================================================================= V I S I O N U P D A T E ================================================================= 18 Oct 2003 Issue #25 Promoting Health Through Knowledge Ted Roxan, Editor editor@visionupdate.net ================================================================= IN THIS ISSUE... 1. Feature Article Blinking a Hitch? Could be a Twitch 2. Ask the Doctor Talking with the experts 3. News Briefs A TIE THAT'S TOUGH ON THE EYES 4. Relevant Links Important resources. 5. Preventative Medicine 6 mg of Lutein a Day Keeps the Eye Doc Away ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Feature Article Blinking a Hitch? Could be a Twitch IT SEEMS to come out of nowhere: an uncontrollable twitching around the eyelid, usually in the lower region. This fluttering, known as myokymia, is common yet poorly understood. Stress, fatigue, irritation around the eye, and too much caffeine are often associated with myokymia, which affects the nerve fibers within the muscle. The condition is nothing to worry about-usually. In rare cases, it can be a precursor to a disorder known as benign essential blepharospasm, which occurs synchronously in both eyes and is characterized by a squeezing of the eyelids. "If the twitching is on both sides, is persistent, and lasts longer than a month, a person should seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist or a neurologist," says Richard I. Anderson, M.D., medical director of the Center for Facial Appearances in Salt Lake City. "If it's some thing that happens for several days, then goes away for several months and then comes back again as twitching, it's probably just myokymia." Treatment is rarely needed for myokymia. But "if it's driving you nuts,"Anderson adds, Botox-the toxin-based drug so popular for ironing out wrinkles--can be used for any facial-spasm disorder. It'll also get rid of those worry lines you get when you think about injecting poison into your face. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ASK THE DOCTOR SPONSOR BJ Crystal Gifts - An exquisite collection of affordable crystal collectibles, and Swarovski crystal figurines. Our products make the perfect unique gift. http://bjcrystalgifts.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Ask the Doctor Talking with the experts Question from Susie: What are signs and symptoms or iritus?What causes it and what is the treatment? Dr. Webber: Iritis will result in a red, painful, photosensitive eye and often the pupil will be slightly oval. Treatment includes steroid eye drops and papillary dilation. Question from Wel Middleton: Sitting down in a meeting today I suddenly felt like sand entered my left eye and then it turned red. The sand feeling sensation the redness is still there four hours later. No, there is no sand in my eye so what can it be? Dr. Webber: If you wear contacts you may have an ulcer. If you don't then perhaps an eye lash or other foreign body got into the eye. Use an eye wash to clean out the eye and then use cool compresses. If it is still uncomfortable, then see your eye doctor. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 3. News Briefs A TIE THAT'S TOUGH ON THE EYES According to a new study, wearing a tie can increase your risk of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to irreversible blindness. In a small trial, researchers at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary found that wearing a tight necktie for just 3 minutes can increase pressure within the eyes enough to raise a person's risk of glaucoma. "The tighter you tie it. the more a tie constricts the jugular vein, increasing pressure in the blood vessels leading to the eyes," says Robert Ritch, M.D., the study author. Also, Dr. Ritch warns that wearing a constrictive cravat during an eye exam could alter the results, increasing your risk of misdiagnosis. So what's too tight? When you can't stick two fingers between your neck and collar. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter Courtesy of VisionUpdate http://visionupdate.net ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Relevant Links Important resources. National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov Eye Net http://myeyenet.com/ Blind Foundation http://www.afb.org Macular Degeneration Foundation http://www.eyesight.org LASIK Institute http://www.lasikinstitute.org NIH http://www.nih.gov ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Preventative Medicine 6 mg of Lutein a Day Keeps the Eye Doc Away Lutein, an antioxidant nutrient found in green leafy vegatables, protects you from the effects of aging and free-radical damage. You have the highest concentration of lutein in your eyes, where it helps filter out harmful UV rays. But lutein is not made naturally by the body, so you must get it in your diet. ----------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSIFIED AD Our low cost discount Health Benefit plans include savings for Physicians, Hospitalization, Specialists, Dental, Vision Care, Prescriptions, Chiropractic, Alternative Medicine and more. All Pre-existing conditions accepted. Plans from $9.95 to $69.95 a month. Nationwide provider networks. 30-day money back guarantee. We will also include FREE vision care benefits for one year even if you cancel your benefits! 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