Cataract Awareness

Contributed by: Darren L. Ryder, Pharm.D. Candidate

KU School of Pharmacy

Text Box: What does it mean to have cataracts? It is estimated that nearly 20.5 million Americans ages 40 and older have developed cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens, which in turn blocks light from entering the eye, causing blurred vision. Cataracts start out small and mild, having little effect on a person’s vision in the beginning. But, as the cataract grows, a person’s vision quality becomes noticeably worse. Cataracts are typically a natural part of the aging process, and they are the leading cause of blindness in all countries of the world. It is estimated that, by the time they reach 80 years of age, over half of all Americans will either have a cataract or will have had cataract surgery. What risk factors do I need to be watching for? Risk factors for developing cataracts include: Aging Family history of cataracts (genetic inheritance) Smoking Certain diseases (including diabetes and alcoholism) Prolonged exposure to ultra-violet sunlight (UV-A and UV-B rays) Previous eye injury or inflammation Certain medications (including prolonged exposure to corticosteroids such as prednisone) High triglycerides Ethnicity (Native Americans and people

Text Box: of African-American heritage are at higher risk) Gender (women are at a slightly higher risk than men for developing cataracts) What symptoms should I be concerned about? Symptoms often include, but are not limited to: Cloudy or blurred vision Colors seem faded or dulled Night vision difficulties A glare or ‘halo’ effect around lights Double vision or multiple visions in one eye Frequent prescription changes in your glasses or contact lenses The need for brighter light when reading or doing similar activities Fading or yellowing of the eyes Are there any medications or exercises that can help my cataracts disappear? There currently are no medications or exercises that have been shown to cause cataracts to disappear. However, cataracts may not interfere with your daily activities, and you may choose to not seek treatment for them. When they begin to interfere with activities of daily living, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries, with more than 1.6 million surgeries performed each year in the U.S. alone. A technique called

Text Box: pharmacoemulsion has become the preferred technique for cataract extraction. An ultrasound or laser probe is used to break the lens apart, and the fragments are then extracted from they eye through a small incision. A new lens is then placed in the eye. No sutures are needed, as the incision is self-sealing. The surgery does not require a hospital admission, and patients may restart their normal daily activities immediately. What are some things I can do for prevention of cataracts? For prevention, it is recommended that you do not smoke, and you should eat a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables, carefully manage any other health problems that you have, and protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses when outdoors. Remember, cataracts can be detected through a comprehensive eye examination, and early detection and treatment can make all the difference in saving your eyesight! For additional information, visit: www.aao.org/eyemd www.sbch.org/healthnews/cataract.htm www.clinicareinoso.com/conditns/

Chiggers, What are They and How Do We Treat Their Bites? (continued)

Contributed by: Abby Mackie, Pharm.D. Candidate

KU School of Pharmacy

Text Box: How Do I Treat a Chigger Bite? Try to avoid areas heavily infested with chiggers. One test is to place a black piece of paper or a white plate in the grass; the tiny red chiggers will be visible when they walk on the paper or plate. Since chiggers move around the body for several hours before feeding, bathing soon after exposure to chigger-infested areas may wash the chiggers off your body and prevent feeding. Take a good hot bath or shower and soap repeatedly. Launder any clothes or blankets that may be infested in soapy, hot water (125°F.) for about half an hour. Infested clothes should not be worn

Text Box: again until they are properly washed and/or exposed to hot sunshine. The most effective and time proven repellent for chiggers is sulfur powder. Chiggers hate sulfur and will always avoid it. Powdered sulfur, sometimes called sublimed sulfur or flowers of sulfur, is available in most pharmacies. Dust the powdered sulfur around the opening of your pants, socks and boots. If you plan to venture into a heavily infested area, powdered sulfur can be rubbed over the skin on your legs, arms and waist. Once a bite has occurred, a local anesthetic

Text Box: will be most effective. Ask you pharmacist for a product with benzocaine, phenol, menthol or camphor to provide a numbing and soothing effect. Products that can be effective include: Chigarid® (phenol, menthol and camphor) and Chiggarex® (benzocaine) For more information on chiggers and chigger bites search the word