Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
Many advances have been made in the field of ophthalmology, a specialty involved with eye diseases. Glaucoma is an especially common eye disorder, which can result in blindness if not treated. The ailment affects nearly 2 percent of all people over the age of 40. In the majority of cases, the pressure of the fluid within the eye increases. Drugs have been developed that help to reduce this pressure. In particularly serious cases, surgery may be used to provide drainage for excess fluid. Evidence is accumulating to indicate that some of the visual loss that can occur in cases of glaucoma results from nerve damage. One of the main questions facing future glaucoma research is why this nerve damage occurs. A related and equally important question is why this nerve damage occurs in some patients, but not in others. Another common disorder treated by ophthalmologists is cataracts, in which the normally clear tissue of the lens becomes clouded. Surgical procedures now permit the replacement of lens tissue with artificial substances. Advances are being made in the transplantation of corneas, as well. New solutions are being developed that permit the storage of living corneal tissue for longer periods of time. With the help of the new solutions, which included the natural substance chondroitin sulfate, the cornea may be stored for more than a week after the death of the cornea donor. This permits greater flexibility in scheduling the corneal surgery, as well as the assembly of a surgical team with the required expertise. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
New approaches in ophthalmology are described. Myopia (nearsightedness) can be corrected with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a method in which tissue is delicately removed from the cornea (the convex front part of the eye). The original PRK approach has been modified so that the physician can 'sculpt' the cornea to a desired shape. Fewer than 100 patients have received PRK in the US, but those with low to moderate myopia had accurately corrected vision at two-year follow-up evaluations. More severe myopia has not been treated successfully with PRK. The excimer laser can also be used to remove scars on the cornea, which impair vision, such as might occur after corneal infections. Cataract patients usually receive implants of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) at the time of cataract removal, and wear bifocals after surgery. Newer surgical methods use bifocal IOLs, obviating the need for spectacles in many cases. Developments in the surface structure of IOLs are discussed briefly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
Studies are focusing on the role of food and supplements that may prevent macular degeneration of the eye. The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group found that carotenoids in dark green, leafy vegetables lowered the risk of macular degeneration. About 74% of diabetic patients can develop diabetic retinopathy, which causes loss of vision. Patients who were diagnosed before age 30 showed the highest risk; those not taking insulin had the lowest risk. Intravenous methylprednisolone has been very successful in preventing the development of multiple sclerosis in patients with acute optic neuritis, compared to the use of oral prednisone.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: