Vision loss more common in diabetics Oct 14, 2008
It has been brought to light that even though diabetic patients may try to keep a safe distance from diabetic retinopathy by controlling glucose and blood pressure, they may fall prey to other optical impediments suffered by diabetic patients, such as cataract and glaucoma, may increase the risk of visual impairment. Xinzhi Zhang, M.D., Ph. (India Times, India)
Right sight: Don't ignore your eyes Oct 12, 2008
In India, an estimated 15 million people are blind, out of which there are 2 million children are blind and every year 3 million people develop cataract in their eyes. The figures assume importance this World Sight Day held annually on the Second Thursday of October to focus attention on the issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. (Economic Times)
Tema General Hospital gets modern eye centre Oct 10, 2008
He further said eye equipments such as visual acuity projector, slit lamp biomicroscope, operations microscope, cataract surgical instrument set and lens manipulation extraction hook among others, were needed for the effective running of the centre. He anticipated that the centre would cater for 1,500 patients in and around the metropolis weekly, adding that, the club often embarks on eye screening exercises in the villages near the Tema metropolis. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
7.4 million Ghanaians may go blind if... Oct 10, 2008
Dr Debrah who is also the National Coordinator of the Prevention Blindness programme, said cataract refractive errors which were treatable, formed 50 per cent of all cases of blindness in the country with trachoma accounting for 15 per cent. While these causes were preventable he said glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, sickle cell retinopathy forming 20 per cent of blindness, were more difficult to treat. Dr Debrah said Ghana was ranked high among countries most affected by glaucoma, despite the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ghana, a leader in glaucoma cases - GHS Oct 10, 2008
Giving a presentation on blindness, Dr. Oscar Debrah, Head of the Eye Care Unit of the GHS, said although Ghana was one of the leaders in glaucoma cases in Africa, cataract was the main cause of blindness as it contributed 45-50 per cent of all cases. Glaucoma contributed 15 to 20 per cent; oncho and trachoma also contributing 5 per cent each; childhood blindness 5-10 per cent refractive errors and low vision five per cent and others 10-15 per cent.. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rs 1250 cr allocated for fighting blindness Oct 10, 2008
"Vision 2020 submitted a draft plan to the central government seeking inclusion of not only cataract but also other diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and childhood blindness, besides eye banking, in the 11th five-ye 00004000 ar plan for national control of blindness," G.V. Rao, president of Vision 2020 told TOI.. "After a comprehensive review, the draft plan has been incorporated into the five-year plan," said Rachel Jose, additional director general (ophthalmology), Union ministry of... (Times of India)
Church columnists: October 8, 2008 Oct 8, 2008
I had a nice visit by phone last week with Erlene Self of Tunnel Hill, she had cataract surgery and now she can see how to read. She use to go on our bus trips and we had a great time. (Catoosa County News, GA)
Seniors threatened by blindness Oct 7, 2008
Major threats are age-related macular degeneration, cataract, refractive error and glaucoma. Eye care organizations operating in Canada (see list below) are also focused on this issue, knowing that most vision problems can be prevented or treated. (Canada Newswire)
US orders halt to marketing of eye solution, ointment Sep 24, 2008
The first is an eye solution used to irrigate the eyes during and following cataract surgery, and the second is an ointment to treat sores and ulcers containing papain, which is not FDA approved. "These unapproved products have put consumers health in jeopardy, from reports of permanent vision loss with unapproved balanced salt solutions to a serious drop in blood pressure and increased heart rate from the topical papain products," said Janet Woodcock, the FDA's director for the Center for Drug... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
HEALTH NOTES / Health Fair for one and all is Tuesday Sep 13, 2008
Vision: Cataract and glaucoma screening by Dr. Richard Strecker of Strecker Eye Center. Skin analyzer Melanoma Education Foundation. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Obituaries for Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 Sep 13, 2008
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at United Methodist Church, Cataract. Burial will be in Cataract Cemetery, Cataract. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Trusted LASIK Surgeons Welcomes Leading LASIK Eye Surgery Expert, Inventor David Huang, M.D., Los Angeles, to Its Unique Lasik Directory Service Sep 12, 2008
At the Doheny Laser Vision Center, patients are afforded complete refractive eye care, including LASIK, PRK, lens implants, phakic implants, limbal relaxing incisions, and cataract lens implants procedures ... Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Huang is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, who has awarded him an Achievement Award, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the International Society... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Church columnists: Sept 10, 2008 Sep 11, 2008
Thurman had cataract surgery last week. His eyes are doing fine. (Catoosa County News, GA)
LETTERS: NCT, Sept. 5, 2008 Sep 6, 2008
Have you watched a simple cataract surgery, as the doctor pokes a scalpel into someone's eye. I have. (North County Times)
Day surgery 'could save millions' Sep 4, 2008
These included circumcision, cataract removal and hernia repair. It also noted that the NHS in Scotland had made "steady progress in carrying out more surgical procedures as day surgery since targets were first introduced in the 1990s". (BBC News -- UK)
* Being old is not necessarily such a bad thing Sep 2, 2008
You are unlikely to charm anyone at a party with the melting invitation of your smile and youre preoccupied with wondering about a hearing aid, considering a cataract operation, being begged by your children to hold on to the banister going down stairs. Ah, the children. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Surviving childhood cancer Aug 30, 2008
I had cataract surgery at 4, resulting in the loss of the lens and 70 percent of my vision in my left eye. The bone growth around the orbit of my left eye was stunted, calling for major reconstructive surgery over the years. (Bethel Beacon, CT)
Obituaries for Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Aug 27, 2008
CATARACT Louisa R. Johnson, 87, of rural Cataract died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, in her home ... Burial will be in Cataract Cemetery. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
ORBIS and Alcon Train China's Next Generation of Sight-Savers Aug 26, 2008
The program will concentrate on the treatment and management of pediatric strabismus, glaucoma and cataract - China's leading cause of blindness ... The major causes of blindness in China include cataract, childhood eye diseases, cornea diseases, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. (PR Newswire)
CM announces Rs. 5 lakh each compensation for cataract victims Aug 26, 2008
5 lakh each compensation for cataract victims. Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to each of the 20 people who complained of blurred vision after undergoing cataract surgery during an eye camp at Perambalur ... The camp was conducted by a private Joseph Institute of Ophthalmology on July 28 and the patients were allegedly administered "contaminated" eye drops during a cataract operation then. (Hindu)
8 patients still have critical vision problems Aug 25, 2008
CAUSE FOR CONCERN: Patients who developed vision problems after cataract surgery at Joseph Eye Hospital in Tiruchi on Sunday. TIRUCHI: Eight of the 29 patients, who have been admitted to Joseph Eye Hospital in Tiruchi with complaints of blurred vision after undergoing cataract surgeries at the institution s satellite hospital at Perambalur last month, continued to have critical vision problems ... Joseph Eye Hospital, one of the major voluntary organisations carrying out free cataract surgeries... (Hindu)
Eye donation, a noble act and mission Aug 25, 2008
Those who wear spectacles, those who have had cataract surgery, diabetics and those who are hypertensive can donate eyes. Even a person who is blind from retinal or optic nerve disease can donate eyes, provided the cornea is clear. (Hindu)
Brain 'can beat early blindness' Aug 25, 2008
One woman, who had her vision restored at the age of 12 by a cataract operation, performed almost normally on vision tests at the age of 32 ... Most of the affected children live in remote areas where eye care is not available, and have conditions that could easily be treated, such as cataracts, vitamin A deficiency or conjunctivitis. (Yahoo News -- Brain Research)
Special report: Region's aging population Aug 24, 2008
I go once a year for my prostate and twice a year for my cholesterol, he said, adding that he had a cataract replaced two years ago. I play golf just about every day, and I walk. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Hundreds rescued after dam collapse Aug 18, 2008
Supai is on Havasu and Cataract creeks about 30 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Village, a popular tourist area on the south rim. Havasu Creek feeds the Colorado, which runs the length of the canyon. (Boston Globe)
His tragic loss helps others gain sight Aug 16, 2008
Most of more than 137,000 cataract surgeries at his eye hospital have been free ... More than 137,000 cataract surgeries have been performed at Chandrasekhar Sankurathri's eye hospital ... Since the hospital's opening in 1993, more than 137,000 cataract surgeries have been performed, 90 percent of them free. (CNN -- Health)
English health-care system failing to provide basic care, shows major survey Aug 15, 2008
The researchers also found that substantially more care was provided for general medical conditions (74%) than for geriatric conditions (57%), the latter comprising falls, osteoarthritis, urinary incontinence, vision problems (cataract), hearing problems, and osteoporosis. Interestingly, medical conditions that GPs receive extra rewards for dealing with under the Quality and Outcomes Framework of their current contract were attended to better. (EurekAlert!)
SENIOR SCENE: Classes, trips and seminars coming up! Aug 14, 2008
Cataract and Glaucoma Screenings: Thursday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. until finished. Dr. Richard Strecker will be at the Senior Center to offer free screenings. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Myopia slowed by outdoors Aug 13, 2008
Prevention of myopia is important for future eye health, avoiding increased rates of cataract and glaucoma in adulthood and, in cases of high myopia, possible irreversible visual impairment. Promoting outdoor activity to parents and families, and including more outdoor pursuits in school curricula, could be an important public health measure to avoid the development of myopia. (ScienceAlert)
Obituaries for Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 Aug 12, 2008
Harland L. Higley Sr., 73, of Cataract died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse surrounded by family and friends ... Cataract Sports-man Club, as past president; and hunter safety instructor, helping start the program in the 1970s ... He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Cataract; his children, Tim (Deb) Higley of Cataract, Korrina (Dennis) Craig of Bangor, Wis. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Eye Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital makes impact in Krachi Aug 11, 2008
Kete-Krachi, Aug. 10, GNA - More than 200 cataract patients in Krachi West District are undergoing surgery to correct their eye defects free of charge ... He advised the public to report eye-related problems to the hospital on time rather than resort to concoctions explaining that there was a correlation between cataract and ageing ... Dr Lartey said Himalayans Cataract Society in the United States of America donated the surgery materials. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Implantable Lens May Save Vision in Kids' Lazy Eyes Aug 6, 2008
Unlike cataract surgery that requires removal of the eye's natural lens because it is clouded, these lenses are put on top of a natural lens that can't focus properly, thus helping sharpen vision. They have some risks: Surgical infection, inflammation, a potential for cataracts to form. (Fox News)
Kodak Cuts Retiree Benefits Aug 2, 2008
State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos resumes his full schedule Friday after he had surgery to remove a cataract in his left eye and implant a corrective lens. The Palmyra man convicted of killing a teenage babysitter and the boy she cared for 18 years ago has his first parole hearing during the first week of August. (R News)
Nigeria Health Minister urges action on Visions 2020, 20-2020Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria's Health Minister Hassan MuhammadLawal has challenged health stakeholders to fast-track measurestowardsmaking Nigeria a healthy nation and a leading economy by 2020. 01/08/2008 Full Text... Aug 1, 2008
Half of the blindness is due to cataract (opacity of the lens of the eye) which can be easily treated by a simple and safe modern surgery which gives excellent results ... More than half (57%) of them could have their vision improved by a simple pair of glasses (refractive errors) while another quarter would not have a problem with their sight if they had a cataract operation. (Panapress.com)
NHS criticised over people with learning disability Jul 30, 2008
A man with challenging behaviour whose GP refused to approve cataract treatment because "he can see out of his other eye". Calling for regular health checks, Michael, a former medical consultant and NHS trust chief executive, said: "Sometimes it seems that people with learning disabilities are invisible to everyone except their families - and families say they are not always listened to or heard.". (guardian.co.uk)
Discovery Of Mutated Gene Could Lead To Better Understanding Of ... Jul 28, 2008
Learn how surgery for the cloudy lens of a cataract can restore vision. Most Popular Categories. (Medical News Today (press release))
One million Nigerians blind, says govt survey Jul 28, 2008
The results suggest that half the blindness in Nigeria is due to cataract (opacity of the lens of the eye), which can be easily treated by a simple and safe modern surgery which gives excellent results ... More than half (57 per cent) of them could have their vision improved by a simple pair of glasses (refractive errors) while another quarter would not have a problem with their sight if they had a cataract operation. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
What is Cystoid Macular Edema? Jul 27, 2008
Cataract Extraction: Most cases of cystoid macular edema follow cataract extraction or other intraocular surgery (about 1% of cataract patients will develop CME, and up to 45% of successful retinal reattachment procedures lead to CME). Presumably, the trauma of surgery leads to the production of inflammatory chemicals. (Suite101.com)
Sherman Poole, Pembroke volunteer, receives presidential service award Jul 23, 2008
As a volunteer, Poole has weathered two knee replacements, shoulder surgery, hand surgery, treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma 13 years ago and cataract surgery. He is very empathetic toward the people he drives. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)
Diabetic Hispanics Not Receiving Proper Eye Care Jul 20, 2008
" Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease and Vision Care Guidelines Among Hispanic Individuals in Baltimore With and Without Diabetes Beatriz Muoz, MSc; Michael O'Leary, MA; Fannie Fonseca-Becker, PhD; Evelyn Rosario, BS; Isabel Burguess, BS; Marcela Aguilar, MPH; Cynthia Fickes, BA; Sheila K. West, PhD Archives of Ophthalmology (2008). 126[7]: pp. 968 - 974. Written by: Peter M Crosta Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Please rate this... (Medical News Today)
Rise Seen in Medical Efforts to Treat the Very Old Jul 18, 2008
They include hip and knee replacement, cataract surgery, heart valve replacement, bypass operations, pacemaker implantation and treatment for slow-growing cancers that afflict areas like the prostate. According to the Census Bureau, there were 90,422 centenarians in America in June, up from 50,454 in 2000, and demographers project there could be 1. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
LETTERS: NCT, July 15, 2008 Jul 16, 2008
"Using the political term "partial birth abortion" to describe the procedure known medically as "intact dilation and extraction" is to utilize propaganda. That term is a public-relations invention of those seeking to outlaw a method that is very rarely used, but when deemed medically necessary, is the least invasive to the woman.Please note that we are not just talking about "late term" or "3rd trimester" abortions, which are extremely rare (less than 4 out of 10,000 abortions) and ALWAYS the... (North County Times)
Increased Suicide Risk Associated With Visual Impairment Jul 15, 2008
" Reported Visual Impairment and Risk of Suicide: The 1986-1996 National Health Interview Surveys Byron L. Lam; Sharon L. Christ; David J. Lee; D. Diane Zheng; Kristopher L. Arheart Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(7):975-980. Written by Anna Sophia McKenney Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Please rate this article: (Hover over the stars then click to rate) Patient / Public: or Health Professional: Useful Links Add to: Contact Our News Editors... (Medical News Today)
Outpatient Surgical Center can't reach deal with Blue Cross Jul 13, 2008
Brown said the clinic, located a few blocks away from Lodi Memorial, provides outpatient procedures such as cataract surgery, urological procedures and colonoscopies. In an e-mail statement, Blue Cross spokeswoman Peggy Hinz said her company will continue to try and reach agreements with the surgical clinic and the hospital. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Glaucoma Surgery Studied In Medicare Patients, New Hope For People With End-stage Glaucoma Jul 8, 2008
At the study conclusion point, only eight in 84 eyes had 20/200 visual acuity---meaning the ability to see objects clearly and in detail was severely compromised--and in some of these eyes the loss may have resulted from progressive cataract. Few eyes suffered complete blackout of their central visual field because of glaucoma. (Science Daily)
Resveratrol, Found In Red Wine, Wards Off Effects Of Age On Heart, Bones, Eyes And Muscle Jul 4, 2008
At 30 months of age, resveratrol-treated mice were found to have reduced cataract formation, a condition found to increase with age in control-group mice. Resveratrol enhanced balance and motor coordination in aged animals. (Science Daily)
Brussels offers NHS patients Europe-wide treatment Jul 3, 2008
Traditionally the quality and speed of treatment for elective procedures - such as hip and knee replacements and cataract removals - in countries such as France, Germany and Belgium have made travelling abroad an attractive prospect ... Maybe cataract patients in the UK could fly to Nepal to have world class cataract surgery with just a couple of days wait and then have a holiday here to boot. (Times Online)
Tyree: Step to Better Relations? Jul 1, 2008
R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens. Tuesday July 01, 2008. (R News)
Fire kills three in apartments Jun 30, 2008
Governor David Paterson, 54, of New York, who is legally blind, had a cataract removed and resumed his schedule yesterday. Governor Ted Kulongoski, 68, of Oregon, had his gall bladder removed. (Boston Globe)
Governor Paterson Intervenes in Con Ed Talks Jun 29, 2008
Cockfield said the governor had been monitoring the talks while recovering at his Manhattan home from surgery Saturday morning to remove a cataract. Paterson, concerned about the impact of possible service disruptions on customers created by a strike during the summer, reached out by telephone to Con Edison chief executive Kevin Burke and Harry Farrell, president of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, Cockfield said. (myfoxny.com)
Knife revolution Jun 29, 2008
In 1948, a cataract operation meant a week without moving with the head which was supported by sandbags - now it is over within 20 minutes, and most patients have day surgery. The first UK heart transplant patient in 1968 only survived 46 days - now 24 are carried out in the same period. (BBC News -- UK)
FDA approves Sirion Therapeutics eye inflammation steroid Jun 29, 2008
More than 5 million ophthalmic surgeries, including cataract extraction, are performed each year in the United States. Postoperative inflammation and pain are common occurrences following these procedures and if left untreated, can interfere with a patient's visual rehabilitation or lead to further complications. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Paterson Out Of Hospital After Cataract Surgery Jun 29, 2008
is out of the hospital following a successful surgery to remove a cataract, his authorities said ... The cataract was discovered when he had a laser procedure performed on his left eye May 20 to relieve searing pain from acute glaucoma ... Heller said the cataract could not be removed during the glaucoma procedure last month, so the outpatient surgery was scheduled. (WNBC.com, NY)
5,000 receive free medical treatment in Offinso South Jun 27, 2008
The MP said it came out during the clinics that cataract and glaucoma were common among the people and these could be corrected if the patients sought early medical treatment. He encouraged the people regularly exercise their bodies in order to stay healthy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Key surgeries boosted 8 per cent on funding pledge Jun 26, 2008
The analysis found joint replacement and cataract surgeries accounted for most of the growth in wait time priority surgeries ... It also suggests wait times for elective surgeries, such as joint replacement and cataract surgeries, may benefit from increased resources, said Deber. (Toronto Star)
Push on priority surgeries not felt elsewhere Jun 26, 2008
Joint replacements and cataract surgery accounted for most of the growth in wait time priority surgeries. The increase was greatest in the first year after the accord was signed. (Globe and Mail)
* FEATURE: Flying doctors live legend of Aussie outback Jun 24, 2008
Hes had a cataract removed and treatment for glaucoma, but on the way back home McFadden steered with a devil-may-care nonchalance down a dirt track through sun-bleached grass, open pits and dusty blonde mine rubble. Its the best life out here, he said, explaining why he has spent the past 25 years rummaging through the lands pale rock for the stunning multi-colored opalesque beauty occasionally hidden within. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Rebate 'increased' waiting list Jun 24, 2008
In an analysis of elective surgery waiting times, Dr Duckett found the Federal Government subsidises private cataract operations in Queensland by an average $1500, nearly double the estimated federal support for the treatment in a Queensland public hospital. Dr Duckett produced the research in his role as an adjunct professor of health economics at the University of Queensland and said he was not at liberty to comment on how such findings could influence the commission. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Obama up big; Democrats up even more Jun 22, 2008
You and Dusty need cataract surgery big time. So Poppa Bush has kept us safe. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Fitness: Bumped, bruised father-son team keeps running Jun 21, 2008
Doctors attributed the blurriness to a cataract. Now the injury bug has befallen Warren, who lives in Milwaukee. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
LASIK surgery: Say goodbye to your glasses Jun 18, 2008
Cases range from cataract to LASIK surgeries to potentially blinding conditions such as cornea and retinal diseases. The SNEC now attends to 250,000 outpatient visits, including 16,000 foreign patient visits, and performs 14,000 major eye surgeries and 13,000 laser procedures annually. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
WESTERN MONTANA LIVES - Even in her twilight, age couldn’t slow Lillian Tiedje Jun 17, 2008
The day after Lillian Tiedje had surgery to remove a cataract from an eye, her daughter picked her up at the hospital ... Amazingly, after a second cataract was removed from her other eye at the age of 75, Tiedje never needed more than reading glasses. (Missoulian, MT)
Paterson Undergoes Laser Eye Procedure Jun 17, 2008
The governor also has a cataract in his left eye. After the procedure to relieve the buildup of fluid pressure, Paterson left to attend his son's graduation and serve as commencement speaker. (WNBC.com, NY)
/R E P E A T -- Video B-Roll via Satellite - New Change Foundation report puts human face on navigating Ontario health system/ Jun 12, 2008
NARRATION Toronto resident Betty Skuffham has been through two mastectomies, cataract surgery and a mini stroke and to top it off she's often had to chase down lab results and coordinate her healthcare. BETTY SKUFFHAM You've had tests or you've had surgery or you've had something and what is the result of that. (Canada Newswire)
Glasses look more friendly to kids Jun 11, 2008
An infant who has undergone cataract surgery is left without a natural lens, and one option for restoring vision is a contact lens. "Advances in contact lens technology have given doctors the ability to fit these infants with healthier, better fitting contacts," said Justin Bazan, an optometrist who is opening an eye practice with McRae in Brooklyn next month. (CNN)
