All posts by Sumana Rao

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Retinal detachment

Retinal Detachment Symptoms, Precautions and Treatment

Retina is a light sensitive layer of tissue situated in the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is an eye issue that happens when the retina is pulled away from its position at the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is an emergency and need to immediate attention. If not treated on time, more detachment happens resulting in permanent loss of vision.

Symptoms of retinal detachment:

When there is a small detachment, a person may not notice any types of symptoms. If the detachment is more then following symptoms one might face:

  • Small dark spots or blurred lines that float across the eyes. Small floaters in front of the eyes
  • Flashes of light in one or both eyes
  • Experiencing dark shadow on sides or in the middle of the vision field

Who is at risk of retinal detachment?

Some people with certain conditions are more at risk of retinal detachment. But it can also happen to anyone.

  • People who have family with history of retinal detachment
  • Person with serious eye injury
  • An eye surgery like treatment to cataracts
  • Diabetic condition called retinopathy where high blood sugar affects blood vessels of the retina
  • Person with extreme nearsighted condition called myopia
  • A person with posterior vitreous detachment where the gel like fluid in the center of eye pulls away
  • Degeneration or thinning of retina
  • Condition called retinoschisis where retina separates to two layers
  • The most common causes is aging
  • Tumors in the eye
  • Regular inflammation inside the eye
  • Rare eye disorder where abnormal development of blood vessels in retina – coats disease.

The three types of retinal detachment are:

Rhegmatogenous : When the retina has a tear or break, the gel-like fluid in the center called citreous can get behind retina and pushes retina away from the back of the eye.

Tractional: Tractional detachment is when scar tissue on retina pulls retina away from the back of the eye.

Exudative: When the fluid builds up behind the retina, but there aren’t any tears or breaks in your retina

Prevention of retinal detachment:

  • When it is age related there is no way to prevent retinal detachment. But one can lower the risk of the retinal detachment by wearing safety goggles or by protecting eye with eye gear during daily activities.
  • If you are falling in any of the risk factor, it is highly recommended to get your eyes examined. An ophthalmologist will dilate eye and exam the eyes for retinal detachment before it starts affecting the vision.
  • If you suffer from eye trauma it is important to see the eye doctor. Trauma could be an accident to head, hitting eyes, chemicals reaction etc.
  • If you start seeing floaters and black shadows in your vision, immediately make an appointment for eye test.

Tests for observing retinal detachment:

Apart from dilating and examining eyes, your doctor may ask you to go through detailed examination. An ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OTC) will give details. These tests are painless and will help doctors to understand retina condition.

Treatment for retinal detachment:

Treatment for retinal detachment depends on how much retina is detached and which type of detachment a person is suffering from.

Eye surgery, laser treatment, freezing treatment or treatment to fix tears and reattach retina in the back of eye might be performed. Sometimes doctor might use more than one treatment.

  • Eye surgery: If more retina is detachment a surgery is helpful in putting back retina in place.
  • Freeze treatment or laser surgery: Also known as cryopexy is helpful in fixing tear or small hole in retina by using medical laser or freezing probe tears will be sealed.

If caught early and treated immediately retinal detachment can be taken care to get back the proper vision. If you see floaters, shadows or any symptoms of change in your vision contact your eye doctor today for further testing and protect your vision.

References:

https://www.eyesongenes.com/

https://www.nei.nih.gov/

https://stevegallik.org/

Image credit: Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay (cc by 0) & Image by Juraj Varga from Pixabay  (cc by 0)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 12, 2024
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Tomato In Traditional Medicine

Tomato In Traditional Medicine

In various traditional medicine systems, tomatoes have been used for:

·         Digestive Issues: Treating constipation and promoting healthy digestion.

·         Skin Problems: Treating sunburn and minor skin irritations.

·         Detoxification: Believed to help cleanse the body of toxins.

While tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, it is important to consume them as part of a balanced diet and consult healthcare professionals for specific medical conditions.

References:

·         https://www.liveeatlearn.com/tomatoes/#75-types-of-tomatoes-with-photos

·         https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes

·         https://www.britannica.com/plant/tomato

·         https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/g40517177/types-of-tomatoes/

·         https://www.gardenstead.com/the-history-of-the-tomato/

image credit: Image by Renáta Adrienn Uri from Pixabay  ( Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 10, 2024
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How To Consume Tomato

How To Consume Tomato

Incorporating tomatoes into your diet can be done in several ways, such as adding them to salads, sandwiches, sauces, or enjoying them fresh as a snack.

Tomatoes can be used in numerous ways:

·         Raw Consumption: Eating raw tomatoes in salads or as snacks can provide direct health benefits.

·         Cooked: Cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene. Therefore, consuming tomato sauces, soups, and stews can be particularly beneficial.

·         Juices and Smoothies: Tomato juice is a trendy way to consume tomatoes and can be fortified with other healthy ingredients.

·         Topical Applications: In traditional medicine, tomato pulp or juice is sometimes applied to the skin to treat minor burns, reduce inflammation, or promote healing.

Image credit: Image by Crafter Chef from Pixabay ( Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)

 


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Anti Inflammatory, Good For Bone And Eye Health

Anti Inflammatory, Good For Bone And Eye Health

8. Anti-inflammatory properties: The antioxidants in tomatoes have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce chronic inflammation and lower the risk of various inflammatory diseases.

9. Bone health: Tomatoes contain vitamin K and calcium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis.

10. Eye health: Tomatoes are rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. These compounds help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Have you heard about tomato allergy? Tomato allergies can happen to an individual just by touching fruit. It provokes a reaction. Two types of allergies are: OAS and skin reactions due to latex type allergy. It results in stomach bloating, pain, diarrhea, skin rash, tingling in lips, itching, tiredness, aches, and pains. Allergy to tomato is also cross linked to allergy to potato since they are related plants. (Read more here)

Image credit: Image by Alexa from Pixabay ( Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Promotes Skin Health, Digestive Health And Reduces Weight

Promotes Skin Health, Digestive Health And Reduces Weight

5. Skin health: The prominent levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants in tomatoes contribute to healthier skin by protecting against sun damage, improving skin texture, and promoting collagen production.

6. Digestive health: Tomatoes are a useful source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. They also promote a healthy gut microbiome.

7. Weight management: Tomatoes are low in calories and high in water content, making them a filling food that can aid in weight management. Their fiber content also helps keep you full for longer periods.

Image credit: Image by Katharina N. from Pixabay  ( Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)


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Good For Heart Health And Prevents Cancer

Good For Heart Health And Prevents Cancer

3. Heart health: Lycopene and potassium in tomatoes are beneficial for heart health. Lycopene can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body, further contributing to cardiovascular health.

4. Cancer prevention: Lycopene is linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. The antioxidants in tomatoes protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of cancer.

Do you know? Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. This is why there is a lot of research interest in lycopene’s role, if any, in preventing cancer. People take lycopene for preventing heart disease, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, and pancreas. Lycopene is also used for treating human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which is a major cause of uterine cancer. Some people also use lycopene for cataracts and asthma. (Read more here)

Image credit: Image by Doris Jungo from Pixabay ( Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)


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Benefits Of Tomato – Nutrients And Antioxidants Rich

Benefits Of Tomato – Nutrients And Antioxidants Rich

1. Rich source of nutrients: Tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including:

·         Vitamin C: Important for the immune system, skin health, and antioxidant protection.

·         Vitamin K1: Important for bone health and blood clotting.

·         Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

·         Folate: Essential for tissue growth and cell function, especially important during pregnancy.

2. High in antioxidants: Tomatoes contain powerful antioxidants, such as:

·         Lycopene: A potent antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

·         Beta-carotene: Converted into vitamin A in the body, which is important for vision, skin health, and immune function.

Image credit: Image by go_see from Pixabay ( Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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