Source).
Chicken is also easy to add to a variety of recipes and can be grilled, baked, roasted, or stir-fried.
12. Tuna
Often found in convenient cans, packets, and pouches, tuna can be a healthy lunch option, high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
In one study, consuming a high protein, low glycemic index diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids improved blood sugar control and decreased belly fat in 30 people with type 2 diabetes (15Trusted Source).
You can easily add tuna to pasta, salad dishes, wraps, sandwiches, and casseroles for a healthy weekday lunch.
13. Turkey
Turkey boasts a good amount of protein in each serving, with almost 25 grams in just 3 ounces (85 grams) (16Trusted Source).
It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those who are looking to lose weight.
Sliced turkey is perfect for wraps, pitas, and sandwiches. You can also try adding ground turkey to pasta dishes, taco salads, rice bowls, or homemade burger patties.
14. Tofu
With 14 grams of protein in each 1/4-block (81-gram) serving, tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source for people with type 2 diabetes (17Trusted Source).
Additionally, because it easily absorbs the flavor of the foods you pair it with, tofu is an incredibly versatile ingredient. Try adding it to veggie bowls, curries, soups, salads, or sandwiches for an easy make-ahead lunch.
15. Eggs
Although eggs are a beloved breakfast staple, they can also be a great addition to your midday meal.
Though research has turned up conflicting results, several studies have found that regularly eating eggs could improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity for people with type 2 diabetes (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Eggs are also versatile. For instance, hard-boiled eggs can bump up the protein content of salads and sandwiches, while scrambled eggs work well in wraps, veggie skillets, or rice dishes.
Rich in fiber, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet (22Trusted Source).
It also contains beneficial compounds like thylakoids, which have been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, improve blood sugar control, and support feelings of fullness in human and animal studies (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
Plus, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy spinach for lunch that go beyond salads. For example, try adding it to curries, soups, pasta dishes, or wraps. You can also sauté spinach and sprinkle it with some salt, pepper, and garlic for a simple side dish.
17. Apples
Apples are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, making them a great dietary addition for people with diabetes (26Trusted Source, 27).
In fact, one small study found that eating an apple before a rice meal reduced the subsequent increase in blood sugar levels by 50%, compared with a control (28Trusted Source).
Apples can be enjoyed in place of dessert to help satisfy your sweet tooth. For example, try pairing them with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some nut butter. Alternatively, add sliced apples to chicken salads, grilled sandwiches, or even quesadillas for extra flavor.
18. Broccoli
Broccoli is highly nutritious, boasting nearly 3 grams of fiber in each cup (91 grams) (29Trusted Source).
It may also help stabilize blood sugar levels. For instance, one small study in 13 adults found that eating cooked broccoli alongside mashed potatoes reduced blood sugar and insulin levels more than eating mashed potatoes alone (30Trusted Source).
For a healthy lunch, try pairing roasted broccoli with brown rice, grilled chicken, and other veggies like zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
19. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has a unique tart, tangy flavor, perfect for bringing a refreshing zing to your lunch.
It also has a low glycemic index and has been shown to support healthy blood sugar and insulin levels in some animal studies (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source).
Try making a tasty side salad for lunch by pairing fresh grapefruit with arugula, sliced avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Note that if you’re taking statins such as simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Altoprev), or atorvastatin (Lipitor), it’s advised to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
20. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K (33Trusted Source).
It’s also low in carbs and can be easily added to recipes in place of high carb ingredients like rice, flour, or potatoes.
Additionally, cauliflower makes a great side dish and can be roasted, boiled, or steamed.
Want to wake up with clear vision instead of searching for your glasses every time your alarm rings? If so, extended wear contact lenses might be the right choice for you.
In general, contact lenses can be categorized into two types, based on how long they are approved to be worn before being removed:
Daily wear (lenses you remove before sleep)
Extended wear (lenses you can wear overnight)
So what’s the difference between daily wear and extended wear lenses?
Most extended wear (EW) contacts are thinner than daily wear soft lenses, or are made of silicone hydrogel material. This advanced lens material enables EW lenses to “breathe” better than regular soft (hydrogel) lenses. This is especially important when lenses are worn continuously for extended periods.
Most extended wear soft contact lenses are approved for up to seven days of continuous wear, depending on your eye care professional’s recommendations. Some EW lenses are approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear.
It’s important to note that these are the maximum recommended wearing schedules. Many people cannot tolerate wearing EW lenses for this length of time, and some people’s eyes cannot tolerate any overnight wear of contact lenses.
During your contact lens fitting and follow-up, your eye doctor will advise you whether you can wear EW contacts overnight and how many days of continuous wear your eyes can tolerate.
Risks of extended wear contacts
Research has shown that the risk of eye infections is higher among people who sleep while wearing contact lenses.
Wearing contact lenses continually (day and night) increases this risk because bacteria and other potentially dangerous microorganisms can adhere to the lenses and get trapped between the lenses and your eyes.
These microbes thrive in the warm, moist environment under your contact lenses, especially when your eyelids are closed during sleep. And because contact lenses reduce the oxygen supply to the front surface of your eyes (corneas), your eyes are less able to fight off corneal infections.
You can order extended wear contact lenses from Eye update Clinic & Optical Supplies by calling: 08107531046 or 08034971582. You can also visit our facility at 01 Ajuwon bus stop off Elliot bus stop Iju Ishaga Ajuwon near Akute Alagbole (Lagos and Ogun residents)
When a person has diabetes, either their body does not produce enough insulin, or it cannot use the insulin correctly, so glucose accumulates in the blood. High levels of blood glucose can cause a range of symptoms, from exhaustion to heart disease.
One way to control blood sugar is to eat a healthful diet. Generally, foods and drinks that the body absorbs slowly are best because they do not cause spikes and dips in blood sugar.
The glycemic index (GI) measures the effects of specific foods on blood sugar levels. People looking to control their levels should pick foods with low or medium GI scores.
A person can also pair foods with low and high GI scores to ensure that a meal is balanced.
Below are some of the best foods for people looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Pumpernickel has a low GI score and fewer carbs than other breads.
Many kinds of bread are high in carbohydrates and quickly raise blood sugar levels. As a result many breads should be avoided.
However, pumpernickel bread and 100 percent stone-ground whole wheat bread have low GI scores, at 55 or less on the GI scale.
Pumpernickel and stone-ground whole wheat breads have lower GI scores than regular whole wheat bread because the ingredients go through less processing.
Processing removes the fibrous outer shells of grains and cereals. Fiber slows digestion and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
In a 2014 study, researchers reported that spelt and rye both caused low initial glycemic responses in rats. They also found that these ancient wheat types, as well as emmer and einkorn, suppressed genes that promote glucose metabolism
Except for pineapples and melons, most fruits have low GI scores of 55 or less.
This is because most fruits contain lots of water and fiber to balance out their naturally occurring sugar, which is called fructose.
However, as fruits ripen, their GI scores increase. Fruit juices also have very high GI scores because juicing removes the fibrous skins and seeds.
A large 2013 study found that people who consumed whole fruits, especially blueberries, grapes, and apples, had significantly lower risks of developing type 2 diabetes.
The researchers also reported that drinking fruit juice increased the risk of developing the condition.
Regular potatoes have a high GI score, but sweet potatoes and yams have low scores and are very nutritious.
Some research indicates that the flesh of the sweet potato contains more fiber than the skin, indicating that the whole vegetable could be beneficial for those with diabetes.
Reporting the findings of an animal study, the researchers also noted that sweet potato consumption may lower some markers of diabetes.
While there is still no conclusive evidence that sweet potatoes can help to stabilize or lower blood sugar levels in humans, they are undoubtedly a healthful, nutritious food with a low GI score.
People can substitute sweet potatoes or yams for potatoes in a variety of dishes, from fries to casseroles.
A 2015 review of 16 studies concluded that oats have a beneficial effect on glucose control and lipid profiles in people with type 2 diabetes. Determining the impact of oat consumption on type 1 diabetes requires more research.
Doctors still recommend that people with diabetes limit their consumption of oatmeal because 1 cup contains roughly 28 grams of carbohydrates.
A 2014 systemic review concluded that eating nuts could benefit people with diabetes.
As with other foods in this article, it is best to eat nuts that are as whole and unprocessed as possible. Nuts with coatings or flavorings have higher GI scores than plain nuts.
Legumes, such as beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, have very low GI scores.
They are also a good source of nutrients that can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. These nutrients include:
fiber
complex carbohydrates
protein
A 2012 study found that incorporating legumes into the diet improved glycemic control and lowered the risk of coronary heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Avoid legume products that contain added sugars and simple starches, such as those in syrups, sauces, or marinades. These additions can significantly increase a product’s GI score.
Garlic is a popular ingredient in traditional medicines for diabetes and a wide variety of other conditions.
The compounds in garlic may help reduce blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and secretion.
In a 2013 study, 60 people with type 2 diabetes and obesity took either metformin alone or a combination of metformin and garlic twice daily after meals for 12 weeks. People who took metformin and garlic saw a more significant reduction in their fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.
People can eat garlic raw, add it to salads, or use it in cooked meals.
Cod does not contain carbohydrates and may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Fish and other meats do not have GI scores because they do not contain carbohydrates.
However, cold-water fish may help manage or prevent diabetes better than other types of meat.
A 2014 study included data taken from 33,704 Norwegian women over a 5-year period. The researchers found that eating 75–100 grams of cod, saithe, haddock, or pollock daily reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
However, the researchers were uncertain whether the reduction in risk was a direct result of eating the fish or whether other healthful lifestyle factors, such as exercise, could have influenced the findings.
Eating plain yogurt daily may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Authors of a large 2014 meta-analysis concluded that yogurt may be the only dairy product that lowers the risk of developing the condition. They also noted that other dairy products do not seem to increase a person’s risk.
Researchers are still unsure why yogurt helps lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
However, plain yogurt is generally a low-GI food. Most unsweetened yogurts have a GI score of 50 or less.
It is best to avoid sweetened or flavored yogurts, which often contain too much sugar for a person looking to lower their blood sugar levels. Greek-style yogurt can be a healthful alternative.
maintaining a healthy body weight or losing weight, if necessary
People with diabetes may also need to take medications and measure their blood sugar regularly to reduce the risk of potentially dangerous symptoms and complications.
Speak with a doctor about how to incorporate a healthful diet into a diabetes care plan.
Blindness is a major public health problem in African because of the sheer number of people so afflicted. Economic survival is a struggle for the average, non-handicapped person in a developing country. The burden of blindness is therefore a major added frustration to the individual’s economic independence and social development.
Eye care delivery has not received much attention in many African countries. Although the need for eye care cannot be denied, it is competing for scarce resources with more compelling problems like high maternal and infant mortality and acute medical and surgical problems.c Ophthalmologists are few and tality and acute medical and surgical problems. Ophthamologists are few and the traditional hospital-based curative ophthalmic practice is expensive to run.
By and large, ophthalmologists, optometrists and hospitals are situated in big cities and towns while more than 80% of the population lives in rural areas and villages.The majority of the population is therefore underserved or not served at all. For every patient who attends the hospital, there are probably 4-5 needy patients who have not visited the doctor because they are too poor, too far from the hospital or just ignorant of what can be done. Besides, taboos and sociocultural attitudes often discourage patients from using existing modern facilities. Consequently, diseases are usually seen at an advanced stage. These factors, contributing to late presentation, together with inadequate facilities lead to a pool of curably blind as is seen in the cataract backlog in Africa.
The eye diseases seen in Africa are often no different from those encountered in Europe; most of them are treatable or preventable, but their neglect has a devastating effect on vision.
Cataracts are very commonly seen in Africa, accounting for approximately 50% of all cases of blindness. They may be congenital in origin; often due to intrauterine infection like rubella, or metabolic diseases in the child like galactosaemia. Cataracts may also complicate injuries to the eye; but more commonly they are seen in the elderly.
Senile cataracts are known to occur at an earlier age in the tropics, and recent work suggests that severe diarrheoal diseases early in life may be a contributory factor. It will be interesting to see in a few year’s time the effect of oral rehydration therapy on the prevalence of cataracts. The surgical treatment of cataracts is very rewarding, but advantage of this fact is often not taken, due mainly to inadequate facilities and ignorance. Mobile eye units being operated by various non-governmental organizations are now unable to afford the cost of corrective glasses, as is often the case, the improvement in vision is often adequate to enable him to look after himself and move around, thereby ceasing to be a burden on family and friends. Although more cataract operations are now being done, contact lenses and intraocular lens implantations, which have become routine in developed countries, are not usually available in Africa.
Infections of the external eye are very common, notably among which are trachoma, conjuctivitis of the newborn, epidemic haemorrhagic keratocon-junctivitis, corneal ulcers, measles, Keratoconjunctivitis and leprosy. The infection may spread to the inner eye and lead to loss of the eyre. Eye infections may be responsible for up to 25% of all cases of blindness in Africa.
Eye trauma refers to damage caused by a direct blow to the eye. The trauma may affect not only the eye, but the surrounding area, including adjacent tissue and bone structure.
There are many different forms of trauma, varying in severity from minor injury to medical emergencies. Even in cases where trauma seems minor, every eye injury should be given medical attention.
What Causes Eye Trauma?
When the eye is hit with blunt force, it suddenly compresses and retracts. This can cause blood to collect underneath the hit area, which leads to many of the common symptoms of eye trauma.
Symptoms of Eye Trauma
Symptoms of eye trauma may include:
Pain
Trouble seeing
Cuts to the eyelid
One eye not moving as well
One eye sticks out
Blood in the clear part of the eye
Unusual pupil size or shape
Something embedded in the eye
Something under the eyelid that cannot be easily removed
Treatments for Eye Trauma
Every eye injury should be given medical attention; do not touch, rub or try to remove any object in the eye. If the eye has been cut or there is an object in the eye, rest a protective shield – such as a paper cup – on the bone around your eye. Make sure there is no pressure on the eye itself. Seek immediate, professional medical attention.
In minor cases of trauma, such as a black eye from a sports injury, applying cold to the affected area can help bring swelling down, and allow the affected area to heal faster. However, even in cases where trauma seems minor, every eye injury should be given medical attention.
The best way to avoid eye trauma is to prevent it by using protective eyewear while doing things that may put them at risk. Activities include home repair, yard work, cleaning, cooking, and playing sports. In most cases of injury, people report not properly protecting their eyes – which shows that proper precautions may prevent an eye injury.
Explore the latest research regarding bright lights and retina damage, and how to properly protect your eyes.
Parents will often tell children not to stare at the sun. This is good advice, since permanent retinal damage occurs after staring for just a few minutes! This is called solar retinopathy. Lasers and very bright industrial lights can also damage the retina.
Since very bright lights can damage the retina in a short period of time, can long-term exposure to moderately bright light cause retinal damage? The answer is maybe, and why not protect yourself against this possibility?
Research Findings on Bright Lights and Eye Damage
In the Chesapeake Bay Waterman Study, which analyzed fisherman exposed to bright light reflected off the water every day, blue light exposure was found to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This conclusion, while suggestive, as not definitive, since it is difficult to quantify light exposure in everyday life.
In experimental mice, bright light does cause permanent retinal damage. If the light has the intensity of sunlight, short exposure times can cause damage. If the light is not quite so bright, chronic exposure over days to weeks can cause permanent damage. This is thought to be due to what is called photo-oxidative damage; the light reacts with the retina to produce molecules that are very reactive and cause damage to surrounding molecules.
If light exposure is a risk factor for AMD, then it would be expected that people with lighter colored eyes, which let in more light, would have a higher risk. Indeed, African-Americans have a much lower risk of AMD than Caucasians. Some studies have suggested that people with blue eyes have the highest risk.
Some experimental mice and even a particular breed of dog have genetic mutations that make their retinas extremely sensitive to light; permanent retinal damage can be caused by light levels that would not harm animals with normal retinas. Analogously, people with AMD, Stargardt disease, or retinitis pigmentosa may be more susceptible to retinal light damage than people with normal retinas.
How Can I Protect My Eyes from Bright Lights?
The simplest way to protect against possible retinal light damage is to wear sunglasses and a hat. The sunglasses should have dark tint. If you hold the glasses up to a light, the light coming through the lenses should appear grey, brown, or yellowish brown—not blue, which is probably the most damaging light wavelength. If picking ready-made sunglasses in a store, choose the ones that transmit the least light (but only wear them if you can still see well enough). If ordering custom sunglasses, ask the optician for a very dark tint. Polarization will also decrease the amount of light coming through sunglasses and helps reduce glare. UV protection helps protect the lens inside the eye against cataracts. Since UV light is blocked by the lens inside the eye it is the visible light that can harm the retina.
Since it is thought that blue light can damage the retina, ophthalmologists can now offer blue-blocking lens implants when performing cataract surgery. While these may be helpful, the same effect can be achieved by wearing sunglasses.
Are Indoor Lights Damaging to the Eyes?
Could indoor lights be harmful? It is prudent to use the amount of light you need to read or perform activities of daily life, but there is no reason to exceed this amount with very bright lighting. When choosing light bulbs, those with the “warm” color spectrum, favoring reds and greens over the “cool” blues, are typically more comfortable for reading and may be safer. Energy-efficient LED bulbs come in warm or full spectrum varieties. As with most things in life, light is good, in moderation
According to Efe (2012) transposition as the process of changing a lens prescription from one form to another equivalent form without changing the value i.e. it is also to rewrite the expression of its power without actually changing its value. It can also be define as the act of converting the prescription of an ophthalmic lens form a sphere with minus cylinder form to a sphere with plus cylinder form or vice vise. Example – 3D sphere – 2D cylinder axis 180 transpose to – 5D sphere + 2D cylinder axis 90 prescription consists of the sphere, cylinder and the axis. The sphere correct hyperopic and myopia, the cylinder corrects the amount of astigmatism and the axis shows where the stigmatism correction is located.
Types of transposition
Flat Transposition
Toric transposition
Flat transposition: This is the process of transposition whereby the cylinder power and spherical power is separated by 90. The flat transposition is use in the dispensing laboratory.
Toric transposition: This is the process of transposition whereby the cylinder power and spherical power is not separated by 90. The toric transposition is use in the production laboratory.
Lens prescription
Lens prescription can be written in any of this form
Plano cylinder
Sphero cylinder
Cross cylinder
Plano cylinder: This has one surface plane and the other, either + or – cylinder eg (plano x 0.50DCx180)
Sphere cylinder: This has one surface spherical and the other cylindrical eg +0.75DS -1.00DC x 50
Cross cylinder: This has one surface a cylinder and other another cylinder eg +1.50DCx180/0.75DCx90
Rules of transposition
Transposition of sphero-cylindrical prescription from plus to minus cylinder (or vice versa)
Rules
Step 1: New spherical power: add the power of the sphere to the power of cylinder (algebraically) of a given prescription
Step 2: New cylindrical power: change the sign of the cylinder (plus or minus to the opposite sign) with same power.
Step 3: New axis: add or subtract 90 from the given axis (depending on which value is higher) i.e. if is below 90, add 90 to it but if is above 90 subtract 90. Let us now apply this rule to a specific sphero – cylindrical prescription.
From the on set, it is important to note that this prescription has been written in minus cylinder from. To convert it to plus cylinder form, we apply the rules as follows.
Rule 1: (new spherical power); (+1.00) + (1.00) = plano
Rule 2: (new cylindrical power) change the cylinder sign with same value = +1.00DC
Rule 3: (new axis) add or subtract 90 (depending on which value is greater) i.e if is below 90, add 90 to it but if it is above 90 subtract 90. 90 + 90 = 180. Therefore, the transposed plus cylindrical form of a given prescription is plano + 1.00DC x 180
Given -2.00DS + 1.50DC x 45
To transpose this prescription from plus to its minus cylindrical form we apply same rules as follows:
Rule 2: (new cylinder power) change the cylinder sight with the same power -1.50DC
Rules 3: (New axis) i.e if is below 90, add 90 to it but if is above 90 subtract 90 45 + 90 = 135
Thus, the transpose form of this prescription into its minus cylindrical form is equivalent to :- 0.50DS – 135
Transposition of sphero-cylinders into cross cylinders
A sphero-Cylindrical prescription can be broken down into two cross-cylinder that it was originally made of this form of. This form of transposition is also guided by its set of rules
Rules
Rule 1. (1st Cross-Cylinder): Take the spherical power of a given sphero-cylinder prescription and write this as a cross cylinder with its axis 90 away from the axis of a given sphero-cylindrical prescription.
Rule 2. (2nd cross-cylinder) add the spherical and cylindrical power of a given sphero-cylindrical prescription and write this as cross cylinder with its axis same as the axis of the sphero-cylindrical prescription.
Rules 3. (both cross-cylinder) combine the two cross cylinder obtain from rule 1 and rule 2 above as the equivalent cross cylinder for the sphero-cylindrical prescription.
The follow are some examples to illustrate the application of the rules
Rule 3. (3rd cross-cylinder) +4.00DC x 180/-4.50DC x 90
Given: -1.50DS + 0.75DC x 45
Rule 1. (1st cross-cylinder) -1.00DC x 135
Rule 2. (2nd cross-cylinder) -0.75DC x 45
Rule 3. (3rd cross-cylinder) +1.50DC x 135/-075DC x 45
Transposition of 2 cross-cylinder into sphero cylinder
Rule 1: (sphere power) take either power of the 2 cross-cylinders as spherical power of the new sphero-cylinders as spherical power of the new sphero-cylinderical prescription.
Rule 2: (cylindrical power) subtract the power of the cylindrical chosen as sphere from the power of the second cross-cylinder and make this the cylinder of the new sphero-cylinder
Rule 3: (axis) take the axis of the cross-cylinder that was not chosen as sphere power as axis of the new sphero-cylinderical prescription
The following are some examples to illustrate application of the rule
Therefore, the sphero-cylindrical prescription is: +2.00DC – 1.00DC x 90
Given: -1.00DC x 135/-3.00DCx45
Rule 1. (sphere power) -3.00DS
Rule 2. (cylindrical power) -1.00 – (-3.00)
-1.00 + 3.00 = +2.00
Rule 3. (axis): 135
Therefore. The sphero-cylindrical prescription is: -3.00DC + 2.00DC x 135
Toric transposition
A toric lens is practical same as a cylindrical lens. By these design the surfaces of toric lenses are more curved (or bent) than the surfaces of cylindrical lenses. But unlike the flat cylindrical lens prescription, the toxic prescription will indicate the various curves that have been incorporated during the process of production to arrive at a particular prescription. This explain why a toric lens prescription have the following three parts
The base curve (BC)
The cross curve (CC)
The sphere curve (SC)
To produce a particular prescription from a lens blanks these three components with their different powers will be generated in the factory. This process is called surfacing
Since most of the physical properties of toric lenses are similar to cylindrical lens and vice versa. This means that given a specific toric lens prescription, the sphero-cylindrical prescription of equivalent power can be deduced from it by applying the following rules.Related Topic procreteconstruction 3 people Job Vacancy in Australia
Rule 1 (sphere power) = base curve + sphere curve
Rule 2 (cylinder power) = cross curve – base curve
Rule 3 (axis) same as axis of cross curve
The following example is meant to illustrate the application of those rules:
Rule 1 (sphere power): +2.00 + (-3.00) = -1.00DS
Rule 2 (cylinder power) +4.00 – 2.00 = +2.00DC
Rules 3 (axis) = 180
Sphero-cylindrical prescription: -1.00DS + 2.00DC x 180
Importance of transposition
After an optometrist has done a refraction for a patient, the optometrist takes the prescription to the optician and the lens prescription is given to be + 1.00DS-2.00DC x 180 and the optician check the stocks of lens available and founds that (+1.00DS – 2.00DC x 180) prescription is not in stock, what the optician need to do is to transpose the prescription.
+1.00DS – 2.00DC x 180
– 1.00DS + 2.00DC x 90.
So instead of the optician finding it as a problem of getting + 1.00DS-2.00DC x 180 the optician simply go for -1.00DS + 2.00DC x90 it makes dispensing cylindrical lenses easy instead of keeping your patient waiting or ordering for more lenses when unknowing to you it is your stock.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transposition is important because it helps and optician to get an equivalent (same) prescription for a given prescription. It is also important for an optician to be acquitted with the knowledge of transposition. An optician should not be ignorant of keeping a patient waiting or placing an order for a cylindrical lens prescription when there is an alternative form of that prescription in stock, all you need to do is to transpose.
References
Efe Odjimogho, O.D. FNCO (2012). In laboratory manual, senior lecturer optometry department faulty of life science, university of Benin.
Mr. Nsubuisi Igboekwe (2013). Ophthalmic workshop dispensing lab ii
San Francisco, American Academy of ophthalmology 2011-2012
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease that keeps your body from using insulin the way it should. People with type 2 diabetes are said to have insulin resistance.
People who are middle-aged or older are most likely to get this kind of diabetes. It used to be called adult-onset diabetes. But type 2 diabetes also affects kids and teens, mainly because of childhood obesity.
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. There are about 29 million people in the U.S. with type 2. Another 84 million have prediabetes, meaning their blood sugar (or blood glucose) is high but not high enough to be diabetes yet.
Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be so mild that you don’t notice them. About 8 million people who have it don’t know it. Symptoms include:
If you have dark rashes around your neck or armpits, see your doctor. These are called acanthosis nigricans, and they can be signs that your body is becoming resistant to insulin.CONTINUE READING BELOW
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. It helps your cells turn glucose, a type of sugar, from the food you eat into energy. People with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but their cells don’t use it as well as they should.
At first, your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get glucose into your cells. But eventually, it can’t keep up, and the glucose builds up in your blood instead.
Too much glucose from your liver. When your blood sugar is low, your liver makes and sends out glucose. After you eat, your blood sugar goes up, and your liver will usually slow down and store its glucose for later. But some people’s livers don’t. They keep cranking out sugar.
Bad communication between cells. Sometimes, cells send the wrong signals or don’t pick up messages correctly. When these problems affect how your cells make and use insulin or glucose, a chain reaction can lead to diabetes.
Broken beta cells. If the cells that make insulin send out the wrong amount of insulin at the wrong time, your blood sugar gets thrown off. High blood sugar can damage these cells, too.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Certain things make it more likely that you’ll get type 2 diabetes. The more of these that apply to you, the higher your chances of getting it are. Some things are related to who you are:
Age. 45 or older
Family. A parent, sister, or brother with diabetes
Ethnicity. African American, Alaska Native, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander American
Risk factors related to your health and medical history include:
Your doctor can test your blood for signs of type 2 diabetes. Usually, they’ll test you on 2 days to confirm the diagnosis. But if your blood glucose is very high or you have many symptoms, one test may be all you need.
A1c. It’s like an average of your blood glucose over the past 2 or 3 months.
Fasting plasma glucose. This is also known as a fasting blood sugar test. It measures your blood sugar on an empty stomach. You won’t be able to eat or drink anything except water for 8 hours before the test.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This checks your blood glucose before and 2 hours after you drink something sweet to see how your body handles the sugar.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Managing type 2 diabetes includes a mix of lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes
You may be able to reach your target blood sugar levels with diet and exercise alone.
Weight loss. Dropping extra pounds can help. While losing 5% of your body weight is good, losing at least 7% and keeping it off seems to be ideal. That means someone who weighs 180 pounds can change their blood sugar levels by losing around 13 pounds. Weight loss can seem overwhelming, but portion control and eating healthy foods are a good place to start.
Healthy eating. There’s no specific diet for type 2 diabetes. A registered dietitian can teach you about carbs and help you make a meal plan you can stick with. Focus on:
Exercise. Try to get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. You can walk, bike, swim, or do anything else that gets your heart rate up. Pair that with strength training, like yoga or weightlifting. If you take a medication that lowers your blood sugar, you might need a snack before a workout.
Watch your blood sugar levels. Depending on your treatment, especially if you’re on insulin, your doctor will tell you if you need to test your blood sugar levels and how often to do it.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
Medication
If lifestyle changes don’t get you to your target blood sugar levels, you may need medication. Some of the most common for type 2 diabetes include:
Meglitinides. They help your body make more insulin, and they work faster than sulfonylureas. You might take nateglinide (Starlix) or repaglinide (Prandin).
Thiazolidinediones. Like metformin, they make you more sensitive to insulin. You could get pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitazone (Avandia). But they also raise your risk of heart problems, so they aren’t usually a first choice for treatment.
Even if you change your lifestyle and take your medicine as directed, your blood sugar may still get worse over time. That doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Diabetes is progressive, and many people eventually need more than one drug.
When you take more than one drug to control your type 2 diabetes, that’s called combination therapy.
You and your doctor should work together to find the best mix for you. Usually, you’ll keep taking metformin and add something else.
What that is may depend on your situation. Some drugs control blood sugar spikes (your doctor may call this hyperglycemia) that come right after meals, for instance. Others are more effective at stopping drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) between meals. Some may help with weight loss or cholesterol, as well as your diabetes.
You and your doctor should talk about any possible side effects. Cost may be an issue as well.
If you take medication for something else, that will need to be factored into any decision.CONTINUE READING BELOW
You’ll need to see your doctor more often when you start taking a new combination of drugs.
You might find that adding a second drug doesn’t bring your blood sugar under control. Or the combination of two drugs might work only for a short time. If that happens, your doctor might consider a third noninsulin drug, or you may start insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help you lower your risk of diabetes.
Lose weight. Dropping just 7% to 10% of your weight can cut your risk of type 2 diabetes in half.
Get active. Thirty minutes of brisk walking a day will cut your risk by almost a third.
Eat right. Avoid highly processed carbs, sugary drinks, and trans and saturated fats. Limit red and processed meats.
Quit smoking. Work with your doctor to keep from gaining weight after you quit, so you don’t create one problem by solving another.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
Type 2 Diabetes Complications
Over time, high blood sugar can damage and cause problems with your:
Heart and blood vessels. You’re up to five times more likely to get heart disease or have a stroke. You’re also at high risk of blocked blood vessels (atherosclerosis) and chest pain (angina).
Kidneys. If your kidneys are damaged or you have kidney failure, you could need dialysis or a kidney replacement.
Eyes. High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the backs of your eyes (retinopathy). If this isn’t treated, it can cause blindness.
Nerves. This can lead to trouble with digestion, the feeling in your feet, and your sexual response.
Skin. Your blood doesn’t circulate as well, so wounds heal slower and can become infected.
Pregnancy. Women with diabetes are more likely to have a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or a baby with a birth defect.
Sleep. You might develop sleep apnea, a condition in which your breathing stops and starts while you sleep.
Hearing. You’re more likely to have hearing problems, but it’s not clear why.
Brain. High blood sugar can damage your brain and might put you at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Depression. People with the disease are twice as likely to get depressed as people who don’t have it.
The best way to avoid these complications is to manage your type 2 diabetes well.
Take your diabetes medications or insulin on time.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.
Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage.
Because vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be recovered, it’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure so a diagnosis can be made in its early stages and treated appropriately. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have the condition, you’ll generally need treatment for the rest of your life.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. For example:
Open-angle glaucoma
Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes
Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Severe headache
Eye pain
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye redness
If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
Promptly go to an emergency room or an eye doctor’s (ophthalmologist’s) office if you experience some of the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, such as severe headache, eye pain and blurred vision.
Causes
Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your visual field. For reasons that doctors don’t fully understand, this nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye.
Elevated eye pressure is due to a buildup of a fluid (aqueous humor) that flows throughout the inside of your eye. This internal fluid normally drains out through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. When fluid is overproduced or the drainage system doesn’t work properly, the fluid can’t flow out at its normal rate and eye pressure increases.
Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some people, scientists have identified genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage.
Types of glaucoma include:
Open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. The drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. This causes pressure in the eye to gradually increase. This pressure damages the optic nerve. It happens so slowly that you may lose vision before you’re even aware of a problem.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma, occurs when the iris bulges forward to narrow or block the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris. As a result, fluid can’t circulate through the eye and pressure increases. Some people have narrow drainage angles, putting them at increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
Angle-closure glaucoma may occur suddenly (acute angle-closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.
Normal-tension glaucoma
In normal-tension glaucoma, your optic nerve becomes damaged even though your eye pressure is within the normal range. No one knows the exact reason for this. You may have a sensitive optic nerve, or you may have less blood being supplied to your optic nerve. This limited blood flow could be caused by atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries — or other conditions that impair circulation.
Glaucoma in children
It’s possible for infants and children to have glaucoma. It may be present from birth or develop in the first few years of life. The optic nerve damage may be caused by drainage blockages or an underlying medical condition.
Pigmentary glaucoma
In pigmentary glaucoma, pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, slowing or blocking fluid exiting your eye. Activities such as jogging sometimes stir up the pigment granules, depositing them on the trabecular meshwork and causing intermittent pressure elevations.
Because chronic forms of glaucoma can destroy vision before any signs or symptoms are apparent, be aware of these risk factors:
Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
Being over age 60
Being black, Asian or Hispanic
Having a family history of glaucoma
Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia
Having corneas that are thin in the center
Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted
Having had an eye injury or certain types of eye surgery
Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, for a long time
Prevention
These self-care steps can help you detect glaucoma in its early stages, which is important in preventing vision loss or slowing its progress.
Get regular dilated eye examinations. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma in its early stages, before significant damage occurs. As a general rule, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every five to 10 years if you’re under 40 years old; every two to four years if you’re 40 to 54 years old; every one to three years if you’re 55 to 64 years old; and every one to two years if you’re older than 65. If you’re at risk of glaucoma, you’ll need more frequent screening. Ask your doctor to recommend the right screening schedule for you.
Know your family’s eye health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you’re at increased risk, you may need more frequent screening.
Exercise safely. Regular, moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.
Take prescribed eyedrops regularly. Glaucoma eyedrops can significantly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. To be effective, eyedrops prescribed by your doctor need to be used regularly even if you have no symptoms.
Wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing high-speed racket sports in enclosed courts.
Open-angle glaucomaOpen pop-up dialog box