Posts

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Image
  Optometric Physicians play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related visual disorders. Here are some key aspects: Diagnosis 1. Visual Acuity: Optometric Physicians assess visual acuity to identify any changes or deficiencies. 2. Visual Field: They evaluate the visual field to detect any defects or abnormalities. 3. Oculomotor Function: Optometric Physicians assess eye movements, tracking, and alignment. 4. Sensory Processing: They evaluate the patient's sensory processing, including visual perception and integration. Treatment 1. Rehabilitative Therapy: Optometric physicians provide rehabilitative therapy to improve visual function, including visual acuity, visual field, and oculomotor function. 2. Compensatory Strategies: They teach patients compensatory strategies to adapt to visual deficiencies. 3. Prism Lenses: Optometric Physicians may prescribe prism lenses to alleviate symptoms such as double vision. 4. Vision Therapy: They...

Sickle Cell Disease

Image
  Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the distortion of red blood cells into a sickle shape. This can cause blockages in blood flow, leading to pain and organ damage. Recent research and treatments for SCD have focused on several promising areas: Gene Therapy : Recent advancements have seen the approval of new gene therapies by the FDA. These therapies aim to correct the genetic mutation responsible for SCD, offering a potential cure by editing the patient's own hematopoietic stem cells to produce normal hemoglobin. Blood and Bone Marrow Transplants : This remains a potential curative therapy, particularly effective in children with well-matched donors. Research is ongoing to make this option more accessible and safer for a broader range of patients. New Medications : Treatments like crizanlizumab , which supports circulation by preventing sickle cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, and vo...

Epicanthic Folds and Hooded Eyelids, similarities and differences

Image
  Epicanthic folds are skin folds of the upper eyelid that cover the inner corner of the eye. There are four main types: - Epicanthus Supraciliaris: This type runs from the brow, curving downwards towards the Lacrimal sac. - Epicanthus Palpebralis: Beginning above the upper tarsus, it extends to the inferior orbital rim. - Epicanthus Tarsalis: Originating at the upper eyelid crease, it merges into the skin near the medial canthus. This type is most often found in East Asians. - Epicanthus Inversus: This type runs from the lower eyelid skin over the medial canthus and extends to the upper lid . These folds are more common in certain populations, including East Asians, Southeast Asians, Central Asians, North Asians, Polynesians, Micronesians, Indigenous peoples of the Americas, and some African people ¹. They can also be associated with various medical conditions, such as Down syndrome, Zellweger syndrome, and Noonan syndrome In terms of eye health, epicanthic folds may: - Decrea...

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Image
  Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a serious medical condition requiring prompt attention. Definition Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the cauda equina nerves (lower spine) are compressed or damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and lower body. Causes 1. Herniated disc 2. Spinal stenosis 3. Trauma (fall, accident) 4. Infection (abscess, meningitis) 5. Tumor 6. Birth defects Symptoms 1. Severe low back pain 2. Pain, numbness, or tingling in legs 3. Weakness or paralysis in legs 4. Bladder and bowel dysfunction 5. Urinary retention or incontinence 6. Constipation 7. Sexual dysfunction Ocular Manifestations : Blurred vision can be an initial symptom of a schwannoma of the cauda equina, a rare nerve root problem that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. Other ocular manifestations of conditions that can affect the cauda equina include: Neurosarcoidosis A multisystem disorder that can cause neurologic disease, including cranial n...

Nutrition and the Body

  Five signs that the body needs better  nutrition : B rittle nails, Eyelid twitching, Clicking of the joints, P remature graying of the hair and Easy bruising, translated as Fatigue, Skin issues, Digestive problems, Brain Fog and Weak Immune System Here are five signs that your body may need more nutrition: 1. Fatigue and Low Energy - Feeling tired or sluggish throughout the day - Difficulty concentrating or staying focused - Needing excessive caffeine or sugar for energy 1. Skin Issues - Dry, dull, or acne-prone skin - Hair loss or brittle hair - Nail problems (brittle, thin, or slow-growing) 1. Digestive Problems - Bloating, gas, or abdominal pain - Constipation or diarrhea - Difficulty absorbing nutrients 1. Mood Swings and Brain Fog - Irritability, anxiety, or depression - Difficulty remembering or learning new information - Mood swings or emotional instability 1. Weakened Immune System - Frequent illnesse...