Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa causes the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina. There are types of photoreceptor cells: rod cells and cone cells. The rate of decline varies depending on the genetic makeup of the disorder and also varies somewhat in individuals. A light is shone in the eye and the electroretinogram records electrical changes in the retina. They can occur in very young children causing a lifetime of blindness or rob the elderly of their precious independence. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a rare, inherited disease in which the light-sensitive retina of the eye slowly and progressively degenerates. The rods are located in the periphery of the retina and are responsible for peripheral and night vision. 
RP causes the thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye, which is called the retina, to deteriorate. Photoreceptor cells capture and process light helping us to see. As these cells degenerate and die, patients experience progressive vision loss. In the progression of symptoms for RP, night blindness generally precedes tunnel vision by years or even decades. These regions of the retina reflect the cell apoptosis by having decreased nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. An exam of the retina is done using an indirect ophthalmoscope, an instrument that enables the doctor to examine the different parts of the eye through a dilated pupil. An exam of the retina is done using an indirect ophthalmoscope, an instrument that enables the doctor to examine the different parts of the eye through a dilated pupil. RP is a group of inherited disorders in which abnormalities of the photoreceptors ( rods and cones ) or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the retina lead to progressive visual loss. Histopathologic changes in RP have been well documented, and, more recently, specific histologic changes associated with certain gene mutations are being reported.

Causes of Retinitis Pigmentosa

There are various factors which give rise to the disease Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP may be caused by a breakdown in the function of the rods or the cones in some part of the retina. The retina is so complex that breakdowns may occur in a variety of ways and so RP is not a single disorder but a great number of disorders. The breakdown of cone function may be called Macular Degeneration. There are other disorders similar to RP like Gyrate Atrophy, Choroideremia etc. The common feature is the degeneration of the retina for one reason or another.

Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Some of the common sign and symptoms of the diseaseRetinitis Pigmentosa are as follows:

• Vision decreased at night or in reduced lightl.
• Loss of peripheral vision.
• Loss of central vision.

Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Find effective treatment methods of treating Retinitis Pigmentosa :

• These photoreceptors developed and made the necessary neural connections to the animal's retinal nerve cells, a key step in the restoration of sight .
• Controversial studies have suggested that treatment with antioxidant agents may delay the disease from getting worse.
• There is no standard treatment for retinitis pigmentosa.
• A blood test must be taken to ascertain liver function and Vitamin A levels in the blood BEFORE taking this treatment

Retinal Detachment

Retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. Retinal detachment is a serious problem that usually affects middle-aged or older people. Retinal detachment is caused by a combination of factors including retinal holes, retinal breaks or retinal tears, liquefaction of the vitreous humor , and mechanical forces on the retina , often referred to as "traction". It is the tissue that turns light INTO an electrical signal to send to the brain. The retina receives oxygen and nutrients from the underlying choroid (vascular layer) of the eye. Rays of light enter the eye and are focused onto the retina by the cornea and the lens. The retina is composed of two main parts; a central macular area and a much larger peripheral retina. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the choroid. Its job is to translate what we see into neural impulses and send them to the brain via the optic nerve .
Retinal detachment refers to separation of the inner layers of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE, choroid). In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that are torn. It is a problem that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and elderly.  The retina is a thin disc-shaped layer of light-sensitive tissue on the back wall of the eye. The retina produces a picture which is sent along the optic nerve for the brain to interpret. If not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. The retina is a thin sheet of light sensitive nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye. The detached retina should be recognized and treated promptly.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Common causes and risk factor's of Retinal Detachment include the following :

• Eye injury.
• Diabetes.
• High level of nearsightedness.
• Sickle cell disease.
• Cataract surgery.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Some common Symptoms of Retinal Detachment :

• Flashes of light.
• A sudden dramatic increase in the number of floaters.
• Blurred vision.
• A ring of floaters or hairs just to the temporal side of the central vision.
• Shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye
• Poor vision.
• Vision becomes blurry.

Treatment of Retinal Detachment

• In some cases a scleral buckle, a tiny synthetic band, is attached to the outside of the eyeball to gently push the wall of the eye against the detached retina.
• In rare cases where other types of retinal detachment surgeries are either inappropriate or unsuccessful, silicone oil may be used to reattach the retina.
• Retinal tears with minimal or no detachment may be treated with laser or freezing procedures. Some retinal tears do not require treatment.
• Pneumatic retinopexy is a newer method for retinal detachment repair. It is not suitable for all types of detachment.

Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital Cellulitis most often presents with symptoms similar to preseptal cellulits such as red and swollen eyelids, but also includes pain, blurred or double vision, fever, headache, and a red eye. These conditions refer to an inflammation and infection of the tissue and skin that surround the eye. Your baby won't be able to tell you if his eye hurts, but if his eyelid is swollen and red, call his doctor right away. Both of these conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention by your child's physician. This infection usually results from the spread of another nearby infection such as conjunctivitis or sinusitis. Treatment is with antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage. The most common location of a subperiorbital abscess is along the medial orbital wall. Orbital cellulitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues in the orbit of the eye posterior to the orbital septum.
Orbital cellulitis affects the eye socket (orbit) as well as the skin closest to it. A CT scan confirms the diagnosis and may further be necessary to rule-out a foreign body in the orbit (eye socket). Periorbital cellulitis is a serious but treatable infection of the tissues around the eye. Preseptal and orbital cellulitis are 2 distinct diseases that share a few clinical symptoms and signs. Periorbital cellulitis is more common in younger children than adults. Pre-septal cellulitis involves the area from the skin of the eyelid to the bony area that encloses the eye. Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues immediately surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, eyebrow, and cheek. The medial orbital wall is thin and perforated not only by numerous blood valveless vessels and nerves but also by numerous other defects (Zuckerkandl dehiscences).

Causes of Orbital Cellulitis

The common Causes of Orbital Cellulitis:

• Stye on the eyelid.
• Injury to the area.
• Infections that spread from the bloodstream.
• Bug bite or sting to the eyelid.

Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis

Some common Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis:

• Bulging eyes
• General malaise
• Eye may appear red.
• Decrease in vision.
• Fever.
• General discomfort .
• Shiny, red or purple eyelid
• Painful swelling of upper and lower eyelids

Treatment of Orbital Cellulitis

• Your child may be admitted to the hospital for antibiotics through an intravenous (IV) catheter. Hospitalization also allows for close evaluation of your child and the condition.
• Antibiotics are given to treat the infection. They will be started immediately, even before results from the laboratory have come back. Antibiotics are generally given by mouth for three weeks. If the infection is serious, the first week of antibiotics will be given through an intravenous drip.
• Consultation with an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist).
• Surgery may be performed to drain a collection of pus or an infected sinus cavity.
• Surgical drainage of the sinuses or any abscesses of the eye is sometimes needed.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea the domed, transparent circular portion of the front of the eyeball that lies over the pupil. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers. The patient will present with a unilateral, acutely painful, photophobic, intensely injected eye. Upon healing, a scar remains that impairs vision if on or near the visual axis. Keratitis has many causes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. It typically occurs after trauma associated with plant matter or in immuno-compromised individuals. Keratitis is a medical emergency because extensive involvement may lead to blindness. Microbial keratitis results from the interaction of a broad spectrum of pathogens and a diverse range of host responses.
This condition is typically accompanied by severe pain, redness, and scant (if any) discharge. The conjunctival and episcleral vessels will be deeply engorged and inflamed, often greatly out of proportion to the size of the corneal defect. Superficial keratitis involves the superficial layers of the cornea. It should be noted that microbial infections such as keratitis, although relatively infrequent, are the most serious complication of contact lens wear. Fusarium is commonly found in organic matter such as soil and plants. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Symptoms of corneal infection include extreme pain and photophobia. It is characterized by small pinpoint defects in the superficial corneal epithelium, which stain with fluorescein. The primary treatment modality for ocular infections from Fusarium is natamycin, but not all infections respond to this drug.

Causes of Keratitis

Common causes and risk factor's of Keratitis include the following :

• Fungi.
• Trauma (usually following insertion of an object into the eye).
• Vitamin A deficiencies.
• Bacteria.
• Parasites.

Symptoms of Keratitis

Some common Symptoms of Keratitis:

• Pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Light sensitivity .
• Impaired vision.
• Discharge.
• Itching and discharge
• Tearing, watery eyes,
• Redness.
• Watery eyes
• Feeling as if something is in the eye.

Treatment of Keratitis

• Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation in certain conditions. Severe ulcers may need to be treated with corneal transplantation.
• Bacterial corneal ulcers require intense topical eye drop instillation every 1/2 hour for the first 48 hours with two broad-spectrum antibiotics. Treatment for fungal keratitis consists of natamycin. Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers are treated in hospital.
• Treatment of the cornea with corticosteroid drops may minimize scarring, and help preserve the clarity of the cornea.
• Minor corneal infections are commonly treated with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops. If the problem is more severe, a person may receive more intensive antibiotic treatment to eliminate the infection and may need to take steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.
• Treating corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the cornea.

Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasion is a painful scrape or scratch of the surface of the clear part of the eye. This transparent window covers the iris, the circular colored portion of the eye. The cornea has several layers that protect the eye. Some corneal abrasions may form a scar and permanently impair vision. A corneal abrasion is an injury (a scratch, scrape or cut) to the epithelium. Abrasions are commonly caused by fingernail scratches, paper cuts, makeup brushes, scrapes from trees or limbs, and rubbing the eye. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, increase the chance of an abrasion. It is comprised of three layers and the membranes that separate these layers. It is very difficult to penetrate past the epithelium or top layer of the cornea. The cornea is normally devoid of blood vessels yet has many sensory nerves. When any trauma to the corneal epithelium occurs, cells are lost or destroyed and pain is immediately sensed. When a corneal abrasion occurs, the conjunctiva, or the white of the eye, turns red, as new blood vessels form and those present enlarge, in an attempt to increase blood flow to the eye as it attempts to bring to the eye those cells needed for the healing of the cornea. A corneal abrasion heals by the movement of neighboring epithelial cells, which slide over the wounded area, and through a cell division process called mitosis, which fill in the abraded area with new epithelial cells. Within two to three days of trauma to the cornea, these new cells start to adhere to the underlying membrane of the epithelium, called the basement membrane and within seven to eight days the abraded area usually heals completely without scarring.

Causes of Corneal Abrasion

The common Causes of Corneal Abrasion :

• Minor injury.
• Occurs when a foreign object is scraped across the cornea.
• Chemicals.
• Contact lenses.
• Blow to the eye.

Symptoms of Corneal Abrasion

Some common Symptoms of Corneal Abrasion :

• Tearing .
• Discharge of tears.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Eye pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Redness.
• Discomfort in the eye.
• Headache.

Treatment of Corneal Abrasion

• Antibiotic eye ointment, such as Polymyxin-bacitracin.
• Occlusion of the eyelid with a patch (keep the eye closed).
• Examination is done after using an anaesthetic.
• A 'patch' may be put on the eyes.
• Antibiotic used to prevent infection.
• Relief of pain with medication.
• At times, cycloplegic drops (paralyzes the ciliary muscle that controls the iris size).
• In selected cases, other medication such as steroids might be used.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is most often caused by a virus but also can be caused by bacterial infection, allergies (e.g., cosmetics, pollen) and chemical irritation. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in the western hemisphere and varies in severity from mild inflammation with tearing to a severe inflammation that causes tissue injury and tissue death. Bacterial conjunctivitis presents with a red eye, pus discharge, a gritty sensation, and occasionally sticking shut of the eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis follows an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold. While pinkeye can sometimes be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it's a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. But if your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but other types require treatment.
Acute conjunctivitis is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the clear covering (the conjunctiva) which coats the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine), allergens (substances that cause allergies) or transmitted diseases (STDs). Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

The common Causes of Conjunctivitis :

• The commonest cause is infection with bacteria.
• Allergic reactions, eg hayfever , may cause conjunctivitis, but do not usually cause a sticky discharge.
• Virus infection may also occur.
• Air pollution or chemical irritants may lead to conjunctivitis.
• A partially blocked tear duct is a possible cause.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Some common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis :

• The eye is itchy or painful.
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness in the eyes
• Tearing.
• Itching of the eye
• Red, irritated eye.
• Swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

• Over the counter eye cleansing solution can also soothe the eyes, but in the presence of a bacterial infection, you need to see the doctor as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are necessary. In some rare infections, antibiotics are also given by mouth.
• If the patient's eyes are sensitive to light, keep the room dark or suggest that he wear dark glasses.
• To prevent further spread of inclusion conjunctivitis, wash your hands thoroughly before and after administering eye medications.
• Use warm or cool water compresses to reduce discomfort.
• If your doctor thinks that the problem is allergic, then you may be prescribed antihistamines , sodium cromoglycate eye drops, or nedocromil eye drops.
• Be sure to wash hands with soap and water before and after using eye medication.
• If the problem is a virus infection, then it will not respond to antibiotics, and your body will have to fight off the infection.

Eye Stye

Eye Stye is a bacteria-infected localised inflammation of the upper or lower eyelid which have Zeis glands that produce a secretion to keep the area moist and soft. Eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. An infection bacterium is frequently transferred from one hair shaft to another when rubbing it to relieve itching. An eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. Stye has all the the signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, pain and heat or warmth and occurs on the edge of the eyelid. An infection bacterium is frequently transferred from one hair shaft to another when rubbing it to relieve itching.
Patient may experience pain, swelling, heat and redness on the base of eyelid. It can be affected around the eyelid and eyelashes. A stye can occur at any age. Generally, this infection responds well to treatment but tends to recur. Styes are usually harmless and will go away after several days on their own as your body fights the infection. However they look bumpy and ugly. There are some home remedies for styes that may be helpful for you. A stye initially brings pain, redness, tenderness and swelling in the area, then a small pimple appears. It is small inflammatory tumor on the base of eyelid. This disease does not affect the vision. It is also called by hordeolums by some people.

Causes of Eye-Stye

The common Causes of Eye-Stye :

• The main cause of stye is the staphylococcal organisms eyelid infections, but other organisms may be involved.
• Diabetes
• Other debilitating illness
• Styes are caused by staphylococcal bacteria.
• Using eyeliner or other eye products can irritate the eye.
• This bacterium is often found in the nose, and it's easily transferred to the eye by rubbing first your nose, then your eye.
• weakness of the immune system
• Using mascara, eyeliner or other eye products can irritate the

Symptoms of Eye-Stye

Some common Symptoms of Eye-Stye :

• Redness accompanied by slight pain.
• Discomfort when blinking
• Swollen, red, tender upper or lower eyelid.
• Difficulty to open the eyes in bright light
• Tearing of the eye.
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body
• Lump and/or swelling in the eyelid

Treatment of Eye-Stye

Here is the list of the methods for treating Eye-Stye :

• Application of prescribed antibiotic drops may also be used to help fight the infection
• Boil a handful of acacia leaves in two cups of water to make a decoction and apply it as compress on the eyelids
• A grated potato used as a poultice, reduce swelling in inflamed eyes.
• Surgical drainage of the stye may also be necessary if the stye is not responding to treatment
• Application of prescribed antibiotic drops may also be used to help fight the infection
• Boil 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds with a cupful of water like an herbal tea preparation to wash the eyes 3-4 times a day.
• Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes
• Any one or a combination of antibiotic or steroid drops or injections; warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day; gentle massage to express the glandular secretions; or surgical drainage

Risk from Mobile Phones

Studies and surveys conducted by Australian Health Research Institute indicates that due to billions of times more in volume electromagnetic radiation emitted by billions of mobile phones, internet, intranet and wireless communication data transmission; almost one-third of world population (about two billions) will be a patient of ear, eye and brain cancer beside other major body disorders like heart ailments, impotency, migraine, epilepsy.

In addition, according to the reports, the tissues of children are tender and are likely to be more effected by use of any wireless gadget and devices and they should not be encouraged to use mobile phone.

Effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted mainly by mobile phones, mobile phone antenna, tower, mast, transmission tower, microwave oven, wireless devices, system and equipment.

These dangerous effects have been certified and confirmed repeatedly by many leading medical and scientific research institutions of the world including Ministries of health of various governments, W.H.O. and now have been admitted and confirmed by Govt. of India in their recent press releases.

The attached image shows and proves about the serious ill effects of E.M. radiation released by Radiation Nuclear and Safety Authority of FINLAND as to how E.M. radiation emitted by mobile phones damages the various body cells and causes incurable and fatal diseases.

Eye Health Evaluation

Our eye health evaluations are more than just vision correction!

Did you know that your eyes reveal insights regarding your overall health? In fact, your eyes provide early detection for many different diseases that can affect more than just your vision! That's why we routinely perform tests that look for signs and symptoms of many different diseases, not just eye diseases, during your regularly scheduled eye health evaluation.

Illnesses that may be discovered early on through signs in your eyes include high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart disease. That's why it's so important to leave your total eyecare to professionals. We feel it's important to review your family history then monitor and watch for signs of possibly inherited diseases or illnesses as another precaution.

Here's what we are checking during your routine eye health evaluation:

We star by checking your eyesight to ensure that you have the best possible vision you can. If a change in lenses is indicated, we have a fully staffed optical department that can help you with the latest styles and fashions of eyewear available.

We also check your intraocular pressures in each eye. Increased ocular pressures are a sign of glaucoma. Early detection of glaucoma is crucial to prevent the loss of sight.

During the exam we also evaluate your external eye health, checking for any growths, infections, drooping of eyelids, or excessive watering. We also evaluate your eye muscle motility to make sure that both eyes are working together and your binocular visual field to check your peripheral vision.

When the doctor performs the slit lamp examination, she is examining your cornea (the transparent front segment of the eye that covers the iris and pupil), the anterior chamber (fluid filled space between the iris and innermost corneal surface), the conjunctiva (thin transparent mucous membrane that covers the eye and the inner surfaces of the eyelids) and the lens (which does the focusing). This part of the examination can reveal cataracts, dry eye syndrome, allergies, infection, and many other conditions.

Dilation of the pupils may be necessary to check for retinal disorders, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and more.

Our eye evaluations are the best you can find!

Many bargain eye care providers are interested only in volume and getting patients in and out of the office quickly! Dr. St. Jean cares about quality above everything else. We want to make sure your vision is the best it can be and that your eyes are healthy. That is why we offer comprehensive eye health evaluations and a variety of treatment options that are performed in our office, along with the necessary follow-up to closely monitor your progress.

Have you ever wondered why your eyes must be dilated for an exam? Find out why it's so important to have your pupils dilated.

Eye Undilated	Eye Dilated

Do you think of getting your eyes dilated a nuisance? You're not alone. Most people feel that way. Maybe you've never really understood just why we have to put those annoying drops in your eyes. Here's your chance to find out just why it's so important to be dilated.

Our doctor starts your eye exam with a thorough examination of your lids, lashes, conjuctiva, sclera and cornea, all which are the external surfaces of your eye. Using a microscope, or slit lamp, the doctor can get a closer look. When a light shines into your pupil, it constricts or becomes smaller. This is where the dilating drops come into play.

Dilating drops work to keep the pupil widely open so that the doctor can get a much better view of your retina, optic nerve, and vessels in the back of your eye. This is a very important part of an eye health evaluation. From the simple action of putting dilating drops in your eyes, the doctor can gather alot of important information about your eyes. Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are sometimes first discovered during a dilated examination.