New Technology Offers Exciting Lens Options for Cataract Surgery

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It is estimated that 20.5 million Americans have cataracts, which is about one in every six individuals over the age of 40. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss, but they are treatable through surgery. In an outpatient procedure, your eye surgeon can remove your cataract and replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that is customized to your vision needs.

IOLs have been safely and successfully implanted routinely since the 1970s. Today, new technology and designs offer a multitude of options for IOLs. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by your choices, think of all the possibilities that are available to you in being able to select a lens that suits your activity level and lifestyle.

Here are the basic types of IOLs from which you can choose:

  • Monofocal lens—Monofocal lenses improve vision at one distance: far, intermediate or near. It is most common for individuals to want improved distance vision, which means that they still will need to wear glasses for reading. This is the least expensive IOL, and it is usually covered by Medicare and private insurance companies. If you have astigmatism and choose to have a monofocal IOL, you will likely need to wear glasses at all times.
  • Astigmatism-correcting monofocal lens—Depending on the shape of your cornea, you may be a candidate for an astigmatism-correcting monofocal lens. This toric lens corrects astigmatism and cataracts in a single procedure. After surgery, you may still need glasses or contact lenses for reading. Toric lenses are considered a premium lens, which means that you will be responsible for additional costs because this lens is considered a luxury and not a necessity.
  • Multifocal lens—Around the age of 40, most adults notice a change in their ability to focus on nearby objects. If you wear glasses or contacts for distance vision and your near vision is diminishing, you may want to consider a mulitifocal lens. In some cases, this IOL can eliminate your need for eyeglasses because they help improve near, distance and intermediate vision. A multifocal lens is considered a premium lens, so you will be responsible for additional costs.

Talk to your eye surgeon about which IOL he or she suggests for your vision. Cost will also factor into your decision, so call your insurance company to verify your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket expenses.

Can Arch Supports Help You Avoid Foot Surgery?

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Bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and neuromas. If you suffer from any of these common foot ailments, you want to find relief – and fast! Many patients think that surgery is their only option to correct foot problems and deformities, but that isn’t necessarily true. According to Dr. Steven Rosenberg, most foot ailments can be alleviated with proper-fitting arch supports.

Arch supports help alleviate foot pain by supporting the joints and allowing the foot to function properly. Well-fitted supports prevent abnormal pronation (rolling of the foot) which can lead to structural problems that may eventually require surgery.

The key to finding the right support inserts is making sure they are designed to fit in the arch of the shoe and they offer support in the right places. Inserts that are placed in the arch of the shoe will support the foot joints and slow down the formation of bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and neuromas (pinched nerves or benign nerve tumors). Proper-fitting supports also create space in the great toe joint to prevent jamming and joint pain and will prevent the arches of the feet from flattening.

In some cases, surgery may be the best form of treatment. However, Rosenberg suggests that this option only be considered when all other conservative treatments have failed. Surgery is always an option you can keep on hold while you explore other treatments, but once surgery is performed, you cannot revert the foot back to its original state. It is always best to start with the least invasive form of treatment and work towards more aggressive therapies until you find relief (Source: Huffington Post).

Family History Can Elevate Your Risk for Colon Cancer

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March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness about colon cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and take preventative action. Colon cancer affects 5 percent of the U.S. population (1 out of every 20 individuals), but many people are unaware of the risk that colon cancer presents.

Family History Affects Colon Cancer Risk
Although most colon cancers develop independently, about 5 to 10 percent of colon cancers are genetically inherited. This means that a person who has a family history of colon cancer and develops the disease is more likely to have inherited the gene than a person with no family history of colon cancer.
Being aware of your family’s health history is essential because you may be a candidate for early screening. People who are at average risk for colon cancer should schedule their first colonoscopy at 50 years of age. If colon cancer runs in your family, you should talk to your doctor about being screened earlier.

Lynch Syndrome and FAP
Two common inherited colorectal syndromes are hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). These diseases affect men and women alike and can develop at young ages. Children of men and women who carry the gene for Lynch syndrome and FAP have a 50 percent risk of inheriting the disease-causing gene.

Lynch syndrome comprises 3 to 5 percent of all colon cancers. While the average age for a new diagnosis of colon cancer is 72, the average age for a new diagnosis of Lynch syndrome is 45. It is important for individuals with Lynch syndrome to be under a doctor’s care because Lynch Syndrome makes one prone to developing other cancers including endometrial (uterine), stomach, breast, ovarian, small bowel (intestinal), pancreatic, prostate, urinary tract, liver, kidney, and bile duct cancers.

FAP is also associated with additional health risks. Those affected by FAP develop hundreds or thousands of precancerous polyps in the colon, and the number of polyps increases with age. These polyps begin forming in the mid-teens, and people with FAP will develop colon cancer in their thirties unless the colon is surgically removed.

Why You Should Be Screened Earlier
If you have a family history of colon cancer, it is important to be screened for colon cancer at an earlier age and at shorter intervals. Even having a family history of precancerous polyps can increase your chances of developing colon cancer by 35 to 70 percent. Not everyone should wait until the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy. The age at which you should get your first colonoscopy is often known as your “colonoscopy age.” There are a few factors that affect your colonoscopy age:

  • Having a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Having a first-degree relative like a parent, sibling or child with colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Being of African American descent

Here is a general guideline: If you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or colon polyps, you should be screened ten years earlier than the age that the relative was at time of diagnosis. Having a family history of colon cancer does not mean that you will develop the disease. What it does mean is that you need to make regular doctor 
visits a top priority. Regular check-ups and routine colonoscopies are your best defense against colon cancer.

This March, celebrate Colon Cancer Awareness Month by making sure that you are up-to-date on your colon cancer screenings. Another way to support the cause is to talk to your loved ones about getting a colonoscopy. Colon cancer prevention requires commitment and participation from everyone, so spread the word—and save a life!

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The New and Improved Cataract Surgery

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But today’s cataract surgery is nothing like cataract surgery in its early days. Here are some ways that cataract surgery has advanced:

  • More sophisticated instruments and medications. Eye surgeons use diamond blades to create micro-incisions. Ultrasonic waves break up the deteriorated lens for easy removal. Pre and post-procedure eye drops help prevent infection.
  • Use of lasers to perform cataract surgery. While the laser may never completely replace the human hand when it comes to cataract removal, laser-assisted cataract surgery provides a precise, reproducible procedure.
  • Customizable lenses. When the old eye lens is removed, an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL, takes its place. There are several types of lenses from which to choose, such as monofocal, astigmatism correcting and multifocal.
  • Shorter recovery time. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure today. Infection is rare because of antibiotic drops that are prescribed before and after surgery. Small incisions often eliminate the need for sutures, and most patients can resume their daily activities rapidly.
  • Convenient locations. Cataract surgery it is often performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) instead of a hospital. ASCs offer personalized care in a smaller environment, and many patients prefer the ease and convenience of an ASC instead of a larger facility.
  • Reducing the dependence on eyeglasses. Although multifocal IOLs are usually not covered by insurance companies, many patients choose a multifocal lens so they will not have to wear eyeglasses. Multifocal lenses allow for clear distance and near vision, and many patients claim that their post-procedure eyesight is clearer than it ever was before.

Cataract surgery may sound like it is only for the elderly generation, but that is an incorrect assumption. In fact, 40 and 50-year olds are choosing cataract surgery because they will enjoy more years of clear vision! Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out whether you are a candidate for cataract surgery. Thanks to cataract surgery advancements, lifelong healthy vision is now a reality.

4 Low-Impact Exercises for Joint Pain

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Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind if you suffer from joint pain, but it could be just what the doctor ordered. Research shows that staying physically active can combat chronic joint pain by increasing flexibility, reducing fatigue and promoting circulation of fluids to the joint capsule. Exercise also helps to improve your pain threshold to make your joint symptoms more manageable (Source: WebMD).

When exercising to relieve joint pain, you want to find activities that are low-impact. These will improve cardiovascular health and help you build strength in weak or painful joints without making your symptoms worse. Here are some low-impact activities you can try to keep your joints limber and healthy:

Rowing
The rowing machine is arguably one of the most underutilized cardio machines in the entire gym, but it can be the perfect total-body workout for patients with arthritis or chronic joint pain. Rowing requires you to use all your major muscle groups, so you’re sure to notice stronger arms, legs, core, back, and shoulders. And because the resistance is controlled by the amount of effort you put forth, it’s easy to adjust the intensity of your workout to fit your comfort level.

Swimming
Aquatic exercise is particularly beneficial for joint pain sufferers because the water reduces joint impact while providing resistance. Swimming is a full-body workout that lengthens and strengthens muscles, improves range of motion and increases cardiovascular fitness. You don’t need to have impeccable form to enjoy the benefits of swimming. Whether you do the backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, or you simply dog paddle from one end of the pool to the other, you’re sure to enjoy a great workout that strengthens and soothes your joints.

Elliptical
Gyms and fitness centers are full of elliptical users who appear to be effortlessly gliding their way to a leaner, stronger body. But make no mistake, the elliptical provides a challenging workout for your upper and lower body. The elliptical simulates walking, running or climbing, but the gliding movements of this machine reduce impact on your joints for a safe, comfortable workout.

Indoor Cycling
The smooth motions of cycling are easier on joints than higher-impact exercises, and they are great for strengthening weak hips and knees. If you’re new to indoor cycling, you may want to ask a fitness instructor or personal trainer to assist you with setting up your bike. Proper bike settings and good form are essential to keeping joints supported and injury-free.

Extreme Makeover: Colonoscopy Edition

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Most cases of colon cancer could be prevented with regular colonoscopies. Unfortunately, 1 out of 3 adults between 50 and 75 years of age are not getting recommended screenings. Why are so many men and women taking chances with their colon health? According to surveys and studies, the bowel preparation is one of the biggest reasons that people choose to say “no” to a colonoscopy. What these individuals don’t know is that colonoscopy prep has changed dramatically in the past decade, and it’s all for the better! New preparation methods, innovative preparation foods and a prep-day menu makeover has helped make the colonoscopy more approachable than ever before. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s learn more about how colonoscopy preparation has improved over the years.

Same-Day Preparation Method vs. Split-Dose Preparation Method
In the past, there was only one way to prepare for a colonoscopy: the same-day bowel preparation method. This regimen required you to consume a large amount of purgative solution in a single dose on the night before your colonoscopy. There were many undesirable side effects to the same-day method, and it often caused abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, or vomiting. Many patients reported that they could not finish drinking the prescribed amount of fluid, which resulted in incomplete bowel preparation and inconclusive test results.

Today, the split-dose method is now almost universally accepted among gastroenterologists because it results in a better bowel cleansing. You can take the first dose of prep solution the night before the procedure, and the second dose on the morning of the procedure. Patients almost unanimously prefer the split-dose method over the same-day method because the smaller volume of liquid is more palatable.

Most doctors also prefer the split-dose method because a thoroughly flushed bowel is the precursor for a quality colonoscopy. A clear colon allows your gastroenterologist to visualize and remove precancerous polyps. If these polyps are not removed, they can continue to grow and possibly develop into colon cancer. By removing the polyps, you are taking away the possibility that a polyp can become cancerous in the future. The split-dose method creates a better environment for your gastroenterologist to detect any abnormality in the colon, making it the preferred choice for patients and doctors.

New Colonoscopy Preparation Foods
Colonoscopy preparation products themselves could get a whole lot tastier in the near future. Some specialty food companies are developing bowel-clearing beverages and foods that contain the same active ingredient, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, as the prescription laxatives. Instead of having to drink a salty, medicine-like beverage, how about a strawberry banana smoothie, a vanilla shake or a lemon cooler bar that will bring about the same result? Researchers are hoping that these food products will soon be available for colonoscopy patients and that the variety of choices will ultimately help increase colon cancer screening rates. Insurance will likely not cover these new products, but people may be willing to spend a little more money for an option that is more pleasant.

Clear Liquid Diet vs. Low Residue Diet
The third improvement in colonoscopy preparation is the prep day menu. In the past, only clear liquids were allowed on the day before your colonoscopy. These included broths, soft drinks, tea, black coffee, clear juices, Jell-O, and popsicles (except for red or blue). It’s not surprising that colonoscopy patients consistently complain about their hunger throughout the prep day. Fasting accompanied by a colon flush is unpleasant, to say the least. Many doctors question whether the clear liquid diet is mandatory, and some physicians believe that a low-residue/low fiber diet is sufficient for colonoscopy preparation.

Several new studies show that a low-residue diet is just as effective as a clear liquid diet for optimum visualization of the colon. Instead of patients only being allowed to have clear liquids, foods like white rice, white bread, refined pasta, cereals, crackers, vegetables without skin or seeds, fruit without peels or seeds, tender meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and broth-based soups may be permissible. More research needs to be done, but these studies provide convincing evidence that patients may not need to starve themselves and be uncomfortable in order to have a quality colonoscopy.

Today’s colonoscopy certainly isn’t your mother’s colonoscopy of 20 years ago. Talk to your doctor about the recent “makeover” that the colonoscopy has undergone, and when it would be best for you to get screened. There’s no better way to celebrate Colon Cancer Awareness Month than to schedule your screening colonoscopy, so thank you for doing your part!

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Being Overweight Could Affect Your Eyes

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Obesity is a nationwide epidemic. Being overweight is a danger to our health because it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. This favorite topic in newspapers, magazines, online journals, and morning talk shows has become so pervasive that it does not even catch our attention anymore. But what if you heard that obesity could rob you of clear vision? You might stop and listen, wouldn’t you?

Recent research suggests that being overweight could increase the pressure inside of your eyes. Inner eye pressure is a delicate matter. The optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images from the eye to the brain, can be permanently damaged when eye pressure reaches a dangerous level. These levels vary from individual to individual, but spikes in eye pressure can make you more prone to glaucoma.

Glaucoma actually refers to an entire family of diseases that damage the optic nerve. One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, glaucoma threatens 3 million Americans. Unfortunately, only about half are aware that they have it. Known as “the sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma can diminish a significant portion of the visual field without symptoms or pain.

There are several other eye conditions that are influenced by obesity or being overweight. Some of them include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, floppy eyelid syndrome, and thyroid eye disease. These conditions can also cause vision loss and because of a lack of early symptoms, can be fairly advanced at the time of diagnosis.

If you are seeking to lose weight, there are many resources available to help you succeed. Your primary care physician can help you formulate a plan centered on nutritional eating and physical exercise. It is also important to visit your ophthalmologist for comprehensive eye exams to check your eye pressure so you can maintain healthy vision. In just one hour, your eye care specialist can test the clarity of your vision and diagnose any eye problems (Source: Healio).

Researchers Link Weight Loss to Lowered IOP

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Bariatric surgery is known to improve several obesity-related conditions including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, and sleep apnea. Now, researchers have reason to believe that weight loss surgery could have a positive effect on intraocular pressure (IOP).

A prospective case-controlled study evaluated 50 test subjects – half of whom were morbidly obese individuals scheduled for bariatric surgery and half of whom were age- and gender-matched controls of average weight. Researchers collected IOP measurements in seven positions:

  • Sitting with the head straight
  • Sitting with the head flexed at 30 degrees
  • Sitting with the head extended to 30 degrees
  • Lying down flat
  • Lying down on the right side
  • Lying down on the left side
  • Lying down with the head and upper body elevated at 30 degrees with a wedge pillow

The second part of the study followed the obese participants for one to two years following bariatric surgery using the same methods.

Researchers noted that the mean IOP in all positions was much higher in obese subjects than the average weight control group, with a mean difference of 2.5 mm Hg. There was no difference in mean IOP among the three seated positions.

After an average follow-up time of 17 months, researchers evaluated 19 of the test subjects who underwent bariatric surgery. The mean IOP of these subjects had decreased significantly, with an average difference of 1.6 mm Hg.

Linear regression showed that every 10 percent loss of overall body weight was associated with a 1.4 mm Hg IOP decrease in the right eye and 2.4 mm Hg decrease in the right eye. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Glaucoma (Source: Healio).

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Causes and Symptoms

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The macula is responsible for central vision, which allows you to see fine details and do tasks such as reading small print or threading a needle.

The most common symptom of macular degeneration is that objects and faces appear fuzzy, blurry or distorted. Another symptom of AMD is that there are dark or whited out areas in the center of vision, and straight lines look bent and uneven.

AMD begins with the formation of deposits called drusen under the retina. In some cases, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. Although AMD does not cause complete blindness, it can cause significant vision problems and prevent you from doing daily activities such as driving, reading and participating in sports.

AMD can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils with eye drops and examine your eyes with an ophthalmoscope, an instrument that allows your doctor to see the back of your eye and retina. Many people are not aware that they have macular degeneration until they have a noticeable vision problem or until it is detected during an eye examination, so it is important to stay current with your eye exams. A one-hour eye exam can help prevent AMD and preserve healthy vision for years to come.

Best Exercises after Joint Replacement Surgery

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If you’ve recently undergone joint replacement surgery, congratulations! The hardest part is over, and you’re well on your way to making a great recovery. Now begins the rehab phase which plays a crucial part in restoring range of motion and strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Once you have received clearance from your doctor, you should spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times per day, performing exercises that will strengthen and restore your joint. These exercises will not only speed your recovery, they will increase your chances of long-term success after surgery. The following are some exercises that may be recommended by your doctor:

For Shoulders

  • Grip strengthening – Grasp a rubber ball or roll your hand into a fist. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Complete 30 reps.
  • Scapula retraction – Stand tall and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat.
  • Pendulum swing – Bend at the waist and use your strong arm to grasp a table or chair for support. Allow your recovering arm to relax and hang straight down below you, making small clockwise and counterclockwise circles (Source: UCSF Medical Center).

For Knees

  • Straight leg lifts – Lie on your back and keep your recovering leg flat on the floor. Bend your other leg at the knee, resting your foot firmly on the floor. Gently raise your recovering leg about six inches off the floor and hold for 10 seconds.
  • Thigh squeezes – Lying flat on your back, gently press the back of your knees to the floor and engage the muscles in the front of your thighs. Hold for five seconds, relax and repeat.
  • Knee bending – Sit in a chair and bend your recovering leg so your toes rest on the floor beneath your seat. Keep your other leg flat on the floor in front of you for support. Gently bend your affected knee back as far as possible, allowing your heel to lower towards the floor. Hold for five seconds, then rest and repeat (Healthline).

For hips

  • Hip flexion – Loop an elastic resistance band around your ankles and stand behind a chair for support. Keeping the knee straight, extend your affected leg forward. Return to your starting position and repeat.
  • Hip extensions – Stand tall and hold the back of a chair for support. Raise your recovering leg straight behind you until you reach a comfortable level of resistance. Return to your starting position and repeat. This exercise can also be performed with resistance bands.
  • Hip abduction – Stand sideways next to a door-frame or chair for support. Keeping a slight bend in the knee, stand on your strong leg and slowly extend your recovering leg out to the side. Gently lower your leg to starting position and repeat (Source: OrthoInfo).