At Abundant Health Center, LLC we are pleased to introduce Stephanie Sears, NTP as our resident Nutritional Therapist. Here is more information on Stephanie and her work.
As a Certified Nutritional Therapist I can help you on your path to optimum health.
I have had bad allergies my entire life. When I learned that by changing my diet and eliminating certain foods I could feel as though I never had allergies.
While researching all of the ways to cure allergies naturally, I came across many simple explanations that linked the allergic symptoms I was experiencing (and many other health issues) to the food we put into our bodies. Once I cleaned up my diet it immediately cleared up my allergy symptoms. Then many of my digestive problems also started to disappear.
On this journey I became increasingly interested in how our bodies work and how important it is to eat clean, nourishing foods. I began to realize how many people endure life feeling sick and take pills that only hide the problems. Then I found a way that I could start to help other people feel better, I found the Nutritional Therapy Association.
While it’s normal for our eyesight to start to decline when we get older, there are certain conditions that can make that happen much more quickly. Cataracts are an incredibly common cause of vision loss, affecting over half of all Americans over the age of 65. So what exactly are cataracts, and what are the treatment options available?
Triggers
A cataract is the clouding of our eye’s natural lens, and is typically brought about due to aging – though it is not considered a normal part of the aging process. This clouding is a result of protein buildup in the lens, and can worsen over time. In a normal eye, the lens will be clear, allowing light to pass through it and reach the retina, or the light-sensitive tissue in the back of eye. In eyes that have developed cataracts, the lens is cloudy, causing vision to become blurred. While is there no definitive evidence on what causes cataracts, researchers believe there are certain risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and prolonged ultraviolet light exposure.
As cataracts develop, patients initially may not experience any symptoms. However, this condition is progressive and with time, patients may experience hazy or blurred vision, reduced vision at night and in bright light, double vision, frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses, and yellowish vision. As these symptoms can worsen over time, this leaves many patients wondering what their treatment options are.
Treatment
The standard treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery; the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US. With a success rate of over 90%, this is a strong option for patients whose cataracts have begun to interfere with their daily life.
A minimally-invasive procedure, cataract surgery works to remove your eye’s damaged lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens, known as an IOL. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the eye, and insert a thin ultrasound probe that works to break up the cataract. Following this, the cloudy lens will suctioned out and replaced with the intraocular implant. The entire procedure is typically painless, performed in under an hour, and can help you once again achieve clear vision. It’s important to always talk to your surgeon before your procedure, as there are a number of factors that need to be discussed — including the type of IOL you want, and any surgical risks.
Cataract Surgery in Winchester
To learn more about cataracts, cataract surgery, or intraocular lenses, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to serving you.
There have been 30,000 confirmed cases of typhoid fever each month so far this year at Malawi’s central hospital. This disease is spread by food or water contaminated with typhoid organisms (often as a result of inadequate handwashing by the cook or consumer).
Travellers should take care to with hand hygiene and source food or drink from clean and reputable establishments. Drink only water that is pure, and use it to clean the teeth as well. There is a worldwide shortage of typhoid vaccine at present, and those travelling to areas where clean water is unobtainable should do their best to obtain the vaccine before travel.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup
Get in touch
For advice, call the Globe Travel Health Centre in Norwich on 01603 667323
In honor of American Diabetes Month, Kaiser Permanente’s popular Care Stories blog is highlighting patients’ stories of their diagnosis and learning to manage their disease.
Terry McMaster shares his experience of being surprised at his diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Initially, he didn’t pay much attention to what it might mean. After attending an educational class and learning the debilitating effects diabetes can have on the kidneys, eyes, brain and limbs, he began taking it very seriously. Hear more of McMaster’s story, including how he learned to manage his disease and be a real presence in his grandchildren’s lives, in the video below.
LASIK Surgeon in Baltimore on the Revival of PRK Surgery
According to a recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 800,000 refractive surgical procedures were performed in 2010. A similar study reports that among people age 40 and older, more than 3.6 million are visually impaired (defined as 20/40 or worse vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses). Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a vision correction and LASIK surgeon in Baltimore, says that one of the contributing factors to such a high number of refractive surgical procedures is the resurgence in popularity of photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. Dr. Grochmal discusses the benefits of a PRK procedure and reasons for its increasing demand.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) shows in its latest report that eye doctors performed 800,000 refractive surgical procedures in 2010. The AAO also indicates that more than 3.6 million people age 40 and older are visually impaired, or have 20/40 or worse vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses. At his Baltimore LASIK surgery and eye care practice, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal says many of his patients are choosing PRK surgery as an alternative to LASIK to correct their poor vision. He also says the procedure is rapidly growing in popularity again as patients are beginning to see the benefits it can offer for those who are not candidates for LASIK.
While LASIK surgery accrues more popular attention because of its well-known success and prevalence, Dr. Grochmal says PRK is extremely successful and can oftentimes be the best option for patients who meet certain criteria. Unlike LASIK, where a flap is created to perform the surgery, the surgeon removes the epithelial layer of the cornea and then reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser. Because the procedure does not involve flap creation on the eye, he says patients with thin corneas can often achieve the most effective results through a PRK procedure. Dr. Grochmal says the procedure can also work effectively for patients seeking enhancement of a previous LASIK procedure.
Dr. Grochmal says PRK can also be used for treatment of epithelial distrophy, or issues with the epithelium of the cornea. He adds that PRK’s other benefits include removal of scars on the cornea, strengthening the cornea through cross-linking, and reduced formation of scar tissue. “PRK uses the same laser as LASIK and is adaptable for ‘advanced’ procedures, such as CustomVue, in order to obtain the best visual results. For those with thin or borderline thickness corneas, as well as higher myopic refractive errors, PRK can be performed with the confidence of assuring the patient’s long-term corneal stability.”
While some patients may only qualify for either LASIK or PRK based on an assessment of their individual eye, Dr. Grochmal says both procedures have proven effective and successful. He also recommends consulting with a highly trained and experienced eye surgeon before undergoing any procedure. “Every patient is unique and requires individualized care. A surgeon experienced in PRK and LASIK can help guide the patient in the better treatment for him or her with the goal of preserving corneal health.”
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
Dr. Jay Grochmal received his medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed a rotating medical and surgical internship at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology, achieving the rank of Chief Resident. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians.
At Grochmal Eye Center, ophthalmologist Dr. Jay C. Grochmal encourages patients to attend eye exams on a regular basis for the prevention and early detection of eye diseases.
Baltimore, MD - Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, an ophthalmologist in Baltimore, advises his patients at Grochmal Eye Center to schedule a regular eye exam every one to three years, depending on the age and health of the individual. By doing so, he is able to check for a variety of visual and muscular problems that can easily go undetected and permanently damage sight.
The frequency of exams depends on the needs of each patient and any pre-existing medical conditions. He recommends patients over 40 get a complete eye exam every two years, which is especially important for those with cataracts or glaucoma. For patients with diabetes, he advises more frequent eye exams with at least one per year to monitor any changes.
According to Dr. Grochmal, eye exams can be made less frequently with younger patients, as they have a lower risk of developing severe eye problems. He points out they can get by with an appointment every three years. At approximately age six, Dr. Grochmal encourages parents to set up a baseline exam for their children. However, if there is a family history of eye muscle problems and signs are apparent in the child, an exam should be made around age three or earlier.
“The reason for regular exams goes well beyond ‘good’ vision,” Dr Grochmal explains. He identifies these exams as preventative measures for his patients. Since many medical diseases have adverse signs within the eye, and inherent eye diseases can manifest silently, not showing many, if any symptoms early on, they can be progressing unchecked, causing needless damage. To detect problems early and prevent permanent damage, Dr. Grochmal performs a thorough inspection of his patients’ eyes.
During these exams, Dr. Grochmal monitors any visual or muscular changes. Depending on the patient’s unique case and whether they have undergone vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK, additional tests may be needed for effective disease prevention; but generally, patients can expect the following in a complete exam:
Vision check with and without glasses
Careful exam of the orbital area including eyelids
Eye muscle balance evaluation
Magnified exam of the eye interior from the cornea to the retina
Measurement of intraocular pressure
With their personal touch and advanced technology, Dr. Grochmal says the physicians at Grochmal Eye Center are helping preserve and improve patient eye health one routine screening at a time. Overall, he stresses the importance of frequent eye exams with an experienced and qualified ophthalmologist.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal interned at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Three years later, he was named Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology before completing his residency. It was at this point when Dr. Grochmal opened his private practice in ophthalmology. In addition to his eye center, he is on the staff of top Baltimore hospitals, including the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He currently is the medical director at Snowden River Surgery Center (one of the busiest ambulatory centers for eye surgery in the state). Dr. Grochmal is available for interview upon request.
Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., with the Department of Hematology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., discusses the results of a study of 1,000 patients who have primary myelofibrosis.
Key findings Researchers found that when patients with myelofibrosis present, their clinical features are not at a steady state and usually progress within the first few months of the diagnosis. It is best to wait a several months before providing a prognostic score.
Many patients with primary myelofibrosis can live a long life (exceeding 15 years) and patients who won’t live that long can be identified.
The most recent version of DIPSS-plus scoring system performed much better than prior versions, helping researchers to determine what proportion of patients with myelofibrosis are suitable for therapies. More than 50 percent of patients require observation alone.
A description of the study is included in the January 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
ABSTRACT Objective To share our decades of experience with primary myelofibrosis and underscore the importance of outcomes research studies in designing clinical trials and interpreting their results.
Patients and methods One thousand consecutive patients with primary myelofibrosis seen at Mayo Clinic between Nov. 4, 1977, and Sept. 1, 2011, were considered.
The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), dynamic IPSS (DIPSS), and DIPSS-plus were applied for risk stratification. Separate analyses were included for patients seen at time of referral (N=1000), at initial diagnosis (N=340), and within or after 1 year of diagnosis (N=660).
Results
To date, 592 deaths and 68 leukemic transformations have been documented. Parameters at initial diagnosis vs time of referral included:
Median age (66 vs 65 years)
Male sex (61% vs 62%)
Red cell transfusion need (24% vs 38%)
Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL (38% vs 54%)
Platelet count less than 100 × 109/L (18% vs 26%)
Leukocyte count more than 25 × 109/L (13% vs 16%)
Marked splenomegaly (21% vs 31%)
Constitutional symptoms (29% vs 34%)
Abnormal karyotype (31% vs 41%)
Mutational frequencies were 61% for JAK2V617F, 8% for MPLW515, and 4% for IDH1/2.
DIPSS-plus risk distributions at time of referral were 10% low, 15% intermediate-1, 37% intermediate-2, and 37% high. The corresponding median survivals were 17.5, 7.8, 3.6, and 1.8 years vs 20.0, 14.3, 5.3, and 1.7 years for patients younger than 60 years of age.
Compared with both DIPSS and IPSS, DIPSS-plus showed better discrimination among risk groups. Five-year leukemic transformation rates were 6% and 21% in low- and high-risk patients, respectively.
Conclusion The current document should serve as a valuable resource for patients and physicians and provides context for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
High blood pressure affects nearly 78 million Americans and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Of those who have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, about 80 percent are being treated but only half have it controlled to a healthy level in national surveys.
Today, the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American College of Cardiology issued a joint statement as a call to action for healthcare, industry and communities to prioritize people who are receiving treatment but are not currently at controlled levels. It notes that of those with uncontrolled hypertension, nearly 90 percent see a healthcare provider regularly, and 85 percent have health insurance.
Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hypertension control program is cited as a model to emulate. The proportion of the health care system’s hypertensive patients meeting target blood pressure goals improved substantially from 44 percent in 2001 to more than 87 percent in 2011.
Kaiser Permanente’s regional hypertension program, serving more than 3 million members, was implemented using five major components: creation and maintenance of a health system-wide electronic hypertension registry; tracking hypertension control rates with regular feedback to providers at a facility- and provider-level, development and frequent updating of an evidence-based treatment guideline; promotion of single-pill combination therapies; and using medical assistants for follow-up blood pressure checks to facilitate necessary treatment intensification.
The statement says that programs are needed to develop and implement evidence-based treatment algorithms; establish systems that promote teamwork between patient, physician and other health care personnel; provide education and incentives for control; provide regular follow-up and treatment intensification as needed; provide actionable feedback to providers and health systems; maximize the use of technology; and promote a guideline-based simplified medication regimen.
The Kaiser Permanente Northern California hypertension control program was the subject of a study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research published in JAMA earlier this year. Read more about that study here.
While it’s normal for our eyesight to start to decline when we get older, there are certain conditions that can make that happen much more quickly. Cataracts are an incredibly common cause of vision loss, affecting over half of all Americans over the age of 65. So what exactly are cataracts, and what are the treatment options available?
Triggers
A cataract is the clouding of our eye’s natural lens, and is typically brought about due to aging – though it is not considered a normal part of the aging process. This clouding is a result of protein buildup in the lens, and can worsen over time. In a normal eye, the lens will be clear, allowing light to pass through it and reach the retina, or the light-sensitive tissue in the back of eye. In eyes that have developed cataracts, the lens is cloudy, causing vision to become blurred. While is there no definitive evidence on what causes cataracts, researchers believe there are certain risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and prolonged ultraviolet light exposure.
As cataracts develop, patients initially may not experience any symptoms. However, this condition is progressive and with time, patients may experience hazy or blurred vision, reduced vision at night and in bright light, double vision, frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses, and yellowish vision. As these symptoms can worsen over time, this leaves many patients wondering what their treatment options are.
Treatment
The standard treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery; the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US. With a success rate of over 90%, this is a strong option for patients whose cataracts have begun to interfere with their daily life.
A minimally-invasive procedure, cataract surgery works to remove your eye’s damaged lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens, known as an IOL. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the eye, and insert a thin ultrasound probe that works to break up the cataract. Following this, the cloudy lens will suctioned out and replaced with the intraocular implant. The entire procedure is typically painless, performed in under an hour, and can help you once again achieve clear vision. It’s important to always talk to your surgeon before your procedure, as there are a number of factors that need to be discussed — including the type of IOL you want, and any surgical risks.
Cataract Surgery in Winchester
To learn more about cataracts, cataract surgery, or intraocular lenses, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to serving you.
LASIK Surgeon in Baltimore Announces BOTOX Cosmetic Special Offer for Valentine's Day
Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a LASIK surgeon in Baltimore, has announced his practice will be hosting a special offer on BOTOX ® Cosmetic to provide patients with a rejuvenated appearance and improved self-confidence at a discounted rate. The offer will run until Valentine’s Day and will give patients the chance to take advantage of reduced pricing on BOTOX in Baltimore in preparation for celebrating the iconic holiday with their loved ones.
At his Baltimore cataract and LASIK surgery practice in Baltimore, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal has announced the beginning of a special offer on BOTOX ® Cosmetic for patients looking to boost their appearance before Valentine’s Day. From now until the upcoming holiday on February 14, the Grochmal Eye Center will be offering BOTOX ® Cosmetic at $9.75 per unit. Dr. Grochmal and his practice provide laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK in Maryland, as well as cosmetic enhancements including BOTOX ® injections, Juvederm®, and eyelid surgery.
Dr. Grochmal says cosmetic procedures such as the non-invasive BOTOX ® Cosmetic and surgical procedures like eyelid surgery can offer patients an aesthetic addition to their LASIK or laser vision correction surgery in order to provide a more comprehensive and noticeable enhancement to their new, clearer vision. Dermal injections like Juvederm® and BOTOX ® Cosmetic are designed to tighten loose skin and treat wrinkles and facial lines. He says with reduced pricing on BOTOX ® Cosmetic and his variety of aesthetic procedures, patients now have the opportunity to improve self confidence and tighten the skin under their eyes for a completely refreshed outlook on life.
For patients interested in taking advantage of the Grochmal Eye Center’s BOTOX ® Cosmetic special for Valentine’s Day, Dr. Grochmal says to contact his practice for more information. He also adds that consulting with an experienced and qualified practice is essential for achieving safe and effective treatment.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
Dr. Jay Grochmal received his medical degree from the University of Maryland, after which he completed a rotating internship at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore. During his residency, he achieved the rank of Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Grochmal is on staff with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He has participated in several medical mission trips to third world countries to provide his expertise in eye care, including Pakistan, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Dr. Grochmal is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Located at 405 Frederick Road, Suite 102 in Baltimore, MD, the Grochmal Eye Center can be reached at (410) 697-4090. It can also be contacted online via the website grochmaleye.com or facebook.com/grochmaleye.
At Grochmal Eye Center, ophthalmologist Dr. Jay C. Grochmal encourages patients to attend eye exams on a regular basis for the prevention and early detection of eye diseases.
Baltimore, MD - Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, an ophthalmologist in Baltimore, advises his patients at Grochmal Eye Center to schedule a regular eye exam every one to three years, depending on the age and health of the individual. By doing so, he is able to check for a variety of visual and muscular problems that can easily go undetected and permanently damage sight.
The frequency of exams depends on the needs of each patient and any pre-existing medical conditions. He recommends patients over 40 get a complete eye exam every two years, which is especially important for those with cataracts or glaucoma. For patients with diabetes, he advises more frequent eye exams with at least one per year to monitor any changes.
According to Dr. Grochmal, eye exams can be made less frequently with younger patients, as they have a lower risk of developing severe eye problems. He points out they can get by with an appointment every three years. At approximately age six, Dr. Grochmal encourages parents to set up a baseline exam for their children. However, if there is a family history of eye muscle problems and signs are apparent in the child, an exam should be made around age three or earlier.
“The reason for regular exams goes well beyond ‘good’ vision,” Dr Grochmal explains. He identifies these exams as preventative measures for his patients. Since many medical diseases have adverse signs within the eye, and inherent eye diseases can manifest silently, not showing many, if any symptoms early on, they can be progressing unchecked, causing needless damage. To detect problems early and prevent permanent damage, Dr. Grochmal performs a thorough inspection of his patients’ eyes.
During these exams, Dr. Grochmal monitors any visual or muscular changes. Depending on the patient’s unique case and whether they have undergone vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK, additional tests may be needed for effective disease prevention; but generally, patients can expect the following in a complete exam:
Vision check with and without glasses
Careful exam of the orbital area including eyelids
Eye muscle balance evaluation
Magnified exam of the eye interior from the cornea to the retina
Measurement of intraocular pressure
With their personal touch and advanced technology, Dr. Grochmal says the physicians at Grochmal Eye Center are helping preserve and improve patient eye health one routine screening at a time. Overall, he stresses the importance of frequent eye exams with an experienced and qualified ophthalmologist.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal interned at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Three years later, he was named Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology before completing his residency. It was at this point when Dr. Grochmal opened his private practice in ophthalmology. In addition to his eye center, he is on the staff of top Baltimore hospitals, including the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He currently is the medical director at Snowden River Surgery Center (one of the busiest ambulatory centers for eye surgery in the state). Dr. Grochmal is available for interview upon request.
Having been rabies free since 1988, (last animal case 1987, last human case 1970), rabies has re-emerged in wild & domestic animals in northern Greece during the last year. There have been reports of rabies virus in neighbouring countries.
Travellers should avoid contact with animals, particularly stray dogs, and should consider vaccination against rabies if planning to walk or camp in remote areas, particularly near national borders with other countries.
Source: Eurosurveillance
Get in touch
Holidaying in Europe? Make sure, take expert advice. Call the Globe Travel Health Centre in Norwich on 01603 667323
Malaria cases in Greece are increasing each summer, and whilst most of the cases are occurring in the more rural parts of the country away from the main tourist areas, travellers should be aware of the situation. There is not enough malaria present to warrant taking anti-malarial medication, but travellers to affected areas should sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under treated mosquito nets, and should cover up when out during the hours of dusk & darkness. An effective insect repellent should be used on exposed areas. Any fever occurring up to a year after visiting a country with malaria should be taken seriously, and medical help should be sought – don’t forget to mention that you have visited a malaria endemic country.
Source: Center for Disease Control (USA)
Get in touch
Holidaying in Europe? Make sure, take expert advice. Call the Globe Travel Health Centre in Norwich on 01603 667323
We are excited to announce that Dr. Wendy Schauer, D.C., the author of, “The 7 Steps To Amazing Health” will be a featured guest today for Jim Edwards from 7 Day eBook and I Gotta Tell You. Jim will be interviewing Wendy on her book and how she came to write it.
As soon as the interview is available we will be sure to post it here.
LASIK Surgeon in Baltimore on the Revival of PRK Surgery
According to a recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 800,000 refractive surgical procedures were performed in 2010. A similar study reports that among people age 40 and older, more than 3.6 million are visually impaired (defined as 20/40 or worse vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses). Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a vision correction and LASIK surgeon in Baltimore, says that one of the contributing factors to such a high number of refractive surgical procedures is the resurgence in popularity of photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. Dr. Grochmal discusses the benefits of a PRK procedure and reasons for its increasing demand.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) shows in its latest report that eye doctors performed 800,000 refractive surgical procedures in 2010. The AAO also indicates that more than 3.6 million people age 40 and older are visually impaired, or have 20/40 or worse vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses. At his Baltimore LASIK surgery and eye care practice, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal says many of his patients are choosing PRK surgery as an alternative to LASIK to correct their poor vision. He also says the procedure is rapidly growing in popularity again as patients are beginning to see the benefits it can offer for those who are not candidates for LASIK.
While LASIK surgery accrues more popular attention because of its well-known success and prevalence, Dr. Grochmal says PRK is extremely successful and can oftentimes be the best option for patients who meet certain criteria. Unlike LASIK, where a flap is created to perform the surgery, the surgeon removes the epithelial layer of the cornea and then reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser. Because the procedure does not involve flap creation on the eye, he says patients with thin corneas can often achieve the most effective results through a PRK procedure. Dr. Grochmal says the procedure can also work effectively for patients seeking enhancement of a previous LASIK procedure.
Dr. Grochmal says PRK can also be used for treatment of epithelial distrophy, or issues with the epithelium of the cornea. He adds that PRK’s other benefits include removal of scars on the cornea, strengthening the cornea through cross-linking, and reduced formation of scar tissue. “PRK uses the same laser as LASIK and is adaptable for ‘advanced’ procedures, such as CustomVue, in order to obtain the best visual results. For those with thin or borderline thickness corneas, as well as higher myopic refractive errors, PRK can be performed with the confidence of assuring the patient’s long-term corneal stability.”
While some patients may only qualify for either LASIK or PRK based on an assessment of their individual eye, Dr. Grochmal says both procedures have proven effective and successful. He also recommends consulting with a highly trained and experienced eye surgeon before undergoing any procedure. “Every patient is unique and requires individualized care. A surgeon experienced in PRK and LASIK can help guide the patient in the better treatment for him or her with the goal of preserving corneal health.”
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
Dr. Jay Grochmal received his medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed a rotating medical and surgical internship at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology, achieving the rank of Chief Resident. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians.
We are excited to announce that Dr. Wendy Schauer, D.C., the author of, “The 7 Steps To Amazing Health” will be a featured guest today for Jim Edwards from 7 Day eBook and I Gotta Tell You. Jim will be interviewing Wendy on her book and how she came to write it.
As soon as the interview is available we will be sure to post it here.
Diabetic eye disease (also called “diabetic retinopathy”) is a serious issue that may end up resulting in a loss of vision. While not everyone with diabetes will experience poor vision or pain, diabetic eye disease should always be a concern for patients. Diabetics who do not properly control their condition are especially at risk.
Taking control of this issue can help you avoid serious problems- and may even save your eyesight! Here are some things you can do:
Commit to managing your diabetes. Diabetes is a lifelong health issue which, if left uncontrolled or under-controlled, may lead to serious physical complications. A patient with diabetes must commit to controlling their condition by taking either insulin or oral diabetes medication, and by keeping their blood sugar at a normal range.
Keep track of your blood sugar levels. With diabetic eye disease,prevention and early diagnosis is key. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels several times a day to make certain they remain within their target range. Keeping your blood sugar levels lower will help lower your risk for eye disease.
Make sure you report any changes in vision to your doctor. It is very important for diabetics to undergo yearly eye exams. If your vision suddenly becomes hazy or blurry, this is important to mention to your eye doctor, so that any necessary treatment can start.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. In addition to diabetes, other health issues such as high blood pressure levels and high cholesterol may also increase your risk of serious eye disease. Diabetics who smoke cigarettes can also greatly increase their risk of vision loss! Therefore, it is a good idea to exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy foods, and quit smoking. For some patients, medication may also be necessary.
Speak with your doctor. If you need help or advice on how to manage or reduce your risk for diabetic eye disease, your doctor can help you develop a personalized eye care or treatment plan.
Diabetic Eye Care in Winchester
If you’re living with diabetes, contact us today to learn about your treatment options. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. We hope to hear from you soon!
When is the last time that you took off your shoes and yours socks and you walked barefoot on the grass. If you’re older than twelve I’m guessing it has been quite some time. It’s funny, when we’re kids, if we see a mud puddle we JUMP right in it. When we become adults we walk around the mud puddle. Not only do we walk around the mud puddle…we complain about it!
Stop complaining. It’s not really serving you. Start living. Get outside and re-connect with our planet. This isn’t some hippy dippy statement. We (human beings) are electrical beings. That’s right, we are electrical beings. Electricity is constantly flowing through our bodies. In fact, without electricity you wouldn’t be reading this post right now. Without electricity running through your body your brain would cease to function.
Sometimes we need to re-charge. We need to “ground” ourselves. One of the ways to do this is by getting outside and walking barefoot on the grass. While you’re walking (barefoot of course) do some deep breathing – you’ll be accomplishing two things at the same time (there is nothing like multi-tasking when it comes to your health). Walking barefoot on the grass will “ground” you, literally. Doing this will help you release built up electrical energy that’s in your body.
As stated above, your entire nervous system is run on electrical energy. Get walking, ground yourself, do your deep breathing, and make some positive changes in your life. This doesn’t cost you a dime. What have you got to lose?