Dry Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and More

Dry Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and More

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, as the name suggests is a condition when the surface of the eye isn’t adequately lubricated. The primary reason for this condition is inefficient functioning of the tear ducts in the eyes. Millions of people in the United States suffer from dry eyes. Tears and dry eyes The cornea is the dome-shaped outer surface of the eye. Basal tears are a fluid mixture secreted by the tear glands located near your eyes. These tears are produced to keep the eyes constantly lubricated. Tears do this by continuously layering themselves on the surface of the cornea, serving as liquid protection. This way, tears keep the eyes moisturized by being released with every blink, and never lets them dry. Tears also aid in clearer vision by helping light focus on the pupil, If your eyes don’t receive an adequate amount of basal tears, or the composition of the tears is abnormal, your eyes will experience difficulty seeing clearly and functioning normally. Tears are made up of three layers Oil/Lipid layer: This is the outer layer of the tears and is made of lipids. They are secreted by the Meibomian glands. Since these are molecules of oil, they do not evaporate from the corneal surface and help retain moisture for a long time. Aqueous layer: This is the middle layer of the tears and is made up of water-soluble protein and water. The main lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal glands are responsible for secreted this layer of the basal tears. Mucin layer: This is the inner layer of the teardrops and is secreted by the goblet cells. The function of this layer is to bind to the water molecules of the aqueous layer and prevent them from evaporating quickly. Symptoms of dry eyes Dry eyes usually occur among adults and more prevalent among females.
How Much Does the Cataract Surgery Cost

How Much Does the Cataract Surgery Cost

Cataract surgery deals with the operation of the dysfunctional natural eye lens followed by the implantation of the intraocular lens. It generally takes five minutes to operate the eye. The process doesn’t cause pain and facilitates the quick recovery of vision. The eye surgeons are well aware of the fact that every patient has unique visual needs and likewise unique approach is used to treat their problem. The complete cataract surgery process has different stages which include diagnosis, counseling, pre-operative testing, intraocular lens selection, managing the hyperopic and myopic astigmatism and enhancement of the corneal refractive after the surgery. The cost incurred to accomplish the above tests and diagnosis makes the complete cataract surgery cost. The cataract surgery cost varies depending on the services provided by the health insurance companies. The cost includes the basic package, co-payments, and deductibles. Post-operative care for 90 days is covered in the basic package without other additional costs. The patients need to pay for the medical costs such as bifocals and eye medications. Some parts of these additional costs are included in the insurance coverage. The cataract surgery cost is calculated depending on the type of package. There are two packages, which are basic package and premium package. Premium cataract surgery cost: The premium cataract surgery is a wonderful solution for people who want to get optimized results for vision. The intraocular lenses with sophisticated features make the cost high. The estimated surgery cost is $500 to $5000 for on eye. The premium surgery reduces the dependence of the people on glasses in contrast to the basic cataract surgery. To know about the complete cost and deductibles of the premium surgery, it is wise to contact the insurer. Basic cataract surgery cost: The basic surgery cost improves the vision but it doesn’t give the freedom from glasses.
Natural Options for Aphrodisiacs

Natural Options for Aphrodisiacs

Viagra is the trade name of sildenafil which is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil assists in helping and maintaining penile erection. While Viagra has helped many men, it also comes with many side effects. These include headaches, flushing, indigestion, and congestion of the nasal pathway. What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction is a condition when a man finds it difficult to get or maintain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. Most men will experience a bout of erection problems on occasion for multiple reasons. However, if you suffer from erection problems frequently, there may be an underlying cause for it. Alternatives to Viagra Many men have used Viagra to solve any issues they may be having with erections. However, there is a growing breed of men who are uncomfortable with the side effects of Viagra and are trying alternate, natural methods. Here are a few options that are considered to be natural Viagra that you must try. Supplements There exist many supplements that are well known for their ability to help boost libido. Here are a few supplements that you must consider if you are suffering from any erection problems. Remember to consult with your physician before taking any of them. Ginkgo Biloba is a herb that is traditionally used to boost memory. However, men who are suffering from erection problems due to antidepressants find that this herb helps with any erection issues. This herb works like natural Viagra. Arginine is an amino acid that increases blood flow. It is most beneficial to men who have any problems with blood circulation. DHEA helps our bodies make testosterone and estrogen. Yohimbe should be taken under advisement of your doctor. When not taken in its purest form, this herb can cause anxiety and high blood pressure. Food alternatives Many great natural foods can be used as natural Viagra.
Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Around 6 to 18 percent people worldwide have experienced and are affected by irritable bowel syndrome. This is a medical condition which involves a change in the frequency of bowel movements. The trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can include daily factors such as diet, stress, and poor sleep. However, the trigger factors of irritable bowel syndrome vary for different people and no specific foods can be blamed for this disorder. Below are listed the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome which you should know about. Pain and cramping Abdominal pain can be considered as a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. In normal circumstances, the gut and brain work together and control digestion. This generally happens through hormones and nerves which release signals through good bacteria which are found in the gut. In irritable bowel syndrome, the signals usually get distorted and lead to pain in muscles of the digestive tract. Usually, this pain occurs in the lower abdomen; however, in some cases, it occurs only in the upper abdomen. This pain usually decreases after a bowel movement. The treatment for this problem includes the use of bowel relaxants such as peppermint oil. Cognitive behavior therapy is also found to be useful in such cases. Diarrhea Diarrhea is also considered among the key irritable bowel symptoms. Around one-third of the patients are affected by this symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. A study was conducted to find the connection of diarrhea with irritable bowel syndrome. It came out that among 200 people who had diarrhea-related irritable bowel syndrome almost all had an average of twelve bowel movements in a week which was double the number of such movements experienced by people who did not have diarrhea-related irritable bowel syndrome. This symptom of irritable bowel syndrome is a major cause of stress among people.
Types of Eczematous Dermatitis and Their Symptoms

Types of Eczematous Dermatitis and Their Symptoms

Eczematous dermatitis or eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by itching, red and inflammation. It is a common condition and in fact, has spread to greater than 30 million people in the country. It is not contagious therefore it does not spread from one person to other. The exact cause of eczematous dermatitis is not known. But, it is believed that those who develop eczema due to genes and environment. It occurs when an allergic substance makes changes to our system and skin cells. It is feasible that a person can develop more than one type of eczematous dermatitis at a single point in time. The skin condition can result in redness and itching in the sufferer. It may also cause weeping. The most common type of dermatitis is atopic dermatitis (AD). It is important to know which types of skin problem you suffer from before you seek treatment. Understanding of condition also aids the problem. Types of eczematous dermatitis Atopic dermatitis It is characterized by scratch marks on the backside of knees. It is chronic as well as inflammatory. The cause of the type of skin condition is unknown so far. However, it happens when the immune system goes weak. It normally develops in childhood. It is possible to suffer from the condition in first six months after birth. If you witness signs of an AD in your child, take precautions. However, it goes away itself with time. The AD also includes two ore allergic conditions known as allergic rhinitis. Researchers believe that people with family history of the AD, hay fever or asthma are likely to develop AD in future. Symptoms of AD Dry skin Scaly skin Itching Redness Cracks in skin Rash on arm, cheeks, and legs Weepy sores Contact dermatitis This skin condition is caused by metal watch dial.
Fibromyalgia Foot Pain – Factors to Understand

Fibromyalgia Foot Pain – Factors to Understand

Fibromyalgia is a word which has been derived from New Latin. “Fibro” means fibrous tissues, the Greek word “myo” which means muscles, and the Greek word, “algos” which means pain. Therefore, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that results in a strain on the muscular area of the body. The most commonly known effects of fibromyalgia include exhaustion, sleeping disorders, memory oriented issues, sensitiveness to noisy environments and temperature variations, depression, headaches, pain in the abdomen area specifically the lower region, inability to concentrate, and even anxiety. Fibromyalgia can be a genetic problem that runs in the family or may even result from stress, infections, allergies or any trauma and is more common in women than men. Fibromyalgia is also referred to as central sensitization syndrome as it is associated with the activities in the nervous system. Fibromyalgia Foot Pain Fibromyalgia can cause pain anywhere and the most commonly affected area according to recent research is the feet. Fibromyalgia foot pain may also sometimes extend to the hip, knee joints or even the lower back area. Feet are known to be the body weight bearers and so are more susceptible to fibromyalgia pain. The pain one feels in their feet may be mild or severe, and the pain varies from person to person. Causes Of Fibromyalgia Foot Pain There exist several reasons that may lead to fibromyalgia of the foot, some of which include: • Infections: A person may be allergic to specific environments or may suffer from an illness which may trigger fibromyalgia. Sometimes the footwear may not suit them leading to foot ache or more aptly fibromyalgia foot pain. • Genetic Factor : In case your ancestors suffered from fibromyalgia and had explicitly foot pain, it is most likely that you may also suffer from the same medical condition.
10 Beneficial Remedies for a Pain-free Body

10 Beneficial Remedies for a Pain-free Body

Body pain can be caused by multiple reasons such as injuries, inflammation due to diseases such as arthritis and other such causes. Before looking for options to treat the pain, it is imperative to understand its source and reason. If you know the cause of your pain, it will help you decide which remedy is best suited for you. Painkillers are the first options that come to our mind whenever we need quick pain relief. However, they do not work so well all the time. Sometimes our body stops responding to painkillers as it becomes habitual to them and their effect is decreased. It indicates that your pain is chronic which means that it has a history of three months or more. In such cases, it is important to let your body recover from the painkiller resistance it has created. If you are looking for an alternative method to ease the pain, there are a lot of quick pain relief remedies available. These simple methods are easier than painkiller injections and popping medicines. Read on to find out some amazing quick pain relief remedies. Acupuncture Points For Pain Relief Acupuncture works on the principle of activating the pressure points in the body. It also activates certain glands and regulates bodily functions. If you have a regular episodic pain, you can learn to treat yourself using acupuncture techniques. There are multiple online resources to help you know the target points and the procedure to follow it up. Exercise When we exercise, it doesn’t only help us maintain our physical well being, but, it also keeps our mind healthy. Regular exercise has proved to increase pain threshold. It also helps in releasing endorphins, which trick our brain into feeling less pain. Heat and Cold Therapy If you feel sudden pangs of pain shooting through your body, you can use heat or ice therapy to calm it down and get quick pain relief.
10 Common Signs of Liver Damage That You Should Be Aware Of

10 Common Signs of Liver Damage That You Should Be Aware Of

The liver is one of the vital organs in our body. Located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity, the liver performs multiple functions and plays a significant role in ensuring the metabolic processes are carried out by the body. Functions of the liver The main function of the liver is to filter the blood coming in from the digestive tract, before the blood moves to the rest of the body. The liver is a detoxifying organ. A lot of toxins get into our body through the food we ingest. The liver detoxifies the chemicals and metabolizes drugs. Bile, an enzyme that is needed to break down the fats, is secreted by the liver. The liver also synthesizes proteins that are needed for blood clotting and other important functions. Conditions that damage the liver Like other organs, the liver is also prone to infections. Conditions that affect the liver are hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, ascites, primary biliary cirrhosis, gallstones, hemochromatosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Common liver damage signs Low platelet count When you accidentally cut your hand, the blood flows stop and its clots. It is the function of the platelets to help in clotting. Platelets are minute, disk-shaped cell fragments in the bloodstream that help the blood to clot. If a person suffers from liver damage, one of the signs is that his/her platelet count would bound to be low. Medically, this condition is known as Thrombocytopenia. A complete liver study is accomplished through a blood test and a low platelet count is one of the key liver damage signs. Nausea Nausea is a sensation where there is an urge to vomit. Persistent nausea not only causes discomfort but can also be debilitating. When the liver malfunctions, nausea occurs. Nausea is one of the first liver damage signs, along with lethargy and fatigue.
Effective Drops for Dry Eyes

Effective Drops for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a problem that a large number of people have to deal with. Research reveals that dry eyes are an irritation of the eyes that can occur for a multitude of reasons. From dust, smoke and environmental pollution, to a range of ailments, there can be a number of causes for dry eyes. Chronic dry eyes can also happen as you grow older. In this regard, most people above the age of fifty are more likely to suffer from dry eyes. But this doesn’t mean they can’t be caused by reasons other than age. In fact, modern lifestyles have many triggers for dry eyes including computer screens, cell phone screens, sleep deprivation and constant exposure to bright lights. Although dry eyes are a common problem, you must address them with the appropriate treatment measures. Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition where the moisture in your eyes falls below the ideal level. This is when you experience an irritating or burning sensation in your eyes. Dry eyes can also occur because of spending long hours staring at computer screens without blinking. The market is currently flooded with a range of eye drops to treat dry eyes. However, before you make your choice, we’ll try and make you understand the reason you’re suffering from dry eyes. It’s only when you’re aware of the real cause for you experiencing dry eyes, that you’ll be able to make a more informed choice about the best drops for dry eyes. What are the best drops for dry eyes? While choosing from over-the-counter eye drops, keep two things in mind. First, make sure you know the cause of your dry eyes, and second, ensure that you’re aware of the basic composition of the drops. This is to ensure that you buy the best drops for dry eyes that you can get.
3 Steps to Get Effective Relief from Sinusitis

3 Steps to Get Effective Relief from Sinusitis

Sinus infection is one of the most common problems that everyone faces at least once in their life. The infection can be cleared with medications. However, there are natural remedies that can cure the condition. The remedies are sure to give you relief from the cause of sinus which might be common cold, infection, or allergies. Sinuses are packets that are present in the bones around the nose. The purpose is to produce the mucus that drains into the nose. When there is inflammation, your nose swells and blocks the sinuses. The blockage causes congestion, pain, and cough. Some people even have teeth, facial pain, and a headache. Sinusitis can last for a few weeks or years based on the severity. There can be many reasons that can lead to this infection. It is best to battle it at the early stage and stay free of it. There are three steps in which you can tackle sinusitis. Step 1: Treat the existing symptoms Treatment of the current sinusitis is the first step you must take. Although this will only give you momentary relief, you are sure to feel better. You can take care of the underlying condition and improve your immune system once you start to feel better. Stay hydrated: A person suffering from sinusitis loses a lot of water. It is imperative to stay hydrated at all times. Water, being one of the most effective remedies for sinus, will help thin the mucus and drain it. Stay away from cold foods and beverages. Also avoid drinking alcohol, sugary drinks, and smoking till you recover. Face massage: The congestion in the sinus is the main reason for the discomfort. You can try a face massage to relax the muscles surrounding it. A face massage is one of the most certain remedies for sinus to provide you relief.
Some Effective Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Some Effective Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Onychomycosis is the medical term for toenail fungus. This forms when the skin has abnormal Ph levels. Toenail fungus normally occurs in older people as the skin around the nail gets brittle and dry. The nails may crack allowing the fungus to enter. Some of the symptoms which characterize toenail fungus are: Thickening of the skin Inflammation Yellowing Pain in toes and toenails Crumbling of toenail Primary underlying factors which may lead to toenail fungus include: Poor hygiene habits Weak immune system Bad circulation High moisture content in the environment Toe Nail Fungus Remedies: Let us take a look at some natural toenail fungus remedies. These allow one to get rid of toenail fungus, or prevent its formation. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is also known as Melaleuca. It has strong antifungal and antiseptic properties. This makes it a natural toenail fungus remedies. How to use Tea tree oil as one of the toenail fungus remedies: Clean the affected area well Apply tea tree oil on to the toe with a cotton swab Let the oil stay over the toe for about10 minutes. Then clean up, using a clean cloth Baking Soda: Baking soda dries out excess moisture from the toes. This makes it an effective toenail fungus removal remedy. Baking soda also heals foot disorders, as it neutralizes foot odors. So by keeping the area clean, it helps prevent infection. How to use baking soda for treating toenail fungus: Create a paste using baking soda and water Apply it over the toe Let it stay for 10 minutes before you cleanse it with water For healing toenail fungus, you may also choose to dip your feet in a bucket full of water, mixed with baking soda. Cornmeal: Cornmeal contains a fungus which is otherwise harmless. However, cornmeal fungus counters the fungus which infects the toenail.
How to Cure a Urinary Tract Infection at Home

How to Cure a Urinary Tract Infection at Home

UTI occurs when there is an uncontrollable growth of bacteria in the bladder. This is an infection that can happen to anyone. However, it is most commonly seen in women. Before we know the about how to cure urinary tract infection, let us know about its causes. Bacteria enter through the urethra and attach to the bladder. The infection starts spreading as the bacteria multiply. This causes symptoms like frequent urination, cramping in the abdomen, and pain while urinating. You need to treat these symptoms with medication or home remedies. If you treat it at home, you will not have to worry about having any side effects. These home treatments are very simple and will get you feeling better in no time. You need to know how to cure a urinary tract infection at home. Here are nine ways in which you can fight the infection and recover quickly. Drink More Fluids One of the most common solutions yo how to cure urinary tract infection is consuming more fluids. This will help flush out the bacteria. You can either drink plenty of water or have fruit juices. Urine is filled with waste from the body and is acidic. Drinking more water will dilute it. This way you will not experience pain while urinating. Have a glass of water before every meal. Have at least 12 glasses of water a day. This is sure to help treat the UTI. Heating Pads If your bladder infection is severe, you are sure to have a mild pain in the abdomen. This will cause you discomfort as it is persistent and may be severe in some cases. If the other methods or medication is not helping, you can use heating pads to soothe the dull ache caused by the UTI. Urinate Frequently It is best not to hold it when you need to urinate.