Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
A comprehensive review of ophthalmologic diseases and conditions is prevented, which discusses recent developments in drug and surgical therapy. Some of the topics touched upon are mentioned briefly here. Inclusional conjunctivitis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis organism, exists both in adults and can be transmitted to newborn at the time of a vaginal birth from an infected mother. The condition can also be passed eye-to-eye and by infectious organisms living in a poorly chlorinated swimming pool. Radial keratotomy is a surgical method of correcting vision by making deep incisions on the eye's cornea to flatten the surface and change its refractive qualities. Although the method can be highly effective, its results remain unpredictable, and the long-term effects of the treatment are not known. Microbial keratitis, microbial or protozoan infections of the cornea, as a result of contact lens is becoming more frequent. It is estimated that over 20 percent of contact lens wearers experience such infections annually. These infections are related to improper handling of lenses and fluids used to clean them; a significant reduction in number of infections can be achieved by improved sterile technique and hand-washing. Viral infections such as those caused by Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster (which also causes chickenpox and shingles) are also common problems and are among the most frequent causes of corneal blindness. The infecting virus can remain in the body, even in the absence of symptoms, remaining in the ganglia (an aggregation of nerve cells) of the trigeminal nerve. Glaucoma, a condition of increased fluid pressure within the eyeball, is discussed and conventional drug therapies are reported. While the cause of cataracts (opacities of the lens of the eye) remains largely unknown, recent studies appear to implicate near-ultraviolet radiation in sunlight and artificial light as a contributory influence. Prevention and new surgical treatments such as the implantation of an intraocular lens are discussed. Diseases of the retina that are discussed include diabetic retinopathy (degeneration because of diabetes), and retinopathy of prematurity (degeneration in newborn infants caused by high oxygen concentration). (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1990
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Ophthalmology
Article Abstract:
Controversy still surrounds radial keratotomy (RK), a surgical procedure used to correct nearsightedness, or myopia, while new techniques using lasers are becoming more common. RK is generally most effective for patients who are only slightly nearsighted. Side effects of RK include a tendency for the patient to develop farsightedness over time and incidences of surgical overcompensation for the myopia. Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy uses a laser to accomplish the same surgical end as RK. It, too, seems most effective for patients who are only slightly nearsighted. Laser keratectomy has safety and efficacy rates similar to those of RK. New laser technologies using picosecond frequency lasers show promise for treatment of both near- and far-sightedness.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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The red eye
Article Abstract:
The causes and treatment of several conditions that can cause red eyes is presented. The causes include subconjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and other inflammations of the eyelids, episcleritis, scleritis, pterygium, acute angle-closure glaucoma, acute anterior uveitis, and superficial keratitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, chlamydia, and allergy. Many of these patients can be treated by a primary care physician, but others should be referred immediately to an ophthalmologist.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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