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Glaucoma: A Silent Threat to Vision
 
Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve.
 
Causes of Glaucoma
While the exact cause of glaucoma is often unknown, several factors can increase your risk, including:
 
Age: Older adults are more susceptible.
Family history: A family history of glaucoma increases the risk.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the optic nerve.
Race: Certain races, such as African Americans, have a higher risk.
Eye injuries: Eye injuries can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Certain medications: Some medications, like corticosteroids, can increase the risk.
 
Types of Glaucoma
There are two main types of glaucoma:
 
Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, it progresses gradually with few noticeable symptoms.
Angle-closure glaucoma: A more acute type, with symptoms like eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and seeing halos around lights.
 
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In the early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may experience:
 
Blurred vision, especially in peripheral vision
Halos around lights
Decreased night vision
Eye pain
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting (in acute cases)
 
Diagnosing Glaucoma
An ophthalmologist will diagnose glaucoma through a comprehensive eye exam. Tests may include:
 
Intraocular pressure measurement: To measure the pressure inside the eye
Gonioscopy: To examine the angle between the iris and cornea
Perimetry: To assess your field of vision
Optic nerve imaging: To evaluate damage to the optic nerve
 
Treating Glaucoma
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower eye pressure and prevent further vision loss. Treatment options may include:
 
Medications: Eye drops to lower eye pressure
Laser surgery: To create a new drainage pathway for fluid in the eye
Traditional surgery: In cases where medications and laser treatments are ineffective
 
Preventing Glaucoma
While not all cases of glaucoma can be prevented, the following steps can reduce your risk:
 
Regular eye exams: Especially for those over 40 and with a family history of glaucoma
Managing underlying conditions: Such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy diet
Regular exercise
Wearing protective eyewear
Glaucoma is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. Early detection and treatment are essential. If you have any concerns, consult an ophthalmologist.
 
 
World Hepatitis Day 2024

A Silent Threat, It Is Time to Action

A Silent Threat, It's Time to Action - World Hepatitis Day 2024

The World Health Organization has designated July 28th as World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about this disease, encourage vaccination, promote early diagnosis, and facilitate effective treatment for hepatitis. Early detection of hepatitis is crucial as prompt treatment can prevent the disease from progressing to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated July 28th as World Hepatitis Day to raise global awareness about hepatitis, a group of infectious liver diseases. The day aims to encourage vaccination, promote early diagnosis, and facilitate effective treatment.
Early detection of hepatitis is crucial as prompt treatment can prevent the disease from progressing to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The ultimate goal is to reduce new hepatitis cases by 90% and hepatitis-related deaths by 65% by 2030. Reflecting this ambition, the WHO's slogan for 2024 is "It's time to action."
 
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can be caused by viruses, chemicals, medications, or certain autoimmune diseases. The most common types of hepatitis are viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses.
 
Consequences of Hepatitis
The widespread prevalence of hepatitis can impose a significant economic burden on governments and communities. The high costs associated with treatment and the decreased productivity of the workforce can negatively impact a country's economic growth. Furthermore, individuals living with hepatitis may face long-term health problems and a reduced quality of life.
 
Transmission of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food or water, or direct contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles.
Hepatitis C: Primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as injecting drugs with contaminated needles or receiving contaminated blood products.
 
Symptoms of Hepatitis
While symptoms can vary, common signs of hepatitis include:
Extreme fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Dark urine
Pale stools
 
Prevention and Treatment
To combat hepatitis:
Vaccination: Effective vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.
Testing: Regular testing for early detection.
Safe behaviors: Practicing good hygiene, using condoms, and avoiding sharing needles.
Education: Raising public awareness.
Support: Providing support for those living with hepatitis.
Treatment for hepatitis depends on the specific virus and stage of the disease. While some cases resolve on their own, antiviral medications are available for hepatitis B and C.
 
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the future of the fight against hepatitis is promising. Advancements in diagnosis, treatment, the development of new vaccines, and increased public awareness are all contributing to improving the lives of those affected by hepatitis. With global cooperation and investment, we can significantly reduce the burden of hepatitis by 2030.
 
who.int
cdc.gov
 
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