Effective remedies for dry eyes

Dry eyes tend to develop when you are not producing enough tears or the tears are not lubricating the eye properly. Your eyes may feel irritated or gritty. People of any age can be affected, but older people, particularly women after the menopause, are more susceptible. The problem is made worse by dry or windy weather, chlorinated swimming pools, and air conditioning or central heating. Diabetes, and certain medications such as antihistamines, can also cause dry eyes, as can inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

Make an appointment to see your doctor to establish the cause of dry eyes.

Applying eye treatments
When using any eye treatment, apply it just inside your lower eyelid. Hold the end of the nazzle or dropper away from your eye to keep it clean.

Seek further medical advice if:
* You often have dry, uncomfortable eyes

* You develop any other symptoms

What you can do yourself
Try the following measures to relieve the discomfort of dry eyes.

* Blink frequently, particularly when you are focusing on detailed work for long periods. Take frequent rests if you are working at a computer.

* For occasional dryness, use artificial tears to moisten your eyes (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).

* Try using a lubricating ointment to keep your eyes moist at night (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).

* In centrally heated rooms, increase the humidity by using a humidifier, or place a bowl of water beside a radiator to keep the air
moist.

* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Cut down on coffee, tea, and cola, as these drinks contain caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

* Wear goggles when swimming.

* Avoid smoky or polluted environments, which could further irritate your eyes.

* Fit side shields to your glasses, especially in windy or dry conditions.

DRUG REMEDIES
Artificial tears include drops containing hypromellose (see EYE LUBRICANTS, p 181), which keep the eyes moist and help to relieve itching. Gels containing substances called carbomers (see EYE LUBRICANTS, p 181) also keep the eyes moist and may be more convenient than drops because they do not need to be applied as often. Don’t wear contact lenses while using these products.
Lubricating eye ointment (see EYE LUBRICANTS, P 181) is applied at bedtime to lubricate the eyes through the night; Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable product.

New laser cutting edge treatment for retinal diseases

by Bill Citron, UNMC Physicians - A new laser is helping experts at the Truhlsen Eye Institute provide better treatment for eye diseases. This advanced laser can prevent blindness for some patients with serious conditions.

"This new laser with yellow light is currently the only one of its caliber in the U.S., and there's only one other being used in the world right now," said Quan Dong Nguyen, M.D., the McGaw Memorial Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology and the director of the Truhlsen Eye Institute.

On July 22, the first patient received treatment from the laser for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the most severe stage of eye disease caused by diabetes.

"This laser is the most cutting-edge laser device available today," said Diana Do, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology and director of the Carl Camras Center for Innovative Clinical Research at the Truhlsen Eye Institute.

Dr. Do was the retina specialist who performed the first treatment.

"It allows us to apply a large number of laser spots in a variety of patterns. Overall, it is more effective, efficient and may be safer than traditional lasers," she said.

Traditional lasers are limited in the number of patterns and pulsing they can accommodate, whereas the new laser allows for more nuanced and problem-specific targeting, Dr. Do said.

The laser provides treatment for various rare eye diseases, including retinal vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma, and retinal tears. In addition, with micropulse application capability, it also can be combined with other therapies to treat diabetic macular edema, the most common cause of moderate vision loss for diabetes patients.

"With diabetes rates on the rise nationally and in Nebraska, more and more patients will be able to benefit from the superior treatment that new technology like this can bring," Dr. Do said.

The full name of the laser is the Supra Scan Multi-spot Laser. It is manufactured by Quantel Medical, which is headquartered in Paris, France.

The Truhlsen Eye Institute, which opened in June 2013 at 3902 Leavenworth St., is the newest building on UNMC's campus, and offers state-of-the-art eye care in many eye subspecialties as well as routine prescription and optical shop services. To make an appointment at the Truhlsen Eye Institute, please call 402-559-2020.

source: healthcanal

Eye health: Top tips for good vision

Today more and more people are turning to a victim of vision impairment due to erratic lifestyles.

Stuck to their computers, LCDs every body is busy ruining their eye sight for the sake of entertainment or work. Ophthalmologist Dr. Vijay Bhatt, gives simple tips for your eyes and improve vision.

Tip for Good Vision # 1: Load up with fish

Adding fish to your diet at least once to twice a week, is the best way to avoid dry-eye syndrome, as fishes are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids.

Tip for Good Vision # 2: Get a regular check-up

Even if you have good vision and have no trouble in reading, go for a vision check at least once a year. This is very good way to detect various eye related ailments and prevent it with proper treatment.

Tip for Good Vision # 3: Keep blinking

Constantly blinking your eyes is a very simple way to keep your eyes fresh and avoid eyestrain. Computer users tend to blink their eyes very less, thus it is recommended that they should follow the exercise of blinking their eyes every three-four seconds.

Tip for Good Vision # 4: Do relaxation exercise

Performing relaxation exercises like placing your hands together, palm to palm and rubbing them to create some heat and placing them on your eyes is a great method to avoid eyestrain. Another great way to relax your eyes is by shutting your eyes and imagining something you like it can be a place, clothes or your wonderland.

Tip for Good Vision # 5: Focus on distance

Since we spent most of the time starring at close objects, adopt a habit of looking at distant things. Try looking at distant objects in your surrounding while walking or sitting.

Tip for Good Vision # 6: Go get some sunshine

Sunshine is the best free treatment for your eyes. Getting some morning or late evening sunshine will help to improve the eyes and pupils, by loosening the tight nerve muscles.

Tip for Good Vision # 7: Treat blurry vision with a glass of water

Water is the best remedy for all your problems. Keep sipping lots of water at regular intervals, because a less frequent blurry vision can be due to dehydration.

Tip for Good Vision # 8: Avoid dry air

Never let the air-conditioned air from your car or your office suck all the moisture from your eyes. Always vent down your A/C panel downwards or away from your face. Air conditioner air can cause serious dryness, which can further cause blindness or any other cornea disorder.

Tip for Good Vision # 9: Wear safety goggles

Eye injuries can also impair your vision in a great way, in order to avoid it always remember to wear safety goggles or eyewear, while working with chemicals, playing sports, bursting crackers or while swimming.

Tip for Good Vision # 10: Lower the brightness level

If you use computer for a longer duration, make sure to lower down the brightness level in order to help your eyes to relax. Don't lower it too much, keep it in moderation.

source: TOI

Eye cancer treatment hit by lack of awareness

HYDERABAD: When Mohammed Sharif spotted redness in his two-year-old son's eyes, he brushed it aside as an allergy. However, when it persisted for many days, he decided to consult a paediatrician, who in turn, referred him to a radiologist who finally diagnosed the child with retinoblastoma.

Commonly known as cancer of the eye, retinoblastoma comprises three per cent of all cancers affecting children aged between up to four years. Around 2,200 new cases of eye cancer are reported every year in India. However, like Sharif, many people are still unaware of the existence of such a condition and hence recognize it too late.

"While on one hand, the levels of awareness have increased in the past decade, there still remains a large chunk of people who are unaware of retinoblastoma. In some cases, because of the lack of awareness, cases are reported in the advanced stages of the disease," said Dr Swati Kaliki, consultant, Orbit and Ocular Oncology Services, at the L V Prasad Eye Institute.

"Timely treatment can save 95 per cent of the children suffering from the disease. In 75 per cent of the cases, the child's vision can be saved. Hence, awareness, early detection and treatment are extremely crucial," she added. This cancer can be easily identified by physical examination due to the presence of an unusual glint in the eye or a white reflex in almost 60 per cent of the cases.

The institute observes around 240-270 cases of retinoblastoma every year. Over 1,800 children have received treatment for the condition at the institute in the past decade.

"Children are much more tolerant and responsive towards anti-cancer drugs as compared to adults. Hence their chances of recovery are also much better, provided that they are treated on time," said Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, director of Apollo Cancer Hospital. He, however, stressed on the importance of liaison between paediatricians and oncologists "It is essential that a paediatrician is aware of the symptoms. Only then will he/she diagnosis the condition, leading to timely treatment," he said.

This week (May 12-May 18) is being observed as World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week across the globe.

source:TOI

Contact Lens: Key tips to prevent eye trouble

Contact lens problems
The most common causes of contact lens problems are lenses that fit badly, poor lens hygiene, sensitivity to cleaning solutions, and dusty, windy environments. If you wear lenses for too long, or get a piece of grit or dirt trapped under the lens, your eyes may become irritated, red, and watery. Sometimes a lens slips under the eyelid and needs to be retrieved and repositioned.

WARNING
Seek immediate medical help if;
* You have pain, blurred or reduced vision, or extreme sensitivity to light
* Your eye is very red

DRUG REMEDIES
Eye drops containing sodium chloride lubricate the eye and make it easier to insert and remove lenses. Don’t use other types of eye drops without seeking advice from your pharmacist because some may damage your lenses.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
If a lens has slipped under your eyelid, the following steps will help you retrieve it.
* First, squeeze 1-2 lubricating eye drops into your eye. If your eye is dry, using drops may be enough to help the lens float back into its correct position.

* If this doesn’t work, close your eye, then guide the lens back into position by pressing lightly on your eyelid with one finger. This should encourage the lens to slide back down over the front of your eye.

Seek medical advice
See your doctor or optometrist promptly if:
* Eye irritation continues or there is a discharge
* You develop any new eye problems

What you can do yourself
The following steps will help to reduce the risk of eye problems when you use contact lenses.

* If your eyes are irritated, take your contact lenses out for an hour or two to see if the symptoms ease. If they recur when you put the lenses back in, consult your optometrist or doctor.

* Try using lubricating eye drops formulated for contact lens wearers.

* Unless you use continuous-wear lenses, don’t wear your lenses for longer than the period of time advised by your optometrist. If this is unavoidable, take them out from time to time to give your eyes a rest. Always remove lenses before going to bed, having a nap, or swimming, bathing, or showering.

* Before handling lenses, wash your hands using an antibacterial or unperfumed soap and rinse them thoroughly. Clean and rinse reusable lenses every time you remove them using approved cleaners and storage solutions. Clean the lens case and air dry it too. Never lick your lenses or use water to wet them.

* Ask your optometrist about using disposable contact lenses, which are worn for just one day and discarded. They don’t need to be cleaned and sterilized and may be less likely to irritate your eyes.

* Take care with make-up. Apply it after you put your lenses in, and don’t use powder eye shadow or loose powder. Keep hairspray away from your eyes.

* Contact lenses can’t really get “lost” in the eye, but sometimes a lens slips under the eyelid. Try this technique to get the lens back into position

Colour-blindness: Key facts and info

Can you imagine a world without colour? Well there are a number of Indian’s who suffer from a condition that makes it impossible to see all or some colours. With the recent news that a large number of BEST bus drivers in Mumbai have been found to be suffering from color-blindness, it’s alarming how we haven’t had many more accidents. Although colour-blindness is not an alarming condition, it is important to know about it.

According to statistics approximately 13,956 people from different regions in India, suffer from colour-blindness. This number is fairly low compared to nations such as Japan, Great Britain or France.

What is colour blindness?

It is a condition where a person cannot figure out the difference between certain colours. This happens because he/she may be born without certain color sensitive pigments in their eyes. These pigments are usually present in the cones of the eye, which are present at the back of the eyeball.

Who does it affect?

Colour-blindness is a hereditary condition that affects mostly the male population. The gene that causes colour-blindness is present on the X chromosome. Since women have two X chromosomes and men have only one, they are more likely to suffer from the condition.

How does it happen?

Eye-anatomy. The eye has a number of components, and one of the most important parts of the eye is the retina. The retina is placed at the back of the eyeball and is packed with nerve endings that carry impulses to the brain along with two types of photoreceptor cells, called the rods and cones. The rods are mainly responsible for perceiving the presence of light and are placed on the outer edge of the retina. The central part is filled with cones. Cones have a number of pigments that help it perform its main function of helping us see colours. These pigments have a different wavelength which when activated helps us perceive a colour.The three main colours that these pigments are sensitive to are– green, blue and red . In the case of colour-blind people, because of the deficiency of certain pigments, they are unable to see these colours. For example what we may see as red, they may see as light green or grey, depending on the type of colour blindness they are suffering from.

Types of colour blindness:

There are mainly three types of colour blindness, the most common type is red-green colour- blindness. People who suffer from this can most often not see green, red and blue.

Monochromatism: In this condition the person can only perceive one type of color. This means that only one type of cone is present in the eye.
Dichromatism: Here the person can see only two colours. Therefore he would have only two types of cones, the third variant would be completely missing.
Anomalous trichomatism: In this condition where the person has all three types of cones but they either malfunctioning or are less in number. People with this kind of colour blindness usually can see a smaller spectrum of colours.

Can a person become colour-blind later in life?

Although colour-blindness is usually an inherited disease, there are certain conditions of the eye that could lead to colour-blindness. Conditions such as cataract can lead to ‘acquired colour-blindness’. Usually a person’s vision comes back to normal once the condition has been reversed with surgery.

Symptoms of colour-blindness:

The most glaring symptom of colour-blindness is the inability to see certain colours. For instance you might be able to see red and green but might not be able to see colours like blue and yellow.
You might be able to see only a few shades of a colour, while most people can see a large variety of colours.
In rare cases you might be able to see only black, white and grey.

Diagnosis of colour-blindness

Since colour-blindness affects a person from childhood , they usually don’t know that they suffer from the condition. In children it is particularly more difficult to diagnose the condition because they learn the colors of objects and apply the same technique when they are given a test for colour-blindness. There are variations to the two main tests used to diagnose the condition.

Ishihara Test: This is the most common test used to diagnose colour-blindness. It involves using a set of cards that have circles of various colours on them. Each circle is made up of a number of coloured dots. A colour-blind person would not be able to figure out the number in the center. A peadiatric version of this test has also been made, mainly for children who cannot read numbers.

Ishihara_plates

Lantern test: This is a test used for people who are either working with or seeking a job in sectors where they have to drive or operate heavy machinery etc. It is usually prescribed to those people who will require the ability to accurately identify colours of lights etc for safety reasons.

Treatment options for colour-blind people

There is currently no treatment available for colour-blindness, but there are measures that can help people with the condition. One innovation in this field is the production of ‘light filtering lenses’. These lenses are made so that a person suffering from the condition is able to see all colours. The lenses help filter the colour of light they cannot see, thereby helping them see all colours. Although in the preliminary stages, this is not widely available.

Driving and colour-blindness:

Driving for someone who is coulour-blind could be down right dangerous. As a driver it is not only important that you are able to differentiate between the different colours in a traffic light, you also have to be able to see the colours of the lights of the vehicle in front of you.For example, a vehicle that is stopping will flash a red light and if the driver is reversing he will flash a yellow light. Not being able to differentiate colours could be life threatening.

How To Cure Itchy Eyes Quickly

Itchy eyes often look red, and there may also be irritation and a burning feeling. You may want to rub them continually. Anything that irritates the eyes, such as smoky atmospheres, dust, or infection, can produce itching, as can allergies such as hay fever or reactions to chlorinated swimming pools, cosmetics, or eye drops.

Sometimes, the edges of the eyelids can become infected. This condition, called blepharitis, results in sore, dry eyes with crusts on the eyelashes. Blepharitis is more common in people who have skin conditions such as dandruff. You may also develop itchy eyes occasionally if you wear contact lenses.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Cleaning your eyelids Unless your doctor advises otherwise, try the following steps to help control blepharitis.

* Soak a clean face cloth in warm water, wring it out, then gently press it on your closed eyelid for about 5 minutes. This will soften and loosen any crusts.

* Mix a little water with an equal amount of baby shampoo. Dip a cotton-wool bud in the mixture, squeeze it out, and roll it along the edge of each eyelid to clean off debris and crusts. Rinse the eyelids with water, and dab them dry with a clean towel.

* Repeat, using a clean cloth, for the other eye.

* Clean your eyelids each morning and bedtime until they improve, then once daily to prevent a recurrence.

Arrange to see your doctor again if :
* Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours

What you can do yourself
The following steps can help relieve the problem or be used with any treatment from your doctor.

* Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can aggravate itching and can spread an infection.

* To help soothe allergic itching and irritation, use a cold compress. Soak a clean cloth (or cotton-wool pads) in cold water, wring it out, and lay it gently on your eyes for a few minutes. Repeat as needed, using a clean cloth or pads each time.

* Use artificial tears to help soothe itching due to allergies or to irritants such as dust and smoke (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* To find out if itching is caused by sensitivity to cosmetics, soap, or face or hair products, stop using them, then reintroduce items one by one to see if the problem returns. Throw away old eye make-up; don’t keep mascara for more than 6 months.

* If you have inflamed eyelids and crusty lashes, treat them with an eyelid-cleaning regime (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE).

DRUG REMEDIES
Artificial tears are available as drops containing hypromellose or gels containing carbomers. Don’t wear contact lenses while you are using these products.

Eye color predict severity of skin conditions

Washington,: Eye color can tell whether you're at risk of serious skin conditions. The blue eyed are less likely to have vitiligo, while the brown eyed may have lower risk of melanoma, says a new study.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease in which pigment loss results in irregular white patches of skin and hair. Melanoma is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer.

The study, led by the University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSM), looked at almost 3,000 people with vitiligo of Non-Hispanic European ancestry, identifying 13 new genes predisposed to vitiligo, the journal Nature Genetics reports.

"Genetically, in some ways vitiligo and melanoma are polar opposites. Some of the same genetic variations that make one more likely to have vitiligo make one less likely to have melanoma, and vice-versa," said Richard Spritz, director of the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program at the UCSM.

"Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, in which a person's immune system attacks their normal pigment cells. We think that vitiligo represents overactivity of a normal process by which one's immune system searches out and destroys early cancerous melanoma cells," added Spritz, according to a Colorado statement.

People with vitiligo are at higher risk of various other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Their kin are also at higher risk for these same diseases, even if they don't have vitiligo.

Spritz said this means there must be some genes that push towards these autoimmune diseases in general, while other genes and environmental triggers determine which autoimmune disease occurs and when.

So, as scientists learn about the genetics of vitiligo, they are also learning about the genetics of these other autoimmune diseases.

source: ianslive

Soon: An eye test to detect heart disease early!

London: British scientists are devising a new eye test which they say could help in the early detection of deadly heart disease.

The test takes high-definition digital images of retinas of patients to check for telltale signs of heart disease such as changes to blood vessel width or unusually branched blood vessels.

The 30-second cheap and easy-to-use scan could spare heart patients the ordeal of lengthy and invasive procedures, says a team at the University of Edinburgh.

Imaging expert Dr Tom MacGillivray, who is leading the research team developing the idea, said: "The eyes provide a unique window into the patient`s blood supply and the effect it has on the human system.

"By examining blood vessels closely we are aiming to detect abnormalities, spot signs of heart disease and then act accordingly. It`s about prevention rather than cure but could potentially affect millions."

In their research, the scientists are currently testing 1,000 patients with suspected heart disease as part of the three-year research, the first of its kind in the world, in collaboration with experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, the University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital.

They are particularly interested in subtle changes to blood vessels which are not obvious to a human visually inspecting an image.

Once a picture has been taken, experts can use complex computer image processing to identify the blood vessels and spot subtle changes. A specialist would then make a diagnosis and an individual would be given a programme to help them reach better health before any heart problems develop.

Dr MacGillivray said: "It is hoped this procedure will catch people early on and act as an opportunity for them to change their lifestyle before it`s too late.

"We are really excited by this project. We know that problems in the eye are linked to conditions such as diabetes and that abnormalities in the eyes` blood vessels can also indicate vascular problems in the brain.

"If we can identify early problems in the blood vessels we might potentially pinpoint signs of heart disease. This could help identify people who would benefit from preventative therapies."

SOURCE: PTI

Eyesight 'clue' to mental decline

Looking at the back of the eye may offer an insight into the health of someone's brain, according to the US researchers.

A small study, published in the journal Neurology, linked damage to the retina with declining brain function. They believe issues with the blood supply may be damaging both the eye and the brain.

Alzheimer's Research UK said the study showed the importance of a healthy heart.

The eye condition the researchers were looking at was retinopathy, which is common in patients with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Damage to the retina can eventually lead to blindness.

Scientists followed 511 women, who were 65 or older, for a decade. Some 39 were diagnosed with retinopathy.

Those with the eye condition tended to have lower scores in tests of brain function, including memory and abstract reasoning exams.

"This small study offers clues for another possible route doctors could consider when monitoring for the signs of cognitive decline", Dr Simon Ridley Alzheimer's Research UK.

Brain scans also showed up more areas of damaged brain tissue, ischemic lesions, in those with retinopathy. Dr Mary Haan, from the University of California, San Francisco, said: "Problems with the tiny blood vessels in the eye may be a sign that there are also problems with the blood vessels in the brain that can lead to cognitive problems.

"This could be very useful if simple eye screening could give us an early indication that people might be at risk of problems with their brain health and functioning." There was only a small number of patients with retinopathy in the study. Much larger studies would be needed to see if the findings could be used as a clinical test for declining brain function.

While there was no suggestion of dementia in the patients, brain decline can be an early sign of the disease. Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "Accurate early detection of the cognitive decline that can be associated with dementia could unlock our ability to treat it.

"This small study offers clues for another possible route doctors could consider when monitoring for the signs of cognitive decline.

"The study adds to mounting evidence linking vascular health to cognitive decline, and underlines the importance of looking after our hearts. It will be useful to see whether the people in this study went on to develop dementia."

How Well Can Your Child See?

One of your child’s mot valuable assets is sight. It is important for you to ensure that he has good vision and that he does not suffer from any other eye defects. The assessment of your child’s eye sight must be done at an early age and you do not have to wait till your child starts school. A child of preschool age may not be seeing properly or may be having a squint. Short sightedness if unrecognized, may seriously hamper a child’s learning and his learning difficulties may be mistaken as mental sub normality. The eye testing of a child should be carried out regularly from nursery to school leaving age.

When to Consult a Doctor?
1. If you suspect that your child is having in difficulty in seeing well. You may notice that your child turns or tilts his head, screws up his eyes or holds the book close to his face in order to see more clearly. A child at school may be having trouble reading the blackboard. He should also have his eyes checked if the complain of headache or tiredness of eyes after reading for some time.

2. If you notice that the child has a squint.

3. If the eyes shows redness or there is a pus discharge or persistent itching.

Vision Problems

Short Sight (Myopia)
In children with short sight the near objects are clearly visible but the distant objects appear blurred. If your child holds the book close or if he always wants to sit very close to the TV screen, as he may be short sighted. At school a child with short sight is unable to see what is written on the blackboard, which may be the first sign of the child’s visual difficulty.

Long Sight
Long sight is also known as hypermetropia. A child with this problem can see distant objects well bout has difficulty in seeing near objects. It has, generally a better outlook in the long run as compared to short sight.

The basic problem is children with short right and long sight is that the image of the objects seen by them does not get focused properly on the retina. It falls either in front or behind the retina. The retina functions like a comera serene and the image sensed and formed by it is transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain for final viewing by the child. Since the image in there cases is out of focus, objects appear blurred to the child.

To correct the afore said deficiency, appropriate type of lenses are prescribed for use in spectacles or as contact lenses. The lenses project the images properly on the retina and thereby correct the child’s eyesight. The lenses may need changes as the child (and his eyes) grows. Regular check-ups with as ophthalmologist is recommended.

Squint
If a child shows evidence of squint after 6 months of age, he must be shown to an eye specialist. Squint is one of the common forms of eye defects in children. In this condition the two eyes are not functioning well together as a unit. This condition must be corrected at an early stage, as otherwise the vision in the squinting eye is liable to become worse and its subsequent correction may not be possible.

Wonderful Natural Eye Care Tips

1. To get relief from eye irritation wash it water to which is added a few drops of rose water.

2. Apply a little refined castor oil on the eyelids to be free of boils in or around the eyes.

3. Splashing cold water several times into eyes will keep your eyes clear and perfect.

4. To lubricate dry eyes soak cotton pads in water squeeze out extra water and cover the eye with them for 20 minutes.

5. A weak solution of water and sugar will cleanse your eyes and improve your eyesight.

6. The juice of fenugreek seeds leaves is effective cure foe conductivities.

7. Take a ripe banana along with little curd and water twice a day.

8. Mix together a teaspoon of tomato juice, half a teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder and little gram flour into a paste. Apply on the dark circles around the eyes, leave it for 10 minutes and wash off.

9. Soak cotton pads with cucumber juice and keep in eyes for 10-15 minutes.

10. Dip two cotton pads in solution of water and a drop of lavender oil. Squeeze out extra water and keep them over the eyes for 10-15 minutes.

11. To improve eyesight, eat cardamom with a teaspoon of honey every day.

12. Mix basil juice with pure honey. Apply on eyes to cure related problems.

13. For night blindness eat two slices of papaya regularly.

14. An infusion of coriander seeds, used as an eye wash, relieves burning, reduces pain and swelling in conditions of conjunctivitis

15. Bathe the sore or inflamed eye with fennel tea.

VGX-100 Identified as Potential New Therapy for Dry Eye Disease

Data published in the scientific journal Archives of Ophthalmology generated by investigators at the Schepens Eye Research Institute led by Harvard University Professor Reza Dana.

VGX-100 significantly reduced inflammation and corneal epitheliopathy in a mouse model of Dry Eye Disease.

Data indicates major potential opportunity for VGX-100 as a therapeutic for Dry Eye Disease.

Circadian Technologies Limited (asx:CIR)(otcqx:CKDXY) announced today the publication of data in the scientific journal Archives of Ophthalmology showing that its lead development molecule VGX-100, a human antibody against the angiogenic and lymphangiogenic molecule VEGF-C, can significantly reduce inflammation and corneal tissue damage associated with Dry Eye Disease (DED). The data indicates a major new therapeutic opportunity for VGX-100 in the DED setting.

DED is a complex, immune-mediated disorder of the ocular surface that has multiple causes and affects about 5 million Americans above the age of 50 years. It is estimated that 10% of Australians will suffer from the condition at some point in their lives. DED severely impacts the vision-related quality of life and the symptoms, including persistent dryness, burning, light sensitivity, pain and blurred vision, can be both psychologically and physically debilitating. The current therapeutic options for DED are limited and mostly palliative. Currently, topical cyclosporine-A is the only approved treatment for DED.

The study, which was led by Professor Reza Dana and Dr. Sunali Goyal of the Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, showed that administration of VGX-100 was able to significantly reduce inflammation, lymphangiogenesis and corneal damage in a mouse model of DED.

Prof Reza Dana, MD MSc MPH. Claes Dohlman Chair in Ophthalmology, Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Co-Director of Research at Schepens Eye Research Institute and senior author of the study said: "Dry Eye Disease is suffered by millions of people in the U.S., but current treatments have significant limitations, and effective treatments are not available for many patients.

This current study builds on our previous findings demonstrating that VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 are upregulated in DED corneas, and demonstrates for the first time that an anti-lymphatic effect, caused by the blockade of VEGF-C, has significant beneficial effects in treating the condition. We strongly believe that blocking lymphangiogenic molecules could become a major new paradigm for the treatment of DED."

Mr. Robert Klupacs, CEO of Circadian Technologies, said: "We have always believed that blockade of VEGF-C will have clinical utility in a variety of conditions, in addition to treating solid tumours. This very exciting data generated by our collaborators at Schepens offers significant opportunities for us to leverage our investment in the VGX-100 oncology program and undertake additional preclinical and clinical development activities for VGX-100 in DED, a disease which still remains extremely difficult to treat."

Circadian's wholly owned subsidiary, Vegenics Pty Ltd, owns worldwide rights to an extensive intellectual property portfolio covering the angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis targets VEGFC, VEGF-D and the receptor protein VEGFR-3. Vegenics has also been granted exclusive worldwide rights to intellectual property filed by Schepens Eye Research Institute covering the use of anti-lymphangiogenic molecules for the treatment of DED.

About Circadian Technologies Limited

Circadian (asx:CIR)(otcqx:CKDXY) is a biologics drug developer focusing on cancer and 'front of the eye' disease therapies. It controls exclusive worldwide rights to a significant intellectual property portfolio around Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-C and -D. The applications for the VEGF technology, which functions in regulating blood and lymphatic vessel growth, are substantial and broad. Circadian's internal product development programs are primarily focused on developing VGX-100 (a human antibody against VEGF-C) as a treatment for solid tumours, in particular glioblastoma and colorectal cancer, as well as for 'front of the eye' disease such as corneal neovascularisation and/or dry eye disease applications. Circadian has also licensed rights to some parts of its intellectual property portfolio for the development of other products to ImClone Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, including the antibody-based drug IMC-3C5 targeting VEGFR-3.

About Dry Eye Disease

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a complex, multifactorial, immune-mediated disorder of the ocular surface affecting about 5 million Americans above the age of 50 years [1, 2]. Millions more suffer from manifestations which are precipitated under adverse environmental conditions such as low humidity. DED severely impacts the vision-related quality of life and the symptoms can be both psychologically and physically debilitating [1]. The current therapeutic options for DED are limited, mostly palliative and costly [3]. Currently, topical cyclosporine-A is the only approved treatment for this disease.

About Schepens Eye Research Institute

Schepens is a subsidiary of the Foundation of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Founded in 1950 by famed retinal surgeon Charles L. Schepens, M.D., Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear is one of the largest eye research institutes in the United States and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Since its inception, it has trained more than 600 postdoctoral fellows in various disciplines of eye research; trained more than 500 eye surgeons who now practice around the world; and published more than 4,600 scientific papers and books about health and eye disease.

Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear fights blindness by developing new technologies, therapies and knowledge to retain and restore vision. Through a continuum of discovery, the Institute works toward a future in which blindness is prevented, alleviated, and, ultimately, cured.

About Circadian's pipeline of treatments for cancer

The clinical and commercial success of Avastin®, an antibody that blocks the activity of VEGF-A, clinically validated antiangiogenic drugs as an effective means of inhibiting solid tumour growth. By blocking the interaction of VEGF-A with its receptors, primarily VEGFR-2, the multi-billion dollar cancer therapeutic slows tumour growth by inhibiting blood vessel recruitment into the tumour, effectively starving tumours of essential nutrients and oxygen required for growth. Avastin® is approved by the US FDA in the following indications: metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous-cell lung cancer, metastatic breast cancer, glioblastoma, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The VEGF-C inhibitor, VGX-100, a key therapeutic in Circadian's portfolio, block this alternative stimulator for VEGFR-2. As such, it has the potential to block blood vessel growth in tumours resistant to anti-VEGF-A therapy and, when used in combination with drugs like Avastin®, may completely shut down angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels) mediated by VEGFR-2, resulting in greater clinical efficacy.

VEGF-C along with the molecule VEGF-D. are also the only known proteins to bind and activate VEGFR-3 which drives lymphatic vessel and tumour-associated blood vessel growth. Inhibitors of VEGF-C thus have therapeutic potential to inhibit not only primary tumour growth through their anti-angiogenic activities, but to also inhibit tumour spread or metastasis via the lymphatic vessels - a mechanism of tumour dissemination that is often the deadliest aspect of many tumour types and a mechanism that is not effectively blocked by anti-VEGF-A or anti-VEGFR-2 therapeutics.

Inherent risks of Investment in Biotechnology Companies

There are a number of inherent risks associated with the development of pharmaceutical products to a marketable stage. The lengthy clinical trial process is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a drug prior to commercialisation and a significant proportion of drugs fail one or both of these criteria. Other risks include uncertainty of patent protection and proprietary rights, whether patent applications and issued patents will offer adequate protection to enable product development, the obtaining of necessary drug regulatory authority approvals and difficulties caused by the rapid advancements in technology.

Companies such as Circadian are dependent on the success of their research and development projects and on the ability to attract funding to support these activities. Investment in research and development projects cannot be assessed on the same fundamentals as trading and manufacturing enterprises. Thus investment in companies specialising in drug development must be regarded as highly speculative. Circadian strongly recommends that professional investment advice be sought prior to such investments.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this ASX announcement may contain forward-looking statements regarding Company business and the therapeutic and commercial potential of its technologies and products in development. Any statement describing Company goals, expectations, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement.

Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, particularly those risks or uncertainties inherent in the process of developing technology and in the process of discovering, developing and commercialising drugs that can be proven to be safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such products and services. Circadian undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this ASX announcement.

1. Research in dry eye: report of the Research Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop. Ocular Surface, 2007. 5(2): p. 179-193.

2. Schaumberg, D.A., et al., Prevalence of dry eye syndrome among US women. Am J Ophthalmol, 2003. 136(2): p. 318-26.

3. Reddy, P., O. Grad, and K. Rajagopalan, The economic burden of dry eye: a conceptual framework and preliminary assessment. Cornea, 2004. 23(8): p. 751-61.

SOURCE Circadian Technologies Limited

Common root cause of blindness

By Adrian Galbreth

Every year, millions of people around the world suffer from vision deterioration which eventually leads to blindness, and for many these conditions are incurable, resulting in their quality of life being severely impaired.

However, international eye experts may have found they key to making life easier for sufferers of one blinding condition, and perhaps preventing the development of other diseases in many people.

A study led by a student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine claims that, in the rare eye disease Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome, the retina degenerates because light-receiving cells fail to regenerate.

The specialists found that when the natural renewal process fails, metabolites are locked in, build up and turn toxic, which kills cells over time and leads to vision loss.

However, according to the experts, the results of this study provide a target to treat and prevent blindness caused by the disease, which is also known as Goldmann-Favre Syndrome.

Experts including Dr Samuel G Jacobson's group at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr Andreas Engel's group at the University of Basel, Switzerland, have published the story in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

In it, lead author Debarshi Mustafi, details how the knowledge that photoreceptor cells affect their own renewal will surely have an impact on other, more common, forms of retinal degeneration.

"Although rare, Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome helps us understand critical visual processing errors that arise in disease," he elaborates.

Krzysztof Palczweski, John H Hord Professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology at CWRU School of Medicine, added: "What we learn from this inherited human disease, and its mouse model, will be helpful to understand the aging process of the retina, like that seen in age-related macular degeneration."

He added that it is "very likely" that the phagocytotic process described in the new report is a dysfunction which occurs through ageing.

source: contactlenses

Glasses Packed With Smartphone Tech Could Help Visually Impaired People 'See' Again

Glasses have been passively correcting human vision for centuries, using tricks of light to compensate for various visual impairments. But there are some conditions--like age-related macular degeneration--that simple lenses can’t correct. So Oxford University researchers are getting proactive with a pair of frames packed with technologies usually found in gaming consoles and smartphones to give greater independence and self sufficiency to those suffering from more serious optical ailments.

Our smartphones contain all kinds of cool tech that is cheap, easy to come by, and usually wasted on snapping and sharing pics of our cats doing cute things. Likewise, peripherals like our gaming controllers and the Kinect pack all kinds of cheap and powerful sensor tech.

The Oxford researchers thought they could get more productive mileage out of implements like tiny cameras, position detectors, depth sensors, and facial recognition and tracking software by packing it into a pair of specs that can help visually impaired people function again.

Many of these problems are often brought on by age, when degradation of optical tissues renders parts of the eye unresponsive to light. This means that people can see shapes and objects, but might have trouble discerning between two different people or objects, or might have trouble with depth perception (or, generally, a combination of these problems).

The assistive glasses have video cameras mounted at the corners and tiny LED arrays embedded in the clear lenses. These LEDs can feed extra information to the wearer through various visual cues imparted by light and color. Via software running on a smartphone-like computer running in the person’s pocket, facial recognition software could identify a person walking into the room and light that person with a certain color, revealing that person’s identity to the wearer.

Likewise, certain objects--the TV remote, a coffee mug, a newspaper--could be identified with certain colors in the LED display, turning the blurs associated with deteriorating vision into identifiable objects. The Oxford crew even thinks they could use optical character recognition to possibly read text to wearers via headphones attached to the glasses, allowing them to peruse the morning headlines.

There’s a certain degree of learning involved. People would have to get used to the extra layer of information coming to them, and each person’s glasses would have to be tailored to his or her particular vision needs. But the researchers think they can produce the glasses for the same cost as many high-end smartphones, which is far less expensive than training a helper dog or maintaining around the clock care. More importantly, the specs would allow visually impaired people to maintain a degree of independence otherwise not possible.

source: popsci

Cataract surgery more likely for people with celiac disease?

People with celiac disease may find they are more likely to need cataract surgery in the future, according to a new study.

Research conducted at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and featured in the American Journal of Epidemiology, highlighted that vitamin deficiencies which are prevalent in people with celiac disease are associated with cataract formation.

Over the course of the study, the researchers established that there were 397 cataracts cases among 100,000 people with celiac disease each year, compared to 311 cases among the general population.

However, the researchers pointed out that rather than celiac disease causing cataracts, the two conditions could share common risk factors.

The link could also be due to lower intake of certain antioxidants and vitamins which are associated with a reduced risk of cataracts.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease which affects around one in 133 people.

source: spirehealthcare

Belly Fat May Boost Risk of Eye Disease

Belly fat increases the risk of an age-related eye disease in men, but may have the opposite effect in women.

Excess abdominal fat increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration in middle-age men but may have the opposite effect in women, says a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

AMD is a leading cause of blindness in older people, and treatment options are limited. A study of 21,287 Australians, who were followed from their 40s to mid-80s, found that each 0.1 increase in the waist/hip ratio was associated with a 13% increased chance of developing early-stage AMD, and a 75% increased chance of the more severe late-stage AMD, but only in men. Abdominal obesity reduced early AMD risk in women by 7% to 11%. There were 2,694 early and 122 late cases of AMD in the study, which followed the incidences of AMD from 2003 to 2007.

Abdominal fat releases estrogen and other chemicals that may contribute to inflammation associated with AMD, researchers said. The inverse association in women could reflect a genetic resilience to disease seen in older people called the survivorship effect plus the protective effects of long-term estrogen exposure, they said.

Caveat: Information about the onset and duration of obesity wasn't considered. AMD was only measured at follow-up, so the progression of the disease wasn't tracked.

• Coffee and diabetes: Drinking seven or more cups of coffee a week reduced the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 63% in middle-aged Chinese coffee drinkers compared with nondrinkers, according to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The incidence of Type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in the past decade, especially in developing countries that have adopted Western dietary habits. An estimated 92.4 million Chinese are reported to have the disease. This study examined coffee consumption and diabetes risk in 2,332 Taiwanese men and women age 40 and older in 2004.

Diabetes was present in 14% of men and 10.4% of women. Health, diet, physical activity, income and education were among the factors considered. Results showed fasting glucose levels decreased as coffee consumption rose. Drinking one cup a week cut diabetes risk by 33%; one to six cups reduced the risk by 54%.

Coffee may affect diabetes risk because it contains magnesium, which is known to improve glycemic control and insulin resistance, researchers said. Coffee also increases energy expenditure, contributing to weight loss, they said.

Caveat: Coffee consumption and Type 2 diabetes were self-reported, so misclassification is possible.

• Parkinson's and melanoma: Patients with Parkinson's disease generally have a lower incidence of cancer, especially smoking-related cancers. But a recent meta-analysis found they may be at higher risk for melanoma.

The research, published in Neurology, pooled the results of 12 studies conducted from 1965 to 2010 in North America and Europe. The analysis showed that men with Parkinson's disease were twice as likely to develop melanoma as those without Parkinson's. Melanoma risk was 1.5 times as high in women with Parkinson's as it was in women who didn't have the disease.

The association between Parkinson's and melanoma was found to be bidirectional, meaning melanoma was more common in patients before and after a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Researchers said that Parkinson's and melanoma may share environmental and genetic risk factors. Exposure to pesticides has been linked to a higher risk for both conditions, they said. And higher risk for Parkinson's is also associated with red hair, suggesting that a pigmentation gene may link melanoma and Parkinson's disease, they said. Further research is recommended.

Caveat: Most of the studies weren't designed to evaluate Parkinson's disease and melanoma; melanoma was assessed along with other cancers. Some scientists have suggested the association between Parkinson's and melanoma is due to increased medical surveillance of Parkinson's patients.

• Narrow leg arteries: Women who smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day are 10 times as likely as nonsmokers to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), a narrowing or blockage of leg arteries due to a buildup of plaque, according to a study in Annals of Internal Medicine.

PAD affects an estimated eight million Americans, causing debilitating cramping and fatigue in the hips, thighs and calves. The condition is associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Researchers examined the association between smoking and PAD in 39,825 U.S. women health professionals age 45 and older.

The women were monitored annually for an average of 12.7 years starting in 1993. Smoking habits were categorized as never smoked, former smoker, smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes a day, and more than 15 cigarettes a day. There were 178 cases of PAD reported.

The analysis found the risk of PAD increased with the number of cigarettes smoked a day. Former smokers had a three-fold increased risk for PAD compared with never-smokers. The findings reinforce smoking-prevention messages, researchers said.

Caveat: The study only included women who reported symptoms of PAD or had been treated for PAD so it may have missed women with narrowed arteries but no symptoms, researchers said.

• Glasses for migraines: Migraines can be triggered by looking at certain stressful patterns, which have been shown to induce hyperactivity in a part of the brain associated with headaches.

New research, published in the journal Cephalalgia, found that Precision Ophthalmic Tints (POTs), special eyeglasses dyed in different hues for the comfort and perception of individual users, helped to normalize brain activity in migraine sufferers. POTs were compared with gray lenses and control-colored lenses in a U.S. study of 11 migraine patients and 11 headache-free controls.

Each subject was placed in an MRI machine, where brain activity was monitored while the subject looked at nonstressful and stressful patterns through POTs and the gray and control lenses. Nonstressful patterns had minimal effect on both groups; stressful patterns resulted in greater brain activation in migraine patients than controls. Migraine patients reported some relief from all three lenses, but viewing the patterns through POTs reduced discomfort by 70%.

Scans showed the POTs suppressed activity in several key areas of the brain. Researchers said these areas may be useful biomarkers in developing new treatments for migraine.

Caveat: The U.K. Medical Research Council owns the rights to the POTs and the Intuitive Colorimeter, the technology used to tint the POTs. One of the study's five researchers receives a portion of royalties on sales of the Colorimeter as a Council award to inventors.

• Cancer protection: Prospective mothers who supplement their diet with folic acid and other B vitamins before conceiving may be protecting their offspring against colorectal cancer in adulthood, research published in the journal Gut suggests. Maternal nutrition is increasingly recognized as a determinant of chronic disease in offspring. Studies have shown that high maternal folic acid (folate) intake protects against certain pediatric cancers.

In this U.S. study, female mice genetically predisposed to develop colon cancer were fed varying amounts of folate and vitamins B-2, B-6 and B-12 for four weeks before mating. One group received a mildly vitamin-deficient diet, a control group got a vitamin-replete diet and a third group received supplements.

The diets continued throughout pregnancy until weaning. At that point, all offspring were put on a vitamin-replete diet. At eight months, intestinal tumors were detected in 56% of offspring from mothers on the vitamin-deficient diet, and in 59% of offspring from the control group. Among offspring of mothers who received supplements, 21% had intestinal tumors. The strongest tumor-suppressing genes were found in offspring from supplemented mothers, a finding that could have potential public health significance, researchers said.

Caveat: It's not known if maternal consumption of folate and the three B vitamins before conception could prevent colon tumors from developing in humans.

• Androgen deficiency: Abnormally dilated testicular veins called varicocele, which affect 15% of men after puberty, were associated with significantly lower testosterone levels, or androgen deficiency. The research, published in BJU International, also found that surgical correction of varicocele significantly increased testosterone levels in 70% of patients.

Varicocele is present in one-third of men seeking treatment for infertility. Studies have shown larger varicocele causes more severe damage to testicular function.

In this study, testosterone was measured in 325 U.S. men with varicocele and 510 men without varicocele who had undergone a vasectomy reversal.

The average age of the varicocele and control groups was 35 and 43 respectively. Microsurgery boosted testosterone levels by up to 50% in 58 men, by 51% to 100% in 27 men and by more than 100% in 14 men. Testosterone was unchanged in 43 men.

Varicocele is a risk factor for premature androgen deficiency, and surgery to repair varicocele may reduce that risk, researchers said.

Caveat: Most subjects with varicocele had been evaluated for infertility so the population wasn't entirely homogeneous, researchers said. A random group of men without fertility issues might have made a better control group than men seeking vasectomy reversal, they said.

How to maintain eye health in the office

Staring at a computer all day can take a toll on the eyes and chances are you’re on a computer a fair bit, so I thought I’d share these helpful tips my optometrist gave me on dealing with the eyestrain that accompanies office work.

• Take eye breaks. Be sure to look away from your screen every 15 minutes — if not more. Look at something close up (check out your cuticles) and something far away, to help exercise your depth perception. It’s especially smart to look out a window when searching to focus your eyes on something in the distance.

• Remember to blink! When staring at a computer screen we tend to blink about five times less than usual. Blinking might seem like an unimportant activity, but it lubricates eyes so they
work smoothly.

• Eye-exercise. Eye exercises look silly, but they help. A private place to do them is in the bathroom; take a minute to do eye circles, diagonals and long blinks. Yep, you can alleviate some eyestrain by working out your baby blues. Unfortunately, these moves don’t count as strength training.

I hope your eyes don’t feel too strained because I have plenty more tips, so continue reading.

• Keep eye drops handy. Especially in the winter when the heaters are going, eyes are prone to drying out. You should do drops a few times a day.

• Adjust your workstation so the words you are reading are at eye level — you shouldn’t have to look up or down to see your screen. The screen should be about an arm’s length away. Your back should lay flat against the back of your chair. Sitting well will also help prevent neck strain.

• Take real breaks. Go outside. Breathe fresh air. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while for a quick catch-up. Get your blood flowing. These short activities are great for your body and mind, in addition to your eyes.

• Eating a well balanced diet can help your eyes, too. Include eggs, carrots and kale and yummy avocados. All these foods are high in nutrients, like lutein, which is great for your eyes.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you drink coffee in the morning. Caffeine dries out the eyeballs.

• As for home laptop use, try to create a workspace with a desk and the positions mentioned above. It’s nice to sit on a couch and take a good break, but don’t do it for over an hour (it can cause neck strain). Make sure you’re not working in the dark.

Healthy diet 'key' to avoiding degenerative eye conditions

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight is key to avoiding degenerative eye conditions, it has been claimed.

Being overweight increases the risk of suffering from threatening eye conditions, such as macular degeneration or cataracts, according to the Eyecare Trust.

Charity chairman Dharmesh Patel advised that regular exercise and eye tests should be complemented by a healthy diet "rich in fruit and vegetables", as well as avoiding smoking.

His comments follow research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia, which indicated that there could be a link between iron overload caused by hemochromatosis and the wet form of macular degeneration.

This lends further support to suggests that diet plays a key role in eye health.

Researchers indicate that, in order to avoid the most serious consequences of the disease, patients may need only to donate blood a couple of times a year.

Lead researcher Dr Vadivel Ganapathy also suggested that the findings may prove key to future screening for macular degeneration.

Written by Angela Newbury

source: mediplacements

Precautions to take when using eye cosmetics: FDA Advice

What precautions should you take when using eye cosmetics?

If you use eye cosmetics, FDA urges you to follow these safety tips:

* If any eye cosmetic causes irritation, stop using it immediately. If irritation persists, see a doctor.

* Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is inflamed. Wait until the area is healed. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you got the infection.

* Be aware that there are bacteria on your hands that, if placed in the eye, could cause infections. Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics.

* Make sure that any instrument you place in the eye area is clean.

* Don't share your cosmetics. Another person's bacteria may be hazardous to you.

* Don't allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or contaminated with dirt or soil. Keep containers clean.

* Don't use old containers of eye cosmetics. Discard mascara three months after purchase.

* Discard dried-up mascara. Don't add saliva or water to moisten it. The bacteria from your mouth may grow in the mascara and cause infection. Adding water may introduce bacteria and will dilute the preservative that is intended to protect against microbial growth.

* Don't store cosmetics at temperatures above 85 degrees F. Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more susceptible to deterioration of the preservative.

* When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be careful not to scratch the eyeball or other sensitive area. Never apply or remove eye cosmetics in a moving vehicle.

* Don't use any cosmetics near your eyes unless they are intended specifically for that use. For instance, don't use a lip liner as an eye liner. You may be exposing your eyes to contamination from your mouth, or to color additives that are not approved for use in the area of the eye.

* Avoid color additives that are not approved for use in the area of the eye, such as "permanent" eyelash tints and kohl. Be especially careful to keep kohl away from children, since reports have linked it to lead poisoning.

source: FDA