Cataract

When the lens of the eye is clouded with protein lumps, it forms a smoky screen called a cataract. A cataract tends to grow larger over time and cloud most of the eye's natural lens. Due to the cloudiness, the lens is not able to transmit clear pictures to the retina and vision is affected. Age-related cataracts are the most common type of cataracts that are observed. A nuclear cataract is formed in the center of the lens and is part of the natural ageing process. A cortical cataract develops in the lens cortex and gradually extends towards the lens. This is noticed largely among patients suffering from diabetes. They are also likely to develop subcapsular cataract that forms at the back of the lens. Some babies are born with congenital cataracts. Secondary cataract develops as a result of diabetes or other diseases or medications. Cataract does not spread from one eye to the other and does not cause permanent blindness.

A person suffering from cataract will notice slightly blurred vision. Most of the symptoms of cataract depend on the type of cataract that has occured. While a patient suffering from subcapsular cataract may not notice any symptoms, a nuclear cataract can give rise to a temporary improvement in vision followed by worsened condition. Symptoms associated with cataract are blurred vision, light sensitivity and poor night vision. The cloudiness over the lens depends on the amount of cataract and its location. If it is near the center of the lens, vision is badly affected. A patient suffering from cataract may not be able to notice colors brightly and may complain of double vision.

Cataract surgery is the only treatment for cataracts. It has a high success rate in restoring good vision to cataract patients. Opthalmologists are of the opinion that long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight's UV rays may be a cause for formation of cataracts. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke and air pollution. Eating a diet high in antioxidants, vitamins C and E may play a role in keeping cataracts at bay.

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.

There are many diet plans around catering to various requirements. Food plays an important role in our lives. Understanding our body requirements and adapting our lifestyles with healthy food options that provide vital nutrition and energy can go a long way in maintaining good health. This has assumed more importance today on account of the deteriorating diet patterns, especially that of growing kids. Keep obesity, high cholesterol and other diseases such as anemia and osteoporosis at bay by choosing healthy food substitutes.

For example to keep Osteoporosis at bay, eating a calcium-rich diet can help. Including milk, particularly skimmed milk and low fat yogurt can help you build your calcium deposits. Spinach is a source of non-dairy calcium. Anemia is of particular concern to women, especially those who resort to dieting. Consuming meat, fish and poultry or leafy green vegetables, nuts and breakfast cereals can provide you with adequate iron.

Similarly Lutein is a pigment found in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens, corn and egg yolks. Lutein as an antioxidant reduces the effects of free radicals. Lutein in adequate quantities in the diet can help ward off Macular Degeneration or MD , a condition in which the center of retina suffers permanent damage due to a number of causes - natural degradation triggered by ageing or by undue exposure to strong light. Another carotenoid, zeaxanthin again has similar beneficial effects on the eyes. In addition some studies have indicated that these carotenoids can also help prevent cataracts.