Contact Lens Examinations: What You Need To Know

By Amy Nutt

Contact lens examinations take longer and require more tests than a regular eye exam. If you wish to try contact lenses you need to inform your eye care professional's office when you book the appointment so enough time can be reserved for the contact lens fitting. The average exam takes about 90 minutes.

There are three main parts to your contact lens exam and fitting: - Consultation - Examination - Contact lens fitting and instruction

Consultation When you first enter the office your eye doctor will ask a number of questions regarding your lifestyle, current eye health and contact lens preferences. These questions will help your eye doctor to determine if contact lenses are right for you and also what kind of contact lenses would be the best fit.

Examination Next your eye doctor will perform a routine eye exam.

Your eye doctor will shine a light into your eyes in order to observe the eye structure and how well your eye muscles function. A visual acuity test will be given to rate how well you can see the letters and numbers on a standard eye chart. Drops may be put in your eyes and other basic tests performed to determine if you need corrective lenses and what your prescription strength would be.

Contact Lens Examination The curvature, size and shape of your eyes are unique and so measurements need to be taken in order to determine the correct fit for your contact lenses. If contact lenses are not fitted properly they can cause discomfort and even eye damage.

- The eye doctor will use an instrument called a keratometer (a type of digital camera) to measure the curvature of your cornea. Normally you sit facing the instrument with your chin in a brace (so you can't move) while the keratometer photographs your eye. The measurements it takes are calculated mathematically to determine the correct size and curve for your contact lenses. Another method called corneal topography may be used to provide precise details of your eye to your eye doctor.

- Next your eyes pupil and iris size are measured using a ruler, pupil card or pupillometer.

- A biomicroscope will be used to evaluate the health of your cornea and also to check the fit of your trial contact lenses.

- A tear film evaluation may also be performed to check the moisture in your eye. This can be done by inserting a small strip of paper under the lower eyelid or by placing fluorescein dye in your eyes and seeing how long it takes for your tears to remove it. This test determines if you have issues with dry eye. If you have severe dry eye you may not be able to wear contact lenses or you may need special contact lenses.

Contact Lens Fitting and Instructions Finally after your tests are complete, trial contact lenses will be fitted. You will need to wait 10-15 minutes for your eyes to settle down before the eye doctor can determine if the fit is correct. You may also need to try on more than one pair before you find just the right ones for you.

During the fitting your eye doctor will teach you how to insert and remove your contact lenses. They will discuss proper cleaning and maintenance routines and will give you written instructions to follow when you get home.

Follow-up exams will be scheduled to check on your progress with your new contact lenses. If you notice any vision changes, discomfort or problems you should contact your eye care professional immediately. - 15343

About the Author:

When looking for contact lenses, special effects lenses, Halloween contacts or colored contacts, be sure to shop online for huge savings when compared to retail prices.

Otoplasty: Making the Right Decision for Your Child

By Amy Nutt

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is often resorted to for children whose ears are abnormally large or stick out too far. Otoplasty has been used to correct birth defects involving the ear, folded or cupped ears and those that are malformed, as well as ears that have been affected by accidents or burns.

While it may seem like a mere cosmetic change, the results can be astounding. Children with low self-esteem feel better about themselves when their ears appear more normal and for this reason, some parents opt to have the procedure done. However, there are a few things you need to consider before having the surgery performed on your child.

What Age Should Otoplasty Be Done?

Even if your baby's ears seem too large, it is pretty rare to find a doctor who will do the procedure before the age of four when the ears have completed their growth. While the majority of otoplasties are done between 4 and 14, the earlier the procedure is done, the less emotional harm will be inflicted, thanks to teasing and taunts from other children. The longer you wait, the more emotional damage will be done, which can carry consequences into the adult years.

However, some parents feel that this is a decision the child should make, which is why they choose to wait until the child is able to make an informed decision. At the earliest end of the spectrum, most patients will barely remember the surgery, while it can be quite traumatic for an older child to be separated from his parents during the surgery and to be in pain. The decision will depend on the family.

How Long is the Recovery Period?

Otoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. This means no overnight stay is required and the child can go home the same day, after an observation period to ensure there are no complications. This makes it a relatively trauma-free event in comparison to some other surgeries.

The majority of children who have this procedure will be able to resume their normal daily activities within a week. In general, the older the child, the faster the recovery, though this isn't always true. Exactly what the procedure did will also affect the recovery time, since simple pinning of the ears is a fairly simple surgery and ear reconstruction is more complicated and may require more recovery time. The full recovery time is about a month and a half, during which time, the patient will need to take care not to rip stitches or cause further trauma to the ears. Again, this depends on the child . . . some children heal remarkably quickly. There are usually no complications involved with otoplasty.

Choosing a Surgeon

Ideally, the cosmetic surgeon who will perform the otoplasty will have plenty of experience in the field. There is a slight chance of over correction with inexperienced surgeons. Having a doctor who will work with the hospital you prefer, is also a good choice. This means you will be able to choose the hospital that is nearest you and that has the best facilities. Many parents look for a hospital that will allow them to be in the recovery room with their child, particularly for very young children. Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty is something that should be carefully considered and researched before having it done. Your child could benefit greatly, but it is the parent's job to ensure that they are making the right decision for the future well being of their little one. - 15343

About the Author:

The Canadian Institute of Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide variety of treatments and cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, liposuction, and otoplasty. For a comfortable and pleasant cosmetic surgery experience, choose cosmetic surgery Montreal.

Six Keys to Buying Gifts That Would tell Mom you Love Her

By Terry Stanfield

Buying gifts for mom can be challenging if you don't know the art of doing so. Taking the time to understand the finer points of gift buying can pay rich dividends in terms of gratitude and appreciation. Yes, every gift will be appreciated and thanked for but not every gift will be remembered.

The following sic points will make you a bit smarter when it comes to purchasing gifts. Also, these key points will ensure your gift(s) to your mom will be remembered and cherished for a very long time. Keep these points in mind and the next time you purchase a gift for your Mother you will have little or no trouble.

Key number 1: Instead of going for the usual conventional gifts, try to determine what your mom really needs. Catering your gift to her needs will ensure that she actually uses it and each time she uses your gift it will remind her of you.

Key number 2: Apart from trying to determine what your mom needs also try to find out what she would like to have more than anything - a special gift for mom. There are surely many gift-able items out there that would not only hold a high utility for mom but rather it would also hold a sentimental value.

Key number 3: Don't let the price tag scare you too much. Although this may sound like unreasonable advice but it's important that you don't take the price tag too seriously - for example, would you want your mother's jewelry to be something that she thanks you for but is too scared to wear on a big occasion?

Key number 4: When it comes to buying gifts for mom, your instincts will guide you greatly. Trust and follow your instincts and you will be surprised how delighted she will be.

Key number 5: A mother's gift multiplies in sentimental value when it is something that is symbolic or metaphoric to the family. Now you may think that it would be difficult to find something like that but rest assured that a little ingenuity can go a long way.

Key number 6: Last but not least, make the presentation beautiful and present it at the right time and in the right way. Gifts bought with good intentions go a long way but gifts bought with good intentions and presented correctly can go even further.

The fact of the matter is that buying gifts for mom is a very personal experience and it should be different for each individual. Nowadays with so much commercialism, that personal touch has lost its place. The basic key to buying your mother a gift should be send the message that you have thought and pondered before buying her a gift. - 15343

About the Author:

Before you shop for mom, visit Life Time Mothers for great gifts for mom and birthstone jewelry today!

Six Rules for Giving Presents to New Mothers

By Terry Stanfield

Buying gifts for new mothers is very difficult as most people don't know what the new mother needs - unless you have been a new mother yourself. Buying gifts for mom is hard and buying gifts for a new mother is doubly difficult. Remember, the new mom will probably receive many gifts from many people therefore extra though needs to be given prior to purchasing a gift.

You need to ensure that the gift you give stands out from all the others. It's important to put yourself in the new mother's shoes and then start thinking from there. Here are six points - or rules that, if followed, will do just that.

Rule number 1: The gift you give the new mother has to be useful to her. There is no point in giving her a gift that is very expensive but does not make her life easier - remember, she is a new mother so a diamond ring will not fit the occasion.

Rule number 2: The gift will multiply in sentimental value if it's for the baby. Gifts for mom will certainly be liked but a gift for the baby will be adored.

Rule number 3: If you have purchased a cute little gift for the baby then it would be a good idea if you could also add a special gift for mom as well - just so that she knows you have though of her and her baby both.

Rule number 4: Women do love jewelry and it's not a bad idea to tie in the mother's jewelry with the new born. An example could be a locket with the baby's picture inside.

Rule number 5: A mother's gift does not necessarily have to be expensive - it could simply be something that would congratulate her into motherhood. The new mother is already delighted to be a mom and all you can do is to cheer her for that.

Rule number 6: Each gift sends a different non-verbal message to the receiver. Use your imagination, ask around and make it special and personal - customize the gift to the receiver as much as possible.

As already mentioned, a gift sends a message to the receiver and sometimes a gift could be so metaphorical that only the receiver and giver would know what that message is. Remember, good gifts for mom (and her child) are not one that makes her go WOW when received - in fact its one that makes her go WOW every day. - 15343

About the Author:

Before you shop for mom, visit Life Time Mothers for great gifts for mom and birthstone jewelry today!

Popular Types of Contact Lenses

By Amy Nutt

If you wear glasses and are thinking about trying contact lenses, there are many things to consider. Surely you're aware of some of the benefits of wearing contacts, such as freedom from bulky glasses as well as better peripheral vision. You may be a bit nervous about inserting contact lenses or even about care and maintenance. Before you worry about those details, you should learn a bit about the different types of contact lens options available to you. Educating yourself about the different lenses that are currently in the marketplace will put you one step ahead. Below is an overview about some of the different lenses that your optician may prescribe for you. Arm yourself with the following information before going to your eye doctor and you'll be in a much better position to come out with what's best for you.

Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are designed to have the effect of a cylindrical lens, usually in combination with the effect of a spherical lens. Toric lenses are typically used by nearsighted and farsighted people who also have astigmatism. Usually, these people have been told they are not suitable for regular contact lenses, but may be able to use toric lenses. If one of your eyes has astigmatism and the other does not, you may be told to use a spherical lens in one eye and a toric lens in the other. Toric lenses are made from the same materials as regular contact lenses but have a few notable differences. Some of these differences include:

- They are not symmetrical and may contain a specific 'top' and 'bottom' - They must be designed to maintain their orientation - They correct for both cylindrical aberration and spherical aberration - They may be a bit more expensive and are generally intended for extended wear

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses were introduced in the late 1970's. While rigid gas permeable lenses (or RGP's) are more rigid or firm than soft contact lenses, they mustn't be confused with the old style of 'hard' contact lenses, which are no longer used. Most rigid gas permeable lenses incorporate silicone, which is oxygen permeable. Essentially, what this means is that oxygen can physically pass through the lenses and reach your eyes. Rigid gas permeable lenses typically last longer than soft contact lenses. They may also provide better vision, durability and deposit resistance. RGP's can be easier to clean and due to their long-lasting quality may prove to be cheaper in the long run.

Vial Lenses

Vial contact lenses are basically rigid gas permeable lens that are designed to be worn for up to a year. Vial lenses must be removed, cleaned and sterilized on a nightly basis. Vial lenses can be both soft or rigid. The main difference between vial lenses and other types of contact lenses lies in the amount of time that one pair of lenses will last. Though daily wear contact lenses and disposable lenses have grown in popularity, may people still prefer the durability of rigid gas permeable vial lenses. Vial lenses last a long time and are said to provide excellent vision correction. On the other hand, they tend to be thicker than disposable lenses and can take a while to get used to.

The Choice is Yours

Now that you know a bit more about some of the different types of available contact lenses, you'll be better equipped to make decisions about your vision care. Make sure to consult with your doctor about your lifestyle and specific vision problems to further help you determine which lenses are best for you. - 15343

About the Author:

When searching online for contact lenses, be sure to do your research and find a contact lens provider that offers all the most popular types of contact lenses, including toric lenses, RGP lenses and vial lenses.

Do No Harm by Hippocrates Valid Today?

By Cindy Soto

Hippocrates, the father of medicine taught healers the basic principle to do no harm. Now part of the Hippocratic Oath, the words are eternal, they are that crucial.

How closely do you think it's actually followed in the twenty-first century?

Recently I took my son to a podiatrist after the pediatrician told me that's who I would have to see and wrote out a referral. He's 13 and has flat feet that point outwards when he walks.

The day arrived and we were ushered in. I'm sitting across from my boy when the doctor walks in, looks at him for less than a minute, and proceeds to tell me he will have to do a complicated surgery immediately. He won't be able to walk for a year and will have a steel plate for the rest of his life. Right in front of my son!

Do no harm? I could not believe it.

My 13 year old with a steel rod?

I was angry at that man for scaring my son, but I'm not so easily manipulated. My son is now doing daily exercises to correct the real issues.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. People who are normally skeptical at sales presentations are much less so when they are being sold by a doctor. This was a $30,000 procedure (that the insurance would pay for and it doesn't pay for the much less expensive solution I found).

Look at the training the medical profession receives: it's all drug intervention and invasive surgeries.

I agree that there are times that these treatments are sometimes needed and save lives. But it shouldn't be the norm when other means aren't even considered.

For years I had been searching for a better way. In the process I found a very unique place, that is based on the crazy notion that the body is amazing and self-healing.

Rather than traumatic interventions, they teach people to give the body all the nutrition it needs and stop overworking it with processed "foods", and amazingly it will go into high gear in healing itself.

Named after the father of medicine, the Hippocrates Health Institute truly believes and practices "do no harm" as it teaches people how to create their own healing.

To me, the experience I had at Hippocrates Institute was a taste of heaven. It was so uniquely different.

They call it a miracle, the people who have healed themselves from fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer and all manner of health conditions - by following what they learn. - 15343

About the Author:

To learn about my experience at Hippocrates Health Institute The unique Hippocrates Institute Program is explained by Cindy Soto, author and graduate of the LifeChange event.

Weight Gain - Lighting The Booze Fuze

By |Henry John

After a long day it?s good to look forward to a drink, isn?t it? A cool beer goes down a treat. Contemplating the day sipping a glass of wine is very enjoyable. Alcohol has the effect of making us relax, and we all need time to think over the day and to have a time to wind down. Alcohol also changes our mood. Slowly we begin to feel better. The drama of the day starts to seem trivial and unimportant ? at least until we begin to drink too much ? things then become very different indeed. Reality has the habit of becoming even more real and our take on this new reality tends to be distorted. The unimportant gets a new lease of life and confusion reigns. Come the middle of the night, we wake to find all our troubles lined up in front of us each one bigger and more terrible than it was before. When we chose to drink alcohol and we should expect to suffer the consequences.

We make choices based on our likes and dislikes. We choose to do something because we have facts that influence our decision, but we sometimes make some bizarre choices and stupid decisions. In fact, it's said that most of us take decisions based on 5% of the available information. No wonder we get ourselves into a mess.

Are we well informed about alcohol? We know what it feels like to have too much or to be drunk. We know that it can be very enjoyable, but do we really know what its effects are? For example, does alcohol make you put on weight? Should you drink alcohol when you?re trying to lose weight?

The most important thing to realize with alcohol is that it contains a lot of calories ? which is probably why people believe it makes you fat. Alcohol is a nutrient like, protein, fat and carbohydrate, and as such it provides us with energy, lots of it. It contains nearly the same number of calories per gram as fat. Fat has 9 and alcohol has 7. Protein and carbohydrate have 4.

The problem with alcohol is that the energy it supplies cannot be stored by the body. The reason is that it contains no carbohydrate. Unable to store the energy, the body converts the alcohol into something called acetate.

The energy the alcohol provides isn?t wasted, in fact the body uses it first. It actually uses it in preference to the energy that has already been stored away as glucose and fat. So to say that alcohol makes you fat is not correct. What it does do is to prevent you from losing weight because it uses ?acetate energy? in preference to your stored energy which is a very different thing.

The truth is that alcohol doesn't make you put on weight, it prevents you from losing it. If you're trying to lose weight then you should also be aware that alcohol stimulates your appetite. If you're trying to lose weight the last thing you need is a stimulated appetite. It also removes inhibitions and melts your resolve... 'one more cookie won't hurt' and you're on the way to trashing all your efforts to lose weight.

If you can get into the habit of not drinking alcohol you will be doing your weight loss efforts a lot of good. If you want a positive outcome to your weight loss program, it?s worth the effort to either stop drinking alcohol or to reduce the amount you drink. You can be slim. All you have to do is make sure all your habits are good ones. - 15343

About the Author:

Henry John is a well known authorand commentator on diet and weight loss and has a particular interest in behavior change and its role in achieving permanent weight loss. Learn more about how to lose weight permanently. Click here