Latest news with #AmericanAcademyofOphthalmology
News18
23-05-2025
- Health
- News18
India Sees Mild Rise In COVID Cases, Here's What It Means According To Experts
Last Updated: India has witnessed a mild increase in COVID cases after the the number of infections rose in Singapore and Hong Kong. Experts reveal what you need to know and how to stay safe. Following the rise in COVID-19 infections across South Asia, primarily Singapore and Hong Kong, India has also witnessed a mild increase in cases of COVID-19. As per the Union Ministry of Health, 257 active cases have been reported as of May 19. While the cases in India have been mild as of now, doctors have urged people to remain careful. Lesser Common Symptoms Of COVID Interestingly, two less common symptoms – diarrhoea and conjunctivitis (pink eye) – are drawing attention during the current COVID wave. While these signs weren't widely linked to previous surges, they're now appearing more frequently. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has noted that pink eye, though rare, can occur in COVID-19 cases. Similarly, research from the Mayo Clinic found that some infected individuals experienced gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and loose stools. Until recently, however, these symptoms weren't recognised as typical indicators of the virus. Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director of Max Healthcare & Senior Director at the Institute of Internal Medicine, Delhi, says, 'The good news is that the present variant, which is causing COVID in these countries, is not much different from what we experienced during the last waves of COVID. The variant that is being reported is JN.1, which is the last prominent dominant variant in the last COVID outbreak in various countries, including the US. What we know of these variants, which belong to the Omicron family, is that they do not cause a severe illness in most people. However, this is infectious and it spreads fast in a community region or a country." Why Has COVID Resurged? Dr Budhiraja continued, 'The precautions and the symptoms caused by this variant are more or less the same as those of any typical COVID symptom." How To Protect Yourself From COVID The most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by sticking to the basics and staying vigilant. Wear a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, avoid travel to regions seeing a surge in cases, maintain proper hygiene, and steer clear of close contact with anyone showing symptoms. If you begin to feel unwell, it's important to isolate promptly and consult your doctor about testing and further care. First Published:
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Is LASIK surgery dangerous? X user claims it made him ‘legally blind,' surgeon asked him to ‘to learn to live with it'
An X user revealed in a post, which is now viral, that he became 'legally blind' after his LASIK surgery. Chris Alvino detailed his ordeal, saying he was told that the only option was to 'learn to live with it.' Alvino shared his experience in response to another post that read, 'Just asked a LASIK surgeon if he had any statistics about rates of complications at his clinic, or rates of patients reporting dry eyes 6 months out. He asked if I was a reporter (in a thick New York accent) and said no patient had ever asked for that before in 20 years.' The X account@birdpathy, which shared this post, added in the comment section, 'He did not have the statistics - he couldn't even say how many times he's performed different procedures. I said "I know everyone collects different stats" to give him an out. He said actually he "knows every surgeon in NYC" and none of them would know these numbers.' Alvino shared @birdpathy's post, writing, 'I became legally blind after my LASIK surgery. And when my surgeon found out, he literally stopped talking to me during my appointment. He told me there was nothing we could do and I'd just have to learn to live with it. And offered zero follow up. Dude treated me like a pariah'. He added in the comment section, 'So yeah, I'm not surprised these doctors and surgeons don't keep track of their complication rates. They're probably a shame on their massive ego, or maybe it's too much cognitive dissonance, knowing they are actively harming so many people'. 'But yeah, does THIS doctor's responses sound like something you'd hear from an ethical industry? Why are surgeons so scared to discuss complication rates for LASIK? Ask yourself this question next time you're considering the surgery,' he further wrote. LASIK surgery, also known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a kind of laser eye surgery aimed at reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 'Research has shown that serious complications are rare and that the majority of patients are happy with the results.' It added, 'The risks of LASIK have been studied extensively since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the surgery. According to the 2016 Modern LASIK Outcomes study, 99.5% of eyes saw 20/40 or better after LASIK. It's also true that a small number of patients have real, persistent side-effects after LASIK.' Mayo Clinic says that complications resulting in a loss of vision are 'very rare.' However, some side effects are common, including 'dry eyes and temporary visual problems such as glare.' It added, 'These symptoms usually clear up after a few weeks or months. Few people consider them to be a long-term problem.'
Health Line
15-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What to Know About Eyebrow Tinting Benefits and Safety
Eyebrow tinting is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that helps shape, define, and darken the brows. While there are some benefits, it can also cause risks of chemical burns, allergic reactions, and infections. You can visit a beauty salon or brow bar for brow tinting, and kits are also available for purchase at home. You can speak with a professional for advice on whether eyebrow tinting is a suitable option, including information about the possible benefits and risks. What does eyebrow tinting involve? Eyebrow tinting involves painting a semi-permanent dye onto the brows. The whole procedure takes around 15 minutes. The dye helps to shape and define brows. It can make them appear darker and fuller. Eyebrow tinting typically lasts around 3 to 6 weeks. What are the benefits of eyebrow tinting? Eyebrow tinting can be beneficial if you want to achieve darker and thicker brows. Feeling more satisfied with the way your brows look can help boost your confidence or self-esteem. As the semi-permanent procedure typically lasts 3 to 6 weeks, you do not need to touch up or reshape your brows every day. What are the risks of eyebrow tinting? While eyebrow tinting may be a popular choice for enhancing the appearance of the brows, it is important to note that, like most procedures, there are some risks. Brow tint formulations and color additives do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. This means that they do not regulate the safety or quality of the products. Permanent eyebrow tints have caused blindness, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While eyebrow tinting is typically semi-permanent, it still carries the risk of serious complications. Infection is also possible. A 2022 article reports a case of chemical burns after an individual received professional eyebrow tinting. The individual developed blistering in the area the day after the procedure. They also experienced significant swelling. Many brow tints contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a common cause of allergic reactions. It is important to perform a patch test at least 48 hours before eyebrow tinting, and avoid using the product if symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, or blistering develop. Anaphylaxis is also possible. This is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It can cause symptoms such as: shortness of breath dizziness swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue coughing abdominal pain itchy skin rash It is important to note that, even if you do not have a reaction to the patch test, this does not guarantee that the brow tint will not cause a reaction. How long does eyebrow tinting last? Semi-permanent eyebrow tinting typically lasts between 3 and 6 weeks. You can speak with the person performing the procedure for more accurate information about how long they expect the results to last. Who is a good candidate for eyebrow tinting? As the purpose of eyebrow tinting is to darken and define the brows, it may be a suitable option for anybody wishing to change the color or thickness of their brows, such as those with very light or thin brows. Eyebrow tinting may not be suitable for people with a PPD allergy, as some products contain PPD. Make sure you read the ingredients on the box kit for at-home tinting or speak with the professional performing the procedure for information about ingredients. Can you tint your eyebrows at home? Eyebrow tinting kits are available for use at home. However, many people choose to visit a salon or brow bar so that a professional can perform the procedure. How to care for eyebrows after tinting If you are tinting your brows at home, follow the care instructions that come with the tinting kit. If you visit a professional for brow tinting, they will be able to provide you with instructions for caring for your brows after tinting. If you notice any signs of chemical burns or infections, such as swelling, blistering, or discoloration, seek medical advice for treatment. Are there alternatives to eyebrow tinting? There are alternatives to eyebrow tinting that some people may find more suitable. These include: eyebrow pencils tinted brow gel eyebrow powders false eyebrows If you are interested in an alternative that provides semi-permanent results, microblading might be a suitable option.
NDTV
09-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Health Complications Of Getting Lasik Eye Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery has helped millions achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. It's often considered safe and effective, with a high satisfaction rate. However, like any medical procedure, LASIK isn't risk-free. Surprisingly, Dr Gholam A. Peyman, the ophthalmologist who pioneered the LASIK technique in the 1980s, reportedly never underwent the surgery himself and continues to wear spectacles. His decision stems from concerns about long-term side effects and the permanence of the procedure. This alone prompts us to ask: what are the lesser-known health complications of LASIK, and should everyone with vision issues consider it? Understanding LASIK and its possible complications LASIK works by reshaping the cornea using a laser to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. While most patients achieve 20/25 vision or better, the U.S. FDA and the American Academy of Ophthalmology warn that a small percentage may experience side effects, some of which can be permanent or seriously affect quality of life. Here are mentioned some of the common yet rare complications following LASIK surgery. 1. Dry eyes One of the most common side effects post-LASIK is chronic dry eyes. The procedure affects corneal nerves responsible for tear production, often reducing natural lubrication. This can cause discomfort, a gritty sensation, and even blurry vision, especially in people already prone to dry eye syndrome. 2. Visual disturbances Some individuals experience visual symptoms such as glare, halos, and starbursts, particularly at night. These side effects can impair night driving or navigating dim environments. According to the FDA, such disturbances are often underreported but can persist in about 1-4% of patients long after surgery. 3. Undercorrection or overcorrection In some cases, the laser may remove too little or too much tissue, resulting in undercorrection or overcorrection. This could necessitate enhancement surgeries or require glasses even after LASIK, defeating its original purpose. 4. Flap complications During LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea. If this flap doesn't heal properly or shifts post-surgery, it can lead to complications such as epithelial ingrowth or inflammation beneath the flap. These issues may require additional corrective procedures. 5. Regression For some, the eyes slowly revert to their original refractive error over time. This regression may occur due to age, hormonal changes, or other underlying health conditions, potentially negating the surgery's benefits. 6. Corneal ectasia A rare but serious condition, corneal ectasia refers to the weakening and bulging of the cornea post-LASIK. It can cause progressive vision loss and may eventually require a corneal transplant. Patients with thinner corneas or undiagnosed keratoconus are at greater risk. 7. Psychological impact In a few rare but concerning reports, patients have experienced severe regret or psychological distress following LASIK. These emotional responses are often linked to persistent vision issues or dissatisfaction with the results, as cited in patient advocacy groups and case studies by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Why LASIK's own inventor chose spectacles over surgery Dr Gholam Peyman, the inventor of LASIK, still wears glasses. His decision isn't a condemnation of the procedure but reflects a cautious understanding of individual risk factors and the irreversible nature of eye surgery. For him, the predictability and non-invasive nature of corrective lenses outweigh the benefits of undergoing surgery, a perspective that highlights the importance of informed personal choice. LASIK can be life-changing, but it isn't one-size-fits-all. Its risks, though minimal for many, are real and worth considering. Consulting an ophthalmologist for a thorough pre-surgery assessment and exploring alternatives like PRK or implantable lenses is crucial. As Dr Peyman himself shows, sometimes, sticking to glasses can be the wiser, and safer choice. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Boston Globe
07-05-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
David Paton, creator of Flying Eye Hospital, dies at 94
'More eye doctors were needed,' he wrote in his memoir, 'Second Sight: Views from an Eye Doctor's Odyssey' (2011), 'but equally important was the need to beef up the existing doctors' medical education.' Advertisement But how? He considered shipping trunks of equipment — almost the way a circus would — but that presented logistical challenges. He pondered the possibility of using a medical ship like the one that Project Hope, a humanitarian group, sent around the world. That was too slow for him. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'Shortly after the first moon landing in 1969, thinking big was becoming a reality,' Paton wrote. And then a moonshot idea struck him: 'Could an aircraft be the answer? A large enough aircraft could be converted into an operating theater, a teaching classroom and all the necessary facilities.' All he needed was a plane. He asked the military to donate one, but that was a nonstarter. He approached several universities for the money to buy one, but administrators turned him down, saying the idea wasn't feasible. Advertisement 'David was willing to take risks that others wouldn't,' Bruce Spivey, founding president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said in an interview. 'He was charming. He was inspiring. And he didn't quit.' Dr. Paton decided to raise funds on his own. In 1973, he founded Project Orbis with a group of wealthy, well-connected society figures such as Texas oilman Leonard F. McCollum and Betsy Trippe Wainwright, the daughter of Pan American World Airways founder Juan Trippe. In 1980, Trippe helped persuade United Airlines CEO Edward Carlson to donate a DC-8 jet. The U.S. Agency for International Development contributed $1.25 million to convert the plane into a hospital with an operating room, recovery area, and a classroom equipped with televisions, so that local medical workers could watch surgeries. Surgeons and nurses volunteered their services, agreeing to spend two to four weeks abroad. The first flight, in 1982, was to Panama. The plane then went to Peru, Jordan, Nepal, and beyond. Mother Teresa once visited. So did Cuban leader Fidel Castro. In 1999, The Sunday Times of London's magazine sent a reporter to Cuba to write about the plane, now known as the Flying Eye Hospital. One of the patients who arrived was a 14-year-old girl named Julia. 'In developed nations, Julia's condition would have been little more than an irritation,' The Sunday Times article said. 'It is almost certain she had uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye, which can be cleared with drops. In Britain, even cats are easily treated.' Her doctor was Edward Holland, a prominent eye surgeon. 'Holland uses tiny knives to make openings that allow him to get his instruments into the eye, and soon he is pulling at Julia's scar tissue,' The Sunday Times article said. 'As the tissue is pulled away, a dark and liquid pupil, unseen for a decade, is revealed. It is an intimate and moving moment; this is medicine's chamber music. Next, he breaks up and removes the cataract, and implants a lens so that the eye will keep its shape.' Advertisement The Cuban ophthalmologists watching in the viewing room applauded. But after the surgery, Julia still couldn't see. 'And then a minor miracle begins,' the article said. 'As the swelling begins to go down, she makes discoveries about the world around her. Minute by minute she can see something new.' David Paton was born Aug. 16, 1930, in Baltimore, and grew up in Manhattan. His father, Richard Townley Paton, specialized in corneal transplants and founded the Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration. His mother, Helen (Meserve) Paton, was an interior designer. In his memoir, Dr. Paton described growing up 'among the fine, intellectually sharp, widely traveled persons of the Establishment.' His father practiced on Park Avenue. His mother threw parties at their home on the Upper East Side. Dr. Paton attended the Hill School, a boarding school in Pottstown, Pa. There, he met James Baker, a Texan who later became secretary of state for President George H.W. Bush. They were roommates at Princeton University and lifelong best friends. 'David came from a very privileged background, but he was down to earth and just a very likable guy,' Baker said in an interview. 'He had his objectives in life straight. He was a hell of a lot better student than I was.' Advertisement After graduating from Princeton in 1952, Dr. Paton earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in senior positions at the Wilmer Eye Institute and served as chair of the ophthalmology department at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In 1979, while still trying to procure a plane for Project Orbis, he became the medical director of the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 'Among my duties,' he wrote in his memoir, 'was providing eye care for many of the princes and princesses of the kingdom — about 5,000 of each, I was told — and it seemed that all of them insisted on being treated exclusively by the doctor in charge, no matter how minor their complaint.' Dr. Paton's marriages to Jane Sterling Treman and Jane Franke ended in divorce. He married Diane Johnston in 1985. She died in 2022. In addition to his son, he is survived by two granddaughters. Dr. Paton left his role as medical director of Project Orbis in 1987, after a dispute with the board of directors. That year, President Ronald Reagan awarded him the Presidential Citizens Medal. Although his official connection with the organization had ended, he occasionally served as an informal adviser. Now called Orbis International, the organization is on its third plane, an MD-10 donated by FedEx. From 2014-23, Orbis performed more than 621,000 surgeries and procedures, according to its most recent annual report, and offered more than 424,000 training sessions to doctors, nurses and other providers. 'The plane is just such a unique venue,' Dr. Hunter Cherwek, the organization's vice president of clinical services and technologies, said in an interview. 'It was just an incredibly bold and visionary idea.' Advertisement This article originally appeared in
