Posts Tagged ‘eye infection’

Summer Eye Saftey

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

The snow in  Iowa has finally thawed and it’s warming up.  That means more and more people are planning outdoor activites.  Just remember to be concious about your eye health this summer season.

One of the biggest eye hazards is yard work.  Eye protection is essential when operating power equipment like a lawn-mowers, weed-eaters, chain-saws, leaf-blowers or electric trimmers.  Each of these tools can send small high-velocity projectiles hurling toward the eyes.  Eye abrasions, perforations and  infections have the potential to cause significant damage to the eye including permanent vision loss.

Think about eye protection even when you don’t anticipate dangers.

If you receive an eye injury or have foreign material in your eye, seek care immediately.  It’s always best to have a professional look at your eye under a microscope.  Washing the eye yourself with tap-water is insufficient.  The doctors at Iowa EyeCare are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Call 319-377-2222.

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Eye Infections

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

An eye infection is just one of the common reasons individuals seek medical eye care in Cedar Rapids.  Eye infections can have serious, long-lasting or permanent consequences to the eye and to the visual system.  Seek the care of a medical eye professional immediately if you suspect you may have an eye infection.  The optometrists at Iowa EyeCare are experts in treating all types of eye infections.  Eye infections can attack many different parts or locations on or within the eye:

  • Conjunctiva (the clear tissue lining the surface of the white ocular surface)
  • Cornea (the clear window in front of the iris and pupil)
  • Inside the Eye
  • Retina (the light-sensitive inside-surface of the eye)
  • Optic Nerve (the cord that takes vision from the eye to the brain)

 

Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

The most common type of eye infection is viral conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye”.  Usually the culprit is an adenovirus, the same type of virus that causes the common cold.  The adenovirus is often transmitted through respiratory droplets. These highly contagious eye infections cause redness, watering, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare use prescription medications to reduce these symptoms.  Recovery usually occurs within one week.

Iowa EyeCare has locations in Robins, Marion and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  To learn more about eye infections and other eye conditions visit the Iowa EyeCare Website.

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Backyard Chickens & Histoplasmosis in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Sunday, March 28th, 2010
By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

Iowa Backyard Chickens

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.  Fortunately, Histoplasmosis most often results in no symptoms or illness.  This fungus grows in the soil and is thought to be carried through chicken and other bird droppings.  Histoplasma capsulatumis transferred to humans via the respiratory tract.  Histoplasmosis is common in Iowa and reports show that more than 60% of the population has already been exposed.

Ocular Histoplasmosis occurs when this fungus causes scarring of the retina on the back, inside-surface of the eye.   I often see patients with these scars and they cause vision problems very rarely. 

Chickens are a fundamental part of Iowa heritage.  More and more Iowans are becoming interested in having their own flock of chickens for good reason.  Chickens can be a good source of both meat and eggs for the family.  Local food is environmentally friendly.  Free-range, organic food is healthier for you.  It reminds us and teaches our children where food comes from.   

Personally, I’m in favor of backyard chickens and the movement by Cedar Rapids Citizens for the Legalization of Urban Chickens (CLUC).  Chickens do not carry more disease than other city-approved animals.  Chickens make make less noise than barking dogs.  A well-maintained chicken coop doesn’t have a foul odor. 

If you have questions about Ocular Histoplasmosis contact one of the optometrists at Iowa EyeCare by calling 319-377-2222 or by clicking on the link: CEDAR RAPIDS EYE DOCTORS.

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Eye Disease in Ancient Egypt

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Ancient Egyptian eye makeup may have been more therapeutic than cosmetic.

Egyptian Eye

In the days of the ancient Egyptian empire, the Nile River delta was a place where eye infections were likely commonplace, as sanitation and hygiene practices were not established. 

The periodical, Analytical Chemistry, recently published an article regarding the lead-based compounds found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians.  Their conclusion is that “lead-based compounds were used during antiquity as both pigments and medicines in the formulation of makeup materials.”

 ”According to ancient Egyptian manuscripts,” says Analytical Chemistry, ”these were essential remedies for treating eye illness and skin ailments. This conclusion seems amazing because today we focus only on the well-recognized toxicity of lead salts.”  Analytical Chemistry goes on to say that, “one may argue that these lead compounds were deliberately manufactured and used in ancient Egyptian formulations to prevent and treat eye illnesses by promoting the action of immune cells.”

In modern times, ocular infections still cause problems for millions of people each year.  If you think you might have an infection, walk like an Egyptian to Iowa EyeCare.  Iowa EyeCare has a doctor on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, call 319-377-2222.

Contact Iowa EyeCare in Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Robins, Iowa. 

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