Many patients get scared when they are at the eye doctor and a big, scary sounding word comes out of the doctor’s mouth. That word: astigmatism. However, when a patient asks the doctor “what does that mean? What is an astigmatism?” the doctor tends to ignore the question or brush them off by telling them “it’s not a big deal, and it’s totally normal. Don’t worry about it! A lot of people have it!”

Image: sxc.hu

This may have happened to you and you’re not the only one. Many people turn to the internet to figure out what an astigmatism actually is. However, there’s a lot of articles explaining, in medical terms, what astigmatism means. Most people don’t understand “medical speak,” so here is a simple guide to understanding what it actually means when you’re doctor says “astigmatism.”

Astigmatism is easily treatable. It’s an eye condition that stems from an imperfection in the curve of your eye. It happens when the cornea and/or the lens has a somewhat different surface curve going in one direction than it does in the other direction. Some areas may be steeper or flatter. Corneal astigmatism happens when your cornea is a distorted shape and havelenticular astigmatism occurs if your lens is distorted. Various symptoms include: blurred vision (vertical, horizontal, or with diagonal lines); eye fatigue and strain; distortion in your line of vision; and headaches can also occur.

The lens and the cornea are the two parts that focus images, if neither have a smooth and even curve the rays of light can’t refract properly. That creates a blurred image – or a refractive error and can occur in conjunction with other types of refractive errors. If you have “nearsighted (myopia) astigmatism” then your eye is longer than normal or your cornea is too curved. Light will focus in front of your retina as opposed to your retina- that will make distant objects blurry. “Farsighted (hyperopia) astigmatism” happens when your eye is shorter than normal or your cornea is not curved enough. Light will focus behind your eye and make objects nearby blurry. Eye diseases, eye injuries, or eye surgeries that went very wrong can also cause astigmatism.

While there is no cure for astigmatism, treatments are available. When you treat astigmatism, you are treating the uneven curvature that is causing your vision to blur. Corrective lenses such as contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses counteract the curvatures of your cornea and can treat astigmatism. Be sure to ask your eye doctor which contact lenses or eyeglasses would be best for your form of astigmatism.

Post from: Blisstree

What You Should Know About Astigmatism

With all the security issues at the airports around the world, it can be tough at times to explain to someone, especially if there is a language barrier, that the needles you are carrying and clear liquid is a necessity and not something to be used for harm. I can appreciate both sides of the misunderstanding. From a security standpoint, better safe than sorry and I am sure that some “sicko” along the way has attempted to smuggle potent chemicals in medical supplies. And shame on them! But from a diabetics point of view… how frustrating indeed!

Here is what I suggest when traveling with your necessary diabetes supplies and boarding a plane. And please, if you have anything to add to my list, send it on over!

1. The most obvious… carry a doctor’s note with you explaining the medications that you take and why you need them. Have your physician include the necessity of your insulin and explanation for use as well as why a “cool pack” is essential.

2. Provide all original containers for medications and insulin, as well as needles.

3. Print out the “Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions” portion of the TSA report due to the fact that not all employees are aware of the rights of diabetic persons.

4. Advise the security checkpoints if you wear a pump and ask if they can inspect it by eyesight, since it cannot be removed from the person.

5. Always be upfront about what you are carrying on. “I am a diabetic and these are my essential and necessary supplies. Do you need to check them by hand, I can assist you in reviewing them”.

6. Always, always let the airport or airline, if you have already taken off, know if you are feeing high or low bloodsugar and how they may assist you. If nothing else, this will cut down on mis perceptions and confusion in advance!

Now go ahead and enjoy you trip! You deserve it. And let me know what else you might suggest to help others along in their travels…

Post from: Blisstree

Flight Travel With Diabetes And All Of The Necessary Supplies…

Scientists have found a type of cell, known as a Muller glial cell, that plays an important part in regenerating retinal damage.

This would be great news for diabetics that live with poor or no eyesight every day. Diabetes and glaucoma combined account for about 3/4 of all blindness in the UK.

Wouldn’t this be grand? Here’s to tweaking the research from rat’s to human’s. Let’s get it done. Restoring eyesight is restoring independence!

via Scottsmen.com

Post from: Blisstree

Muller Glial Cell Could Be Key In Restoring Eyesight In Diabetics