Speak with your doctor about any changes in your vision. People 65 or
older should be examined annually by an ophthalmologist, a doctor
specializing in eye health. Those with a family history of eye disease
or diabetes should receive a dilated-pupil eye exam. Early detection may
prevent significant visual impairment -- and its accompanying loss of
function and independence.
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Write commentsThe arteries in the back of your eyes, which ophthalmologists look at during eye exams, can be a window into your health. In this Treadmill Talk, Sharecare expert Dr. Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer...Full Answer
ReplyA device that stimulates tears could transform the treatment of dry eyes. The tiny device, injected close to the tear gland above the eye, is being tested in a clinical trial.
ReplyInitial animal studies suggest it can increase the production of tears fivefold.
As many as one in 15 people over the age of 50 suffers from dry eyes, typically caused by dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, where the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly.
Tears contain oils, mucus, salts and proteins - but the bulk is made up of a watery liquid produced by the lacrimal glands.
As many as one in 15 people over the age of 50 suffers from dry eyes, typically caused by dry eye syndrome
As many as one in 15 people over the age of 50 suffers from dry eyes, typically caused by dry eye syndrome
Tears provide lubrication to keep the eye surface smooth and clear. They also reduce the risk of eye infection and wash away foreign matter.
Without enough tears the eyes feel gritty and can become red or swollen, and sometimes painful. The eyelids may stick together and the vision blur from time to time.
Dry eyes can occur simply from being in a hot, dry climate. However, with dry eye syndrome the problem is chronic.
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It can be caused by changes in hormone levels - hormones help drive the production of tears, which is why post-menopausal women are more prone to the condition.
Dry eyes can also occur as a result of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where tear glands become inflamed.
There is no cure. Lubricating drops can help, but don't provide the full benefits of tears, which have antibacterial properties.
Now researchers at Stanford University in the U.S. are testing whether stimulating the lacrimal glands with a tiny electrical current can help trigger the production of tears.
Animal studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of the gland increased tear production fivefold
Animal studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of the gland increased tear production fivefold
The device is injected (under local anaesthetic) close to the lacrimal gland, which is just above the outer corner of the eye.
The device is only 1 mm wide but contains an electrode that fires mild pulses of electricity at the gland to stimulate the release of tears.
The pulse of electricity can be altered by an external controller (used by a doctor) that communicates to the device using wi-fi. The device itself can remain in place permanently, if required.
Animal studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of the gland increased tear production fivefold. It's thought that the electrical signals activate the nerves controlling the tiny muscles that operate the gland. In a new trial, 20 people with dry eye will have the device - called the Lacrimal Gland Stimulator -implanted for 12 months.
Commenting on the technology, Sheraz Daya, a consultant eye surgeon at the Centre for Sight, London, said: 'The fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands contains between 50 and 60 proteins, which are very important for the well being of the eye surface.
'They are also important as a defence against infection.
'If this concept really does work, it should be better than current dry eye therapies, such as artificial tear supplements, which are only a substitute fluid.'
HE ADDS: 'The application of this technology could be revolutionary in those with severe dry conditions and chemical injuries where patients have to put drops in their eyes every few minutes.
'There is nothing like having your own tears!'
A device that stimulates tears could transform the treatment of dry eyes. The tiny device, injected close to the tear gland above the eye, is being tested in a clinical trial.
ReplyInitial animal studies suggest it can increase the production of tears fivefold.
As many as one in 15 people over the age of 50 suffers from dry eyes, typically caused by dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, where the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly.
Tears contain oils, mucus, salts and proteins - but the bulk is made up of a watery liquid produced by the lacrimal glands.
As many as one in 15 people over the age of 50 suffers from dry eyes, typically caused by dry eye syndrome
As many as one in 15 people over the age of 50 suffers from dry eyes, typically caused by dry eye syndrome
Tears provide lubrication to keep the eye surface smooth and clear. They also reduce the risk of eye infection and wash away foreign matter.
Without enough tears the eyes feel gritty and can become red or swollen, and sometimes painful. The eyelids may stick together and the vision blur from time to time.
Dry eyes can occur simply from being in a hot, dry climate. However, with dry eye syndrome the problem is chronic.
More...
Anaesthetic that lifts depression: Many patients given ketamine showed improvement after just 24 hours
Do tomatoes give you body odour? Plant stalks are filled with an oil that smells like sweat
It can be caused by changes in hormone levels - hormones help drive the production of tears, which is why post-menopausal women are more prone to the condition.
Dry eyes can also occur as a result of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where tear glands become inflamed.
There is no cure. Lubricating drops can help, but don't provide the full benefits of tears, which have antibacterial properties.
Now researchers at Stanford University in the U.S. are testing whether stimulating the lacrimal glands with a tiny electrical current can help trigger the production of tears.
Animal studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of the gland increased tear production fivefold
Animal studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of the gland increased tear production fivefold
The device is injected (under local anaesthetic) close to the lacrimal gland, which is just above the outer corner of the eye.
The device is only 1 mm wide but contains an electrode that fires mild pulses of electricity at the gland to stimulate the release of tears.
The pulse of electricity can be altered by an external controller (used by a doctor) that communicates to the device using wi-fi. The device itself can remain in place permanently, if required.
Animal studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of the gland increased tear production fivefold. It's thought that the electrical signals activate the nerves controlling the tiny muscles that operate the gland. In a new trial, 20 people with dry eye will have the device - called the Lacrimal Gland Stimulator -implanted for 12 months.
Commenting on the technology, Sheraz Daya, a consultant eye surgeon at the Centre for Sight, London, said: 'The fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands contains between 50 and 60 proteins, which are very important for the well being of the eye surface.
'They are also important as a defence against infection.
'If this concept really does work, it should be better than current dry eye therapies, such as artificial tear supplements, which are only a substitute fluid.'
HE ADDS: 'The application of this technology could be revolutionary in those with severe dry conditions and chemical injuries where patients have to put drops in their eyes every few minutes.
'There is nothing like having your own tears!'
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