Opthalmoscope

An opthalmoscope is used to examine the retina and vitreous. Ophthalmoscopy aids visualization of the inside of the back of the eye including the retina, optic disc, choroid and blood vessels. It is often part of a routine eye examination. A direct opthalmoscope is used for viewing the central retina. It is hand-held and powered with a light source. The instrument has to be adjusted constantly to focus on different structures within the eye. The light can be intense and disturbing. An indirect ophthalmoscope aids in examining the entire retina. This instrument is attached to the doctor's head and allows a clear view of the retina with a special lens. The patient may feel uncomfortable due to the intense light and pressure from the instrument. Opthalmoscopy is useful in detecting any changes in the retina due to diseases such as eye disease, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure or macular degeneration. Cataracts and other eye problems can be detected with an opthalmoscope.

The patient's eyes are dilated so as to allow a good view of the insides of the eye. Some patients develop allergic reaction, vomiting, nausea and dizziness. This test is conducted in a darkened room where the patient is asked to look ahead at a distant spot. The eyes must be held steady without blinking. The opthalmoscopy procedure may take just about 5 - 10 minutes.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a medical condition that is characterized by loss of vision on account of the blockage of the central artery of the retina. A clot from the carotid artery or the heart is usually the cause for the sudden flow of blood to the retina. Patients suffering from hypertension or carotid artery disease or diabetes are likely to suffer this condition. Arteriosclerosis is another likely cause for Central retinal artery occlusion. Due to the blockage of the retinal central artery, there is sudden and painless loss of vision. Another less severe condition is when a smaller branch artery to the retina gets blocked. This leads to loss in vision that is not as severe as in the case of CRAO.

If not attended to immediately, central retinal artery occlusion can leave a person permanently blinded. It is essential to restore retinal blood flow. An opthalmologist may try to reduce the pressure in the eye with glaucoma agents. The embolus is moved from the central retinal artery to a branch artery. A surgical procedure whereby a small amount of fluid is drawn from the eye is carried out sometimes. This can seek to lower the pressure in the eye. Laser treatment is also done to reduce swelling and improve vision in the case of branch vein occlusion. But in most cases, it is not easy to restore normal vision.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm indicates a localized dilation of a blood vessel. An aortic aneursym is a medical condition where a large artery bulges. This usually occurs due to some inherent weakness in the aortic wall at a particular location. Abdominal aortic aneurysm generally occurs due to infection, congenital weakening of the arterial wall or trauma. With an aortic aneurysm, there is a risk of rupture and possible internal hemorrhage. Rupture of an aneurysm is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal. Men are more likely to develop abdominal aortic aneurysm. Typically this condition occurs in the age group of 60 - 70 years.

Cigarettte smoking, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol can increase the risk of developing aortic aneurysm. Most of the time abdominal aortic aneurysm is asymptomatic. This condition is often noticed during abdominal scan or CT scan. Often aortic aneurysms develop over time. The common cause of an aortic aneursym is arteriosclerosis. This consequently leads to weakened aortic walls. An abdominal aortic aneurysm may cause throbbing in a part of the abdominal mass. But if there has been a rupture, it can result in severe pain in the lower back. The person is likely to feel faint and light headed. There is excessive thirst and tachycardia.

Abdominal x-rays and angriography of aorta can help reveal an aortic aneurysm. The complications of an aortic aneurysm include myocardial infection, arterial embolism and stroke. Medications are prescribed to those suffering from small aortic aneurysms. This can slow down the rate of growth of the aneurysm. Surgical treatment of aortic aneurysm involves opening up the aortal dilation and inserting a patch tube. Surgery is resorted to depending on the state of the aneurysm and its risk of rupture. Stenting is another surgical option for abdominal aortic aneurysm.