Kyphosis - Information on Curved Spine

Kyphosis - Information on Curved Spine

Kyphosis is a progressive spinal disorder which causes a curved spine, resulting in a "humpback" or "hunchback". It is a general disorder, which can be further defined into several subcategories, such as hyperkyphosis or sharp angular Gibbus Deformity.
Hyperkyphosis refers to an excessive curvature which exceeds the normal range. It is nearly always found in the thoracic portion of the spine, and is commonly caused by the effects of osteoporosis in adults. The effects of hyperkyphosis usually tend to result in a more gradual curvature.
Gibbus Deformity is a form of structural kyphosis, and is more pronounced than hyperkyphosis. In this condition, the posterior curve takes on a sharp angle. The angle may become more pronounced when bending forward.
Kyphosis can be separated into two main categories: postural and structural.
Postural
Postural kyphosis is normally a less-severe condition, and can usually be corrected easier. It is usually attributed to poor posture, or spine fractures caused by trauma or osteoporosis. Mild cases can normally be corrected by the patient, sometimes with the help of a brace.
Structural
Structural kyphosis is most often more severe, and may very well require medical intervention. This is an abnormality affecting the bones, intervertebral discs, nerves, ligaments, or muscles of the spine. The two most common forms of structural kyphosis are congenital and Scheuermann's Disease.
Congenital kyphosis is defined as a spinal curvature abnormality existing at birth.
Scheuermann's Disease is commonly described as juvenile kyphosis. It is usually noticed between the ages of 12 and 15. the cause of this disease is unknown, but some experts speculate that it may be familial. The normal definition of Scheuermann's Disease is an abnormal thoracic curvature which causes anterior vertebral wedging of at least 5° and involving at least 3 consecutive vertebrae.
Treatment
Mild to moderate postural kyphosis can usually be corrected through exercises or physical therapy. Strengthening the paravertebral muscles and making a conscious effort to correct poor posture commonly yields successful results.

Cataract Treatment and Prevention

Cataract Treatment and Prevention

Cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. Cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. Cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Cataracts may be present at or shortly after birth. These are called congenital cataracts. Cataracts are classified of three types permary is nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
Secondry is cortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts.Third is subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract. Congenital cataracts can also be caused by infections affecting the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella. They are also associated with metabolic disorders such as galactosemia. Congenital cataracts risk factors include is inherited metabolic diseases, a family history of cataracts, and maternal viral infection during pregnancy. Congenital cataracts may be inherited. The gene for such cataracts is dominant (autosomal dominant inheritance), which means that the defective gene will cause the condition even if only one parent passes it along.
Causes of Cataract
1.Injury or trauma.
2.Genetic factors (congenital cataracts).
3. Exposure to ultraviolet light.
4.Diet high in antioxidants beta-carotene (vitamin A).
5.Heavy alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of Cataract
1.Cloudy or blurry vision
2.Problems with light, including headlights that seem too bright.
3.Faded colors.
4.Poor night vision.
5.Frequent changes in prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Treatment of Cataract
The only treatment for cataract is surgery to remove it. Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with over 1.5 million cataract surgeries done each year. There are 2 types of surgery that can be used to remove lenses that have a cataract First is Extracapsular surgery consists of surgically removing the lens, but leaving the back half of the capsule (the outer covering of the lens) whole. High-frequency sound waves (phacoemulsification) may be used to soften the lens to help removing it through a smaller cut second is Intracapsular surgery involves surgically removing the entire lens, including the capsule.

Cataract Symptoms And Causes

Cataract Symptoms And Causes

Symptoms include blurry vision that is made worse when subjected to bright light (ie sunlight or bright headlights when driving). Light may seem to scatter or there may be halos (rings) around light sources.
Others will describe their symptoms as cloudy, fuzzy or foggy vision. Both eyes will typically be affected; however, it is not unusual for one eye to be worse than the other. Symptoms of cataracts tend to develop gradually but overall vision will continue to deteriorate if not treated and can lead to blindness.
Cataracts often occur with aging and are more common over 60 years of age. Risk increases with a family history of cataracts, hardening of arteries, diabetes mellitus, long term use of cortisone drugs, smoking, or exposure to radiation. Cataracts can be present in infants (congenital cataracts).
Cataract Diagnosis And Treatment
A person with cataracts will notice the symptoms listed above and these changes in vision should be reported to a physician or eye doctor. A person developing cataracts may require frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. The evaluation may include a physical examination and ophthalmic (eye) examination such as a standard eye exam or slit lamp examination.
Surgical removal and replacement of the affected lens is necessary to restore normal vision. If a cataract is not interfering with normal daily activities, then surgery may not be considered necessary. In mild cases of cataracts, changing glasses or getting stronger bifocals may be sufficient to restore adequate vision.

Cataract Removal and Lens Implant

Cataract Removal and Lens Implant

Cataracts in both eyes had affected my quality of life. Certainly, cataracts were not a good match for a professional writer. Reading incoming email was difficult and proofreading was a real challenge. I did not drive at night because I saw halos around car head lights and street lights. "Are you ready for cataract surgery and a lens implant?" asked the eye doctor. My answer was an instant yes.
Using a plastic model of the eye, the eye doctor explains the surgical procedure. Though his explanation was low-key it made me nervous, for I did not want anyone, even a skilled surgeon, messing around with my eye. "Cataract Surgery, "an article on the Mayo Clinic website, describes the procedure. The article says surgery is needed if" a cataract is making it difficult for you to carry out normal activities. "
My eye doctor gave me a list of steps to follow before surgery. To prevent infection, I was to put antibiotic drops in my eyes for several days and the morning of surgery. I was to stop eating at 7 pm the evening before surgery and could not eat breakfast. I was not wear a turtleneck sweater or any makeup. Of course I followed these rules to the letter.
According to an article on the All About Vision website, "Guide to Eye Cataracts," cataract surgery is usually successful and restores vision. "Nine out of 10 people who have cataract surgery regain good vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 , "notes the article. Hopefully, my surgery would have this result.
I was the first patient on the surgical schedule. My doctor gave me a step-by-step summary of what would happen. A nurse would review my medial history. Drops would be put in my eye to dilate the pupil. An anesthesiologist would give me medicine that made me sleepy. In the operating room I would be asleep for a few minutes. During this time I would receive local anesthesia to numb the eye.
The chair I had been sitting in was set back to become a rolling surgical table and I was wheeled into the operating room. It was so cold I asked for a blanket and, in seconds, was wrapped in a warm cocoon. As the surgeon worked I could shadows in my eye. Though I felt him insert the new lens, I felt no pain. The surgery lasted about 25 minutes, a metal shield was placed over my eye, and I was sent home.
"New Lenses Offer Cataract Patients Clearer Future," a 2007 article on the Medical News Today website, describes the lenses that are available. According to the article, these lenses "can respond to the six muscles in the eye that control movement." And a December 2009 article about lenses on the Medicine Net website, says three types of lenses are available: monofocal (high-quality distance vision), toric (corrects astigmatism) and multifocal.