Koylanchal i9 Eye & Dental Centre

01/11/2024

01/11/2024

Physicists Synthesized the Element Livermorium, Atomic Number 116 — Opening the Door to Discovering Record-Breaking Elements:

Physicists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have synthesized livermorium (element 116) using a new method that could pave the way for creating superheavy elements beyond the limits of the current periodic table.

Traditionally, high-Z elements are made by bombarding actinide targets with calcium-48, a stable isotope.

However, this technique is reaching its limits. The research team, using the 88-Inch Cyclotron, successfully collided titanium-50 ions with a plutonium target over 22 days, marking the first time a non-calcium isotope has produced a superheavy element.

The breakthrough brings scientists closer to discovering new elements in the elusive "island of stability," where superheavy elements may exhibit longer half-lives.

Producing elements beyond oganesson (element 118) has been challenging due to low reaction probabilities, but this new approach offers hope.

With the potential to uncover 50 more unknown isotopes, researchers believe this method could unlock new discoveries and provide insights into the fundamental nature of atomic structure.

28/10/2024

Eye exercises that *may* help prevent or manage glaucoma:

*Important:* Consult an eye care professional before starting any new eye exercises, especially if you have existing glaucoma or eye conditions.

*Warm-up Exercises:*

1. Eye Rotation: Rotate eyes clockwise and counterclockwise (3 reps each).
2. Eye Movement: Move eyes up, down, left, and right (3 reps each).
3. Blinking: Blink rapidly (3 times) to improve tear circulation.

*Glaucoma-Specific Exercises:*

1. Acupressure: Apply gentle pressure to specific points around the eyes:
- Temple (Tai Chong): Massage with fingertips (1minute).
- Eye Socket (Jing Ming): Massage with fingertips (1 minute).
2. Eye Stretching: Look upward, then downward, stretching eye muscles (3 reps).
3. Focusing Exercise: Focus on a point, then suddenly shift gaze to another point (3 reps).
4. Near and Far Vision: Alternate between near and far objects (3 reps).
5. Eye Massage: Gently massage eyes with circular motions (1 minute).

*Yoga and Breathing Exercises:*

1. Pranayama (Breathing Exercise): Practice deep, controlled breathing.
2. Yoga Postures: Certain poses, such as:
- Downward-Facing Dog
- Child's Pose
- Seated Forward Fold

*Lifestyle Changes:*

1. Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity.
2. Balanced Diet: Include omega-3 rich foods, antioxidants, and vitamins.
3. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga).
4. Sleep: Ensure adequate sleep (7-8 hours) to reduce eye pressure.
5. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule *annual* eye exams to monitor eye health.

*Prevention Tips:*

1. Maintain healthy blood pressure.
2. Avoid smoking.
3. Limit caffeine intake.
4. Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
5. Avoid prolonged screen time.

*Resources:*

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
2. Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF)
3. National Eye Institute (NEI)

Remember, while these exercises may be beneficial, they should not replace medical treatment or advice. Consult an eye care professional for personalized guidance.

13/10/2024

An oral insulin pill may soon be available for people with diabetes:

It would potentially replace painful injections for millions of people with diabetes.

This groundbreaking pill utilizes a nano-scale material, a fraction of the width of a human hair, to protect insulin molecules from stomach acid and deliver them precisely to where they are needed in the body.

The nanomaterial also acts as a "nano-carrier," responding to the patient's blood sugar levels. The nano-carrier is designed to dissolve and release insulin only when blood sugar levels are elevated, preventing the release when levels are low. This unique feature could reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, a dangerous condition caused by excessive insulin intake, which is a common concern for those relying on insulin injections. This oral insulin has been successfully tested on animals, demonstrating effective blood glucose control without toxicity.

Human trials are scheduled to start in 2025, potentially revolutionizing diabetes treatment. The potential impact of this oral insulin pill on the lives of millions of people with diabetes worldwide cannot be overstated. By replacing painful injections with a convenient oral medication, this innovation could significantly improve the quality of life for those living with this chronic condition. The intelligent release mechanism of the nano-carrier could lead to better blood glucose management and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and a brighter future for individuals with diabetes.

13/10/2024

Posterior Microphthalmus/ Macular Fold:
Despite normal anterior segment, posterior microphthalmos is characterized with high hyperopia, shorter axial length and papillomacular retinal fold.
Credit: on photo.

12/10/2024

Scientists discovered an on/off switch that can "turn off" autoimmune disorders:

It stops your immune system from attacking healthy cells.

Our immune system protects us from harmful invaders, but sometimes it mistakenly attacks our own healthy cells, leading to autoimmune disorders.

Scientists have now identified a critical 'switch' that helps regulate the immune system and could be key to understanding and potentially treating these conditions. At the heart of this discovery is an enzyme called cGAS, which acts as a sensor for foreign DNA. When it detects a virus, it triggers an immune response. However, cGAS needs to be carefully controlled, particularly within a cell's nucleus where DNA is stored. The newly identified 'switch' involves a protein complex that flags cGAS for destruction, effectively turning it off when it's not needed. This prevents cGAS from attacking healthy cells during normal cell growth.

By understanding how proteins like cGAS are controlled, scientists hope to develop new treatments for autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The findings also suggest that targeting this 'switch' could offer potential therapeutic strategies. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system, designed to protect against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, malfunctions and mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. This misdirected attack can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to various organs and systems. There are over 80 types of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, affecting millions of people worldwide.

12/10/2024

12/10/2024

The Science of Ozempic — Understanding the "Miracle" Weightloss Drug:

Ozempic, originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, has exploded in popularity due to its weight loss effects.

Celebrities and social media influencers tout its rapid results, leading to increased demand for both Ozempic and its higher-dose weight-loss counterpart, Wegovy. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, and some individuals even seek it through less regulated online channels. Experts warn that Ozempic isn't a magic solution; its function is to regulate blood sugar, mimic fullness hormones, and slow digestion. While it aids weight loss in those with obesity and related conditions, it has not been thoroughly studied in people without those issues. The medication is intended for long-term use, and weight often returns upon discontinuation. The drug operates by increasing insulin production post-meal, slowing food movement through the stomach, and reducing sugar release into the bloodstream. Ozempic can be expensive, and insurance coverage often requires meeting specific FDA criteria. The surge in off-label use has contributed to shortages, making it difficult for diabetes patients to access it. Side effects are common, including nausea, digestive problems, and in rare cases, pancreatitis, highlighting the need for careful medical supervision while on the drug. Doctors caution that the long-term consequences of using this medication for weight loss in people who don't have diabetes or obesity are unknown, and there could be unforeseen health risks.

12/10/2024

05/08/2024

What is Intravitreal Injection ?

Intravitreal injection is the method of administration of drugs into the eye (directly into the vitreous). It is used to treat various eye diseases such as age related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy, macular edema due to vein occlusions or certain ocular inflammatory conditions, and infections inside the eye (endophthalmitis).

As compared to eye drops (topical administration) this method is beneficial for a more localized delivery of medication to the targeted site. It also minimises the adverse effects to the other body tissues caused when medications are given systemically (injections or tablets).

What are commonly used Intravitreal Injections?

Anti-VEGFs (Accentrix, Lucentis, Razumab, Eylea, Pagenax)
Steroids (Dexamethasone, Triamcinolone, Fluocinolone)
Anti-microbial (Antibiotics, Antifungals, Antivirals)

What are the indications of Intravitreal Injections?

Disorders or diseases that can be treated with Intravitreal Injections include:

Age related macular degeneration
Macular edema
Diabetic Macular Edema
Secondary to Vein Occlusion
Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Edema
Uveitis related Macular Edema
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal Vein Occlusions
Non Infectious Inflammations
Infections
Endophthalmitis
Retinitis

What is the procedure for Intravitreal Injections?

The exact procedure and technique of Intravitreal Injection varies from one hospital to the other.

At Koylanchal i9 Eye Hospital, the Intravitreal Injection is done in the operation theatre (to reduce the chances of infection).

Eye drops to dilate the pupil
Anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye
Antibiotic eye drops
Cleaning the eye and surrounding skin to prevent infection (Your face may also be covered to keep the eye sterile)
A device to hold the eye open during treatment

An injection of anti-VEGF or steroid drugs
Antibiotic eye drops.

What are the possible risks and complications of Intravitreal Injection?
Intravitreal Injections are relatively very safe.

The side effects / risks of Intravitreal Injection can be broadly classified into drug related side effects and procedure related side effects. However, the least would be exhaustive and hence we are mentioning a few side effects / complications here.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage or redness
Irritation or discomfort of the eye
Pain or discharge
Blurred vision or changes in vision
Seeing “spots” in your vision
Bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage), retinal detachment
Cataract progression / formation
Retinal detachment
Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
Intraocular infection (endophthalmitis)
Very rarely, systemic side effects of drugs can occur. These include high blood pressure, nose and throat infection, and headache, arterial thrombo-embolic events such as TIA, heart attack and stroke.
The goal of treatment is to prevent further loss of vision. Although some patients have regained vision, the medication may not restore vision that has already lost, and may not ultimately prevent further loss of vision caused by the disease.