Cataract Surgery and Microstent Effectively Treat Glaucoma

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If you have cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma, you may be a candidate for a microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery. According to an article published in Ophthalmology Times, intraocular pressure, or IOP, can often be reduced through this safe, routine procedure.

Cataracts and glaucoma are the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Age is one of the most common risk factors for these diseases, so it is not uncommon for aging adults to develop both cataracts and glaucoma.

Although cataracts and glaucoma can develop simultaneously, they require different types of treatment. Cataracts are easily treatable through cataract surgery, a short procedure that replaces the deteriorated lens with a new one. Glaucoma, on the other hand, has no cure and rarely has symptoms until vision loss occurs. Your eye doctor’s goal is to use safe, efficient surgical methods to lower inner eye pressure and insert a new, clear lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Some patients may benefit from the insertion of microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery. A microstent is not appropriate for all glaucoma patients, but it may be right for you.

What is a Microstent?

There are many brands of microstents, but most function in a similar way. A microstent is about the size of an eyelash, and patients cannot feel it or see it in the eye. The effects are quite remarkable because this tiny device opens up the drainage canal in the eye to lower eye pressure. When eye pressure remains in a safe range, there is less risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss.

A microstent often pairs well with cataract surgery because the surgeon can use the same incision for two procedures.  Randomized studies found stents can significantly lower patients’ eye pressure and reduce the need for medication and eye drops.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

Do you have cataracts and glaucoma? Talk to your ophthalmologist about whether you are a candidate for a microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery. One procedure could provide clear vision, reduced eye pressure and less dependence on glaucoma drops. Your eye doctor can create an individual treatment plan that is customized to your vision needs. There are many factors that will affect the type of surgery and timing of the surgery. These may include:

  • Your age
  • Your physical health
  • How active you are
  • The type of glaucoma you have and how aggressive it is
  • The progression of your cataract

Your eye doctor may prefer to manage your glaucoma with medication or laser treatment until the cataract matures. Sometimes, just having cataract surgery may be sufficient to lower intraocular pressure and relieve symptoms of glaucoma.

As with any eye procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of cataract and microstent surgery with your eye doctor, so call today to make an appointment.

Colonoscopy Protects Against Colon Cancer for 10 Years

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A new study says colonoscopy offers at least ten years of protection against colon cancer mortality.

Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the United States, but it is preventable with routine colon cancer screenings. According to the American Cancer society, about half of all colon cancer mortality in the U.S. could be prevented if all adults scheduled timely colon cancer screenings.

Colonoscopy Reduces Colon Cancer Risk

There are many types of colon cancer screenings, but colonoscopy is the most effective method because it is the only test that can detect and remove colon cancer in the same procedure. Under current guidelines, patients who have a colonoscopy with normal findings should get screened again in ten years. However, is this still the best method for preventing colon cancer?

According to Jeffery K. Lee, M.D., MAS, patients should feel confident about the current recommendation of a minimum ten-year interval between colonoscopies with normal findings. Dr. Lee and colleagues examined data from a large-scale study that included more than 1.2 million individuals to assess when patients should schedule their next screening following a normal colonoscopy.

For patients who declined colonoscopy, colon cancer incidence and colon cancer-related death increased proportionally with follow-up time. Patients who chose regular colonoscopies had very favorable results. Average risk patients with normal colonoscopy test results were 46 percent less likely to develop colon cancer and 88 percent less likely to die of colon cancer when screened at recommended ten-year intervals.

“A minimum colorectal rescreening interval should be conducted at 10 years or possibly longer after a normal colonoscopy,” said Dr. Lee (Physicians Weekly).

When Should I Get Screened for Colon Cancer?

Your colon cancer screening interval depends on your risk for colon cancer. In May 2018, the American Cancer Society revised its colon cancer screening recommendations, suggesting all adults at average risk for colorectal cancer should schedule an initial screening at age 45 instead of age 50. The ACS altered the guideline because young-onset colon cancer incidence continues to increase, and this type of cancer tends to be aggressive and difficult to diagnose among the young.

Certain risk factors may increase your risk for colon cancer. Some of these risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Polyps (growths inside the colon and rectum) that may become cancerous
  • A high-fat diet
  • Family history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases involving the colon
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Radiation therapy for cancer

When and How Often Should I Get Screened?

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to stay in regular contact with your primary care physician and your gastroenterologist. Your risk for colon cancer is unique to you. Ethnicity, family history and lifestyle habits influence your colon cancer risk, and these factors could influence your recommended colonoscopy interval.

After making an appointment with your GI doctor, call your insurance provider. Many insurance plans will not pay for a colonoscopy until 50 years of age, so call your provider to get the most up-to-date information about your policy. If you are at higher risk for colon cancer, your doctor may encourage you to get screened earlier. Keep in mind that a colon cancer screening today can prevent your risk of expensive medical bills in the future.

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Body Fat Location Can Double Risk of Colon Cancer Death

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A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports intriguiging findings regarding body composition and obesity. Although obesity is a major risk factor for colon cancer, body fat in specific locations increases colon cancer death risk. Body fat in “unhealthy” locations doubles colon cancer patients’ mortality risk within seven years of diagnosis.

Body Fat and Gender

Previous research led physicians to believe all stored body fat was dangerous. According to Justin C. Brown, Ph.D., Director of the Cancer Metabolism Program at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the relationship between fat storage and health is complicated.

Dr. Brown and his team analyzed health outcomes of more than 3,200 colon cancer patients who had colon cancer in stages I, II and III, and they discovered the location of body fat influenced the risk of colon cancer mortality among men and women.

Surface abdominal fat was more dangerous for men. Male colon cancer patients with high percentages of abdominal fat just under the skin were twice as likely to die within seven years of diagnosis as men with small amounts of belly fat under the skin.

For women, visceral fat was more dangerous. Visceral fat is fat that is stored deep within the abdominal cavity and surrounds vital organs such as the pancreas, liver and intestines.

CT Scans and Colon Cancer Treatment

Dr. Brown says the new research could help doctors develop customized colon cancer treatment plans. Patients often undergo computed tomography (CT) scan before surgery to determine whether cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other organs. Dr. Brown suggests CT scans may serve another purpose:  determining the location and the amount of stored abdominal fat.

The team intends to conduct more research, but this study underscores the importance of regular doctor visits to evaluate overall health.

Know Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Are you aware of your risk for colon cancer? The odds of developing colon cancer are about five percent, or one in twenty. Certain factors can increase your risk for developing the disease. These include:

  • Age
  • High-fat diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol use
  • Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

A common myth is that only older adults develop colon cancer, but young-onset colon cancer incidence is increasing every year. Unhealthy habits and poor lifestyle choices can put you at risk for digestive disease. However, you can take charge of your health and lower your risk for colon cancer by:

  • Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet
  • Limiting fatty meats, red meats and processed meats
  • Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day
  • Visiting your doctor for annual well visits
  • Getting routine colon cancer screenings

Make an Appointment with Your Gastroenterologist

According to the American Cancer Society, adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should start getting screened at age 45. If you are at increased risk for colon cancer, you may need to get screened earlier. Call your GI doctor and ask if you need to schedule a colon cancer screening. Most preventive screenings are covered by Medicare and private insurance, so call today for an appointment.

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Video Helps Passengers With Joint Replacements Clear Security

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The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) produced a video to help patients with joint replacements navigate airport security checkpoints.

Total joint replacements are among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Surgeons complete more than 700,000 total knee replacements and 400,000 hip replacements per year across America (CNN). While artificial joints offer benefits such as restored mobility and pain relief, metal implants can create unique challenges for airline travel.

More than 90 percent of implanted total hip and knee arthroplasty devices will activate metal detectors at airports. This occurrence can cause frustration for TSA officers, embarrassment for patients and unnecessary delays for air passengers.

The new video is designed to inform joint replacement patients of strategies to communicate with TSA officers and streamline security screening areas of airports. In an interview with Healio.com/Orthopedics, Brett R. Levine, M.D., Chair, AAHKS Patient and Public Relations Committee, said the first thing patients should do is promptly inform the TSA officer about their metal implant.

Communicate Promptly With TSA

Patients may either inform the TSA member verbally or may present a TSA notification card if they wish to be discreet. There is no need to carry a note from a physician. Notification cards can be downloaded from TSA here.

TSA officers will offer patients the option of going through the body scan machine or undergoing a pat-down. The AAHKS suggests implant patients opt for the body scan machine, but a pat-down around the artificial joint may still be necessary.

Checklist to Quickly Get Through TSA

If you have just had total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery, you can still travel with ease. Here is a quick summary of how to streamline your experience with TSA at the airport:

  1. Take a moment to watch the video and share it with a friend.
  2. Download the TSA Notification Card before you travel. Having the card allows you the option of discreet communication.
  3. Present your boarding pass and photo ID at the first security checkpoint as you normally do.
  4. After you send your carry-on and personal items through the scanner, inform the TSA officer that you have a metal implant.
  5. Opt to go through the body scanner. Alternatively, you may choose a pat-down.
  6. Be patient if the TSA officer asks to use a wand around your artificial joint (Healio).
  7. Enjoy your travel!

Talk to your doctor if you have a total joint replacement and have concerns about traveling. You can make an appointment before your trip and get answers to your questions.

Met Your Deductible? Schedule Cataract Surgery Before End of Year

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Cataract surgery is often most affordable at the end of the year once your healthcare deductible is met.

What is a Healthcare Deductible?

Your annual healthcare deductible is the amount you must pay for covered medical procedures before your insurance company begins to contribute. One of the best ways to stretch your healthcare dollars is to schedule elective procedures after you have met your annual deductible. It’s almost the end of the calendar year, so if you haven’t maximized your health insurance benefits, now is the time.

Most deductibles reset on January 1, so evaluate whether you should schedule cataract surgery before December 31. If you meet your deductible, your out-of-pocket responsibility for an elective cataract surgery could be considerably less.

Get the Most Out of Your Healthcare Plan

Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your health plan.

  1. Talk to your doctor about your cataract surgery and obtain the procedure codes.
  2. Call your health insurance provider. Ask if you have met your deductible or if you are close to meeting it. Using the procedure codes from your doctor, request an estimate of other associated costs, such as diagnostic tests, so you can prioritize your spending.
  3. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your account to check your balance. FSA funds do not roll over into the following year, so plan to use your FSA money on a cataract procedure if you need one.
  4. Consider carefully before using Health Account Savings (HSA). HSA contributions do not expire like FSA contributions. You can accumulate HSA funds and save them for a future elective procedure, so use your HSA after you have depleted your FSA.
  5. Do not delay scheduling preventive screenings like comprehensive eye exams. Medicare Part B covers eye exams and other eye tests under certain situations.

Set aside a few hours to call your doctor, insurance provider and FSA or HSA account provider. These calls will not take as long as you might think, and they could save you thousands of dollars.

Trade Your Heartburn Pill for a Visit to an Expert GI Doctor

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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) temporarily reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but a GI doctor can treat the root cause of heartburn.

Acid Reflux vs. GERD

Is your heartburn getting worse and not sure what to do next? If you are trying to control chronic heartburn with over-the-counter medication, you are only masking the symptoms. It’s time to consult a gastroenterologist.

Getting prompt treatment for heartburn is important because persistent acid reflux is a common symptom of GERD, a condition that can damage the esophagus and cause esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Common symptoms of GERD include:

  • pain in the chest
  • burning throat
  • regurgitation
  • persistent cough
  • belching after meals
  • sore throat

What are PPIs?

Unlike antacids like Tums or Rolaids which neutralize stomach acid, PPIs block acid production in the stomach. Some of the most common over-the-counter PPIs include Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex and Dexilant. These medications are effective, inexpensive and available without a prescription, but recent studies link long-term PPI use with possible serious health risks like osteoporosis, low magnesium, low vitamin B12, stroke, pneumonia, dementia and C. difficile infections.

How Long is Too Long to Use Over-the-Counter PPIs?

Over-the-counter PPIs are generally considered safe for eight weeks to help you heal from acid-related complications like frequent heartburn. If you still need PPIs after eight weeks, you should see a gastroenterologist to determine whether the PPI is still necessary. A GI doctor is trained in diagnosing digestive disorders and diseases and can help you get to the root cause of acid reflux.

Some upper GI issues do not require PPIs and you may find more relief from natural, holistic approaches like dietary changes, weight loss, exercise and sleep modifications. Your gastroenterologist can perform necessary tests and suggest the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Is Long-Term PPI Use Dangerous?

If you are currently under the care of a gastroenterologist who has prescribed a long-term PPI, you should take your medication as directed. Your GI specialist has determined the PPI is beneficial for healing, maintenance of healing and long-term control. Certain conditions like Barrett’s esophagus can benefit from long-term PPIs. However, you should see your GI doctor regularly so he or she can periodically reevaluate your PPI dosage. The goal is for you to be on the lowest possible dose that brings effective healing.

GI Doctor vs PCP

You may think going to your primary care physician (PCP) will be equally effective, but this is not the case. A gastroenterologist is better equipped to diagnose and treat upper GI problems and symptoms than a general practitioner. This is because gastroenterologists are required to complete a gastrointestinal medicine fellowship, meaning three additional years of training following a residency in internal medicine. GI doctors use diagnostic testing like an upper endoscopy to view the lining of the esophagus and even take a tissue biopsy if necessary. When you make an appointment with a GI doctor, you are putting your digestive health in the care of an expert.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, more than 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month and more than 15 million experience acid reflux daily. Are you one of these individuals? Call today to make an appointment with a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist so you can experience long-term relief.

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New Study Finds Glaucoma and Sleep Problems are Connected

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A new study links sleep problems with glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness among United States adults.

Glaucoma and Circadian Rhythm

Michael V. Boland, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Information Technology and Associate Residency Program Director at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, specializes in glaucoma and glaucoma surgery. He recently co-authored a study that suggests poor sleep could be either a risk factor or a result of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that elevates inner eye pressure to dangerous levels and can damage the optic nerve. Deterioration of the optic nerve can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. Researchers have established a connection between chronic high eye pressure and damage to ganglion cells in the retina, which are hypothesized to impact circadian rhythm and sleep.

Analyzing Sleep Dysfunction and Glaucoma

To investigate the hypothesized connection between ganglion cell loss and poor sleep, Boland examined data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Boland reviewed responses from the nearly 4,500 survey participants: some with glaucoma, some with vision loss and some with no vision problems. Patients answered questions about sleep medication, sleep duration, sleep disorders, sleep disturbances and daytime drowsiness.

The results of the study established a connection between glaucoma and long and short sleep duration. Glaucoma was three times more prevalent in participants who slept ten or more hours per night compared to participants who slept seven hours per night.

Boland discovered patients with glaucoma were more likely to fall asleep very quickly or take longer to fall asleep. Glaucoma was more prevalent in patients who fell asleep in nine or fewer minutes or patients who fell asleep in 30 minutes or more. There was also a connection between glaucoma and pronounced daytime sleepiness.

<h2>Poor Sleep Quality Does Not Always Indicate Glaucoma <h2>

Sleep problems and glaucoma are not always related, but it is important to consult a doctor to help resolve sleep issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declares insufficient sleep a “public health problem.” According to SleepHealth.org, between 50 to 70 million Americans experience poor sleep.

Sleep disorders are common among both genders and all ages and socioeconomic levels, and sleep deprivation can cause chronic health concerns. Poor sleep can lead to heart disease, accidents, hypertension, septicemia, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes.

Boland intends to continue researching the connection. He encourages more communication between physicians and patients.  In an interview with Ocular Surgery News, Boland explained, “Ophthalmologists may want to consider asking their glaucoma patients about their sleep quality.”

Currently, glaucoma affects more than three million Americans, but many are unaware they are developing glaucoma because the condition often has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This is why glaucoma is sometimes called the sneak thief of sight. Early diagnosis and early intervention are imperative to minimize optic nerve damage and preserve vision.

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Are you struggling with poor sleep, frequent waking at night, daytime fatigue or forgetfulness? It is probably time to call your ophthalmologist. A comprehensive eye exam can provide you with a full evaluation of your vision health. Your eye doctor will check your prescription and test you for degenerative eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Make healthy vision a priority by scheduling an appointment today.

New Study Says Physical Activity Can Prevent Colon Cancer

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A recent study links exercise with a decreased risk of developing abnormal colon tissue or polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

Proper eating habits and regular physical activity are two essential components for healthy living, but a new study at the Chinese University of Hong Kong suggests exercise is particularly important in preventing colon cancer.

Martin Wong, researcher at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and senior author of the study, says regular physical activity may make people 23 percent less likely to develop precancerous growths in the colon. Furthermore, those who exercise regularly may be 27 percent less likely to develop a particular type of precancerous growths that are aggressive and are more prone to progress into colon cancer.

Although the study did not reveal how exercise reduces the risk for colon tumors, the researchers believe physical activity could improve digestion, which reduces the time acid or carcinogens are in the digestive tract. Another theory is that exercise could lower blood sugar by making the body more efficient at using insulin to convert glucose into energy.

Inactivity, Obesity and Cancer Risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than three-quarters of the U.S. population is not getting enough exercise and is putting their health at risk. The obesity rate is approaching 40 percent, and inactivity and poor eating habits are two of the main contributing factors.

Exercise provides many benefits besides decreasing colon cancer risk. Some of these benefits include:

  • Improved cardiovascular fitness
  • Weight management
  • Bone and muscle health
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improved mood
  • Enhanced brain function

Vandana Sheth, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, underscores the importance of regular exercise. “Physical activity is inversely associated with any type of colorectal neoplasia in both men and women,” said Sheth. “Increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary behavior can have a significant positive impact on our overall health, especially in terms of colorectal neoplasia.”

Get Screened to Prevent Colon Cancer

One common myth about colon cancer is that young people do not develop the disease. However, no one is too young to get colon cancer, and the incidence of young-onset colon cancer continues to rise each year.

The American Cancer Society recommends all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin colon cancer screening at the age of 45. Individuals who have certain risk factors for colon cancer should talk to their doctor about getting screened earlier. Some of these risk factors include:

  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Personal history of precancerous growths or polyps
  • Family history of hereditary colon cancer, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome

Call Your Gastroenterologist

How long has it been since your last colon cancer screening? Call your gastroenterologist and ask when you need to schedule your next exam. A colonoscopy is the most comprehensive type of colon cancer screening because it can detect and prevent colon cancer in a single procedure. The best news is that a clear colonoscopy means you probably will not need to be screened for another ten years!

Commit to your health by giving colon cancer a double-punch. Call your GI doctor and get some exercise.

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ASCs Produce Successful Results, Low Complications

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A new study suggests joint replacement patients may be happier going home on the same day as their surgery than staying overnight in a hospital.

If you are considering a total hip or total knee replacement, you may want to schedule it at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting suggests joint replacement patients may be happier going home on the day of surgery rather than staying overnight at a hospital.

More Patients Prefer Total Joint Replacement at ASCs

Richard Berger, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago has completed more outpatient total joint replacement surgeries than any other physician in the country. He and his research team studied patients who had the same hospital, surgeon, anesthetist and nurse. The only variable was whether the patient chose to be admitted to the hospital and to stay overnight or whether the patient chose to be discharged on the day of surgery.

The team anticipated the patients who chose to stay overnight in the hospital would be happier than the patients who opted to go home, but they were incorrect. Patients who returned home on the day of surgery reported higher levels of satisfaction than patients who spent the night in a hospital. Dr. Berger said, “The research shows that patients like to be given a choice, and while the clinical outcomes are excellent for both, joint replacement patients are happier when they return to the comfort of home.”

Patients who went home on the day of surgery reported satisfaction with staff communication regarding medication as well as pain management protocol. One patient said she was happy to be able to walk out of the center and rest at home in her own bed. She felt that she recuperated more quickly than friends who had joint replacement surgery in an inpatient setting.

ASCs Save Patients Money

Another benefit of outpatient total joint procedure is cost. According to Becker’s ASC Review, an outpatient procedure could cost up to 50 percent less than an inpatient procedure.

The number of total joint replacements is expected to increase by 77 percent in the next decade, and cost will be a significant factor in how patients make decisions. The number of inpatient joint replacement procedures is expected to rise only three percent, but outpatient total joint replacements are expected to increase by 457 percent for knee replacements and 633 percent for hip replacements.

Do you need a hip or joint replacement? Talk with your doctor about scheduling your procedure at an ASC. Patients who are in good physical health and are at low risk for complications are excellent candidates for outpatient joint replacement at an ambulatory surgery center. You could save hundreds of dollars on your procedure and recover in the comfort of your home.

Ask your doctor for a list of in-network facilities near you.

Mass. Doctor Promises Easier Hernia Surgery

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Many hernias can require surgery which mean weeks of missed work. A doctor in Wellesley, Massachusetts, who performs a unique surgery called inguinal hernia repair says the method can result in fewer complications and quicker recovery time.

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