For more information on the following topics, please click on the appropriate word:
by Melissa Youngman
What causes presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the natural hardening of the crystalline lens within
the eye, which causes individuals to loose the ability to focus on
close objects and perform close up projects. Presbyopia occurs in
over 50% of the population in their forties (Sinanoglue, 1996) . In a
"normal" eye the lens changes shape in order to focus on objects: the
ciliary muscles contract and thicken the lens to bring the object
into focus (Bartley & Belau, 1990). However, as a person ages the
lens becomes harder and less elastic, making it more difficult to see
nearby object clearly. This hardening process is a normal part of
life, and it happens to everyone to some degree (Bartley &
Belau).
What are some sypmtoms?
Why do these symptoms occur?
Thse symptoms occur because the lens of the eye is losing its
elasticity with age, making it function like a fixed-focus camera
(Brown,1989) . Things up close look dim and blurred, requiring the
use of either different pairs of glasses or bifocals. Individuals
that are already farsighted may notice the changes somewhat earlier
and will need to have stronger corrective lenses made. Even
individuals who are nearsighted can will experience the effects of
presbyopia. Nearsighted individuals normally have to take off
corrective lenses to read small print (Bartley & Belau, 1990)
.
What is being developed?
Delori and Burns (1996) developed an optical technique for
measuring the invivo absorption for the the human crystalline lens
based on using the retina as a reflector for a double-pass
measurement of lens density. Results from the Delori and Burns study
showed a continuous increase in lens density with age, and a small
significant acceleration at older ages. The study by Delori helps
support a theory that lenses will have lost most of their ability to
accommodate by age 65.
What is the best treatment?
Brief summary of treatments:
Bifocals and other corrective glasses have been the best treatment
for presbyopia in the past decades. Doctors suggest getting a new
prescription every few years until age 65. After that the lens of the
eye has lost most of its ability to accommodate, and prescription
changes are less frequent (Bartley & Belau, 1990) . More
recentlly researchers have developed other options for individuals
with this visual impairment. A contact lens has been invented that
focuses light with a graded refractive index. The lens has the power
to bend light rays changes from the center to the edge (Wu,1996).
Another treatment option for people with presbyopia is a lens
implanted on the cornea that acts like a bifocal. A surgeon inserts a
wafer-thin lens, 2 millimeters in diameter, in front of the natural
lens to help it focus on close objects. For people with presbyopia
the implanted lenses act like a pair of reading glasses (Lipkin,
1993) . Also, a intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) is also said to help
vision for people with presbyopia (Voelker,1995) . This device was
first tested on individuals in 1991. The ICR is implanted into the
cornea's optic zone and centered over the pupil, producing a region
with higher refractive power. The effect of the lens, combined with
vision form the unmodified portion of the cornea, produces a bifocal
effect. It takes the brain about six months to adjust, but after that
it adapts, ignoring distant images when close-up items are viewed and
vice versa (Voelker) .
Precautions and preventions:
Individuals can prevent many eye problems from occurring through
simple preventive measures. Doctors suggest individuals to avoid
frequent use of eye drops, and for females to avoid waterproof
mascara that flakes. They also emphasize the importance of wearing
UV-ultraviloet protective sunglasses outdoors year-round. Most
important of all seek medical attention for any eye injury
(Brown,1989) .
Even though presbyopia is a naturally occurring function within the eye these preventative measures and treatments can help people have less strain on daily activities and their lives. With the right care and knowledge individuals can have a lifetime of good vision.
References
Brown N. (1989, February) . To your health: The sight of your
life. Nations Business, 77 (2) , 55.
Delori, F. C, & Burns, S. A. (1996) . Fundus reflectance and
the measurement of crystalline lens density. Optical Society of
America, 13 (2) , 215-225.
Lipkin, R. (1993, September 11) . Focusing the soul's fuzzy
window. Science News, 144 (11) , 172.
Sinanoglue, E. (1996, January) . Reading specs now easy on the
eyes in more ways than one. Money, 25 (1) , 126.
Voelker, R. (1995) . New techniques to resculpt the cornea. The
Journal of the American Medical Association, 274 (19) 1493-1494.
Wu, C. (1996, September 7) . Contacts for aging baby boomers'
eyes? Science News, 150 (1) , 159.
Other References and Links
Bartley, G. B., & Belau, P. G. (1990). Mayo Clinic Family
Health Book. In D. E. Bruce, A. S., Atchison, D. A., & Bhoola, H.
(1995) . Accomodation-convergence relationships and age.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 36 (2) ,
406-413.
Larson & D. E. Swanson (Eds.) , Presbyopia (pp.743-744) .
William Marvow & Co. Inc., NY: New York.
Braus P. (1995) . Vision in an aging America. American
Demographics, 17, 34-38.
West, S. K., Beatriz, M., Rubin, G. S., Schein, K. B., Zeger, S.,
German, P. S., & Fried, L. P. (1997) . Function and visual
impairment in a population-based study of older adults. Investigative
Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 38 (1) , 72-81.
http://www.vision3d.com/eyecare/"
http://www.lasercenter. com/eyework.html
By Aaron Aiza
Glaucoma is a disease in which high intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss. "This disease is the second largest cause for permanent blindness in the United States"(Staff, 1995). Vision is a rapidly occurring process that involves continuous interaction between the eye, the nervous system, and the brain. When someone looks at an object, what he really sees is the light reflected from the object. This reflected light passes through the lens and falls on the retina of the eye. The retina is a soft, transparent layer of nervous tissue made up of millions of light receptors. Here, the light induces nerve impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain and then over other nerves to muscles and glands. If any of these areas are damaged, vision is reduced.
As listed below, there are many factors that increase the risk of developing glaucoma. African Americans, and individuals over 40, along with other personal factors which include extreme nearsightedness (Myopia) or farsightedness (Hyeropia), high blood pressure, and steroid use, run a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
There are a variety of ways that glaucoma can be treated, anything from eye drops to pills. Yet Ackerman (1995) concludes that medical researchers are still searching for a cure free from side effects.
In order to prevent the onset of glaucoma, visit an ophthalmologist. Family physicians can screen one for glaucoma, but more than likely will often unknowingly overlook the disorder. "Of all the people diagnosed with glaucoma, 50 percent of the patients had no idea they were suffering from the disorder"(Coleman, 1995). On the horizon, diligence in diagnosing the subtle onset of glaucoma is the best protection.
To inquire about glaucoma from a doctor's perspective click HERE.
by Brenda Albertson
Retintis Pigmentosa is a hereditary , degenerative, and dysfunctional disease that affects more than 1.5 million (Berson, 1996) people worldwide. RP destroys the rods and involves progressive visual field loss, pigment changes in the retina, and night blindness. The onset of RP occurs typically during the teenage years; between the ages of thirty and forty the patient becomes legally blind.
SYMPTOMS
INHERITANCE PATTERNS
Autosomal Retinitis Pigmentosa (ARP)
X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa
Isolated Cases of Retinitis Pigmentosa
TREATMENT
NO cure exists for RP patients as of yet, but there are three treatments under experimentation currently:
PREVENTION
Prevention is the key to helping RP patients preserve as much of the deteriorating vision as possible. That can be done by:
Berson, E. L. (1996). Retinitis Pigmentosa: Unfolding its Mystery. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, 93, 4526-4529.
Chalkley, T. (1982). Your Eyes. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher.
Daiger, S. P., Sullivan, L. S. & Rodriguez, J. A. (1995). Correlation of phenotype in inherited retinal degeneration. Behavioral and Brain Science, 18(3), 452-468.
Grunwald, J. E., Maguire, A. M., & Dupont, J. (1996). Retinal hemodynamics in retinitis pigmentosa. American Journal of Opthamology, 122 (4), 502-505.
Maghtheh, M., Vithana, E., Jay, M., Evans, K., Moore, T., Bhattacharyas, S., & Inglehearn, C. F. (1996). Evidence for a major retinitis pigmentosa locus on 19qB.4 (RP11) and association with a unique bimodal expressivity phenotype. American Journal of Human Genetics, 59 (4), 864-871.
Sahel, J. A., Hicks, D., Mohand-Said, S., Tran-Minh, D., Deudon-Combe, A., Silverman, M., & Dreyfus, H. (1996). Retinal grafts: biological problems and clinical stakes. Bulletin for the Academy of National Medicine, 180 (3), 633-640.
Shastry, B. S. (1994). Retinitis pigmentosa and related disorders: phenotypes of rhodopsin and peripherin/ RDS mutations. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 52 (4), 467-474.
Sher, N. A., Trobe, J. D., & Weingeist, T. A. (1995). New options for vision loss. Patient Care, 29 (14), 55-66.
Retinitis Pigmentosa- the disease and its symptoms. Http://www.vwpro.com/users/ffb/symptoms/
Additional Links
http://www.newcomm.net/webpage/can_ride/retinit.htm.
Http://www.vwpro.com/users/ffb/inherit.html.
by Sydne Steinberg
Age-related macular degeneration is a disease in which the macula becomes progressively damaged (Crabtree, Adler, & Snodderly, 1996). The macula consists of a small fovea, containing only cones, that is enveloped by a bigger parafovea, made up largely of rods (Curcio, Medeiros, & Millican, 1996). The parafovea is where age-related macular degeneration begins (Curcio et al., 1996). The primary symptom of this irreversible disease is blurred vision. As time goes on, easily damaged blood vessels may grow in the retina where they tend to leak, causing further damage to the macula. From this point on, victims experience an extreme loss in vision that includes a small blind spot in the center of their field of vision (Tuffs University Diet and Nutrition Letter, 1995). Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment, occurring in 1.7 million people in America alone (Christen, Glynn, Manson, Ajani, & Buring, 1996). Laser photocoagulation is an option for a handful of patients, but this merely delays the inevitable vision loss (Christen et al., 1996).
Functions of the macula (Seddon, Willett, & Hankinson, 1996)
Current research in this area
Studies have been conducted in the areas of diet and smoking.
Diet:
Research has shown that a diet high in cartenoids, a family of
yellow, orange,and red pigments found in fruits and vegetables, can
reduce the chance of advanced macular degeneration (Fackelmann,
1994). Two members of this family, lutein and zeaxinthin, have been
targeted to protect the macula (Fackelmann, 1994). These two
cartenoids form the yellow pigment found in the macula (Fackelmann,
1994). People with a diet rich in cartenoids have been found to have
a 43% reduced risk of advanced macular degeneration than those whose
diet consists of few carteoids (Fackelmann, 1994).
Smoking:
The results from a study of cigarette smoking and risk of AMD in Men
show that:
The results from A Prospective Study of Cigarette Smoking and Risk of AMD in women show that current and past smokers had a significantly higher risk of AMD when compared to those who had never smoked. Among the current smokers, the risk was increasingly high for those who smoked more than a pack a day.
References
Christen, W. G., Glynn, R. J., Manson, J. E., Ajani, U. A., & Buring, J. E. (1996, October). A prospective study of cigarette smoking and risk of age-related macular degeneration in men. JAMA, pp. 1147-1151.
Crabtree, D. V., Adler, A. J., & Snodderly, D. M. (1996, January). Radial distribution of tocopherols in rhesus monkey retina and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid. Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, pp.61-74.
Curcio, C. A., Medeiros, N. E., & Millican, C. L. (1996, June). Photoreceptor loss in age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, pp. 1236-1247.
Fackelmann, K. A. (1994, November). Nutrients may prevent blinding disease. Science News, p.310.
Seddon, J. M., Willett, W. C., Speizer, F. E., & Hankinson, S. E. (1996, October). A prospective study in cigarette smoking and risk of age-related macular degeneration in women. JAMA, pp.1141-1146.
Sighted: foods for better vision. (1995, January). Tuffs University Diet and Nutrition Letter, p.1.
You can link to these other sites for additional information on the topic of age- related macular degeneration!
http.//www.eyenet.cug/public/faqs/macular_faq.html
http.//www.web-xpress.com/vhsc/macdeg.html
By Kelly Taylor
WHAT IS IT?
WHO IS AT RISK?
SYMPTOMS & PREVENTION
TREATMENT
RESEARCH
REFERENCES:
Dowdell,H.R (1995). Diabetes and Vascular disease: A common
association. AACN Clinical Issues,6(4),526-535.
Smith, S.S. (1996). Keeping good vision with diabetic retinopathy.
ABNF Journal, 7(3),81-84.
Bass, S.J. (1996). Laser treatment of macular disease.
Optometry Clinics,5 (1), 161-173.
Scheiner, G. (1994). Exercise options for people with diabetic eye
complications. Journal of Othalmic Nursing and
Technology,13(6),267-269.
Internet one (February 1997): http://niddk.nih.gov/Diabetic
Eyedisease.html#four
Internet two (February 1997):
http://pw1.netcom.com/~macula/Southeast Retina.html
For further references, please click below.
By Lynae Carr
Retinal detachment occurs when there is a separation of the retina, a thin sheet of light sensitive nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye, from the back wall of the eye. Retinal detachment commonly occurs in those over 50, those with diabetes, those who have a family history of retinal detachment, and those with horseshoe tears. Other risk factors include trauma, history of retinal detachment in the other eye, severe myopia, and aphakia and pseudophakia (Gaston & Elkington, 1986; Saran & Brucker, 1995; Stein, Slatt, & Stein, 1992; Eye-Online, 1997; Kim & Lowenstein, 1997) .
Most retinal detachments are due to retinal tears or breaks in which liquid from the vitreous passes through the tear or break causing the retina to detach. As more fluid from the vitreous flows behind the retina through the hole, more of the retina becomes detached. Retinal detachment can also occur without holes or breaks in conditions in which fluid is secreted by either the retina or the choroid. If retinal tears and breaks are not detected and treated promptly, retinal detachment is likely to occur due to vitreous traction (Gaston & Elkington, 1986; Saran & Brucker, 1995; Stein, Slatt, & Stein, 1992; Eye-Online, 1997; Kim & Lowenstein, 1997).
The symptoms associated with a retinal tear are black floaters and lightning-like flashes. As the detachment progresses, more of the area of the field of sight becomes blurred and it is more likely the detached areas of the retina will lose their vision. Sudden loss of sight might occur due to bleeding into the eye from the retinal tear. Gradual loss of sight can occur as a darkening of part of the field of sight; the darkening gradually enlarges until it causes the eye to become totally blind. Symptoms can also be absent in the case of retinal detachment and the person is only aware of a problem when a shadow appears on one or the other side of the eye (Gaston & Elkington, 1986; Saran & Brucker, 1995; Stein, Slatt, & Stein, 1992; Eye-Online, 1997; Kim & Lowenstein, 1997).
There are several methods for surgical management of retinal detachment (Saran & Brucker, 1995; Eye-Online, 1996; Kim & Lowenstein, 1996). The goal of surgery is to reattach the retina and/or seal the hole or tear. Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vitreous gel is removed, thus eliminating the vitreous traction. Pneumatic Retinopexy is the process in which a gas bubble is injected into the eye to seal the hole and the gas pushes the retina against the eye wall, reattaching the retina in selected cases. Scleral buckling involves draining the fluid out from under the retina by making a small incision in the wall of the eye in the area of fluid. As the fluid is drained out, a scleral buckle, a flexible piece of rubber, is placed around the eye to support the retinal tear from outside the eye.
Surgical success in terms of reattachment can be achieved in the large majority of cases. The return of sight, however, is gradual and depends on several other factors (Saran & Brucker, 1995). It has also been found that since the detachment may damage the retina, most people do not get back perfect vision (Kim & Lowenstein, 1996).
REFERENCES
Gaston, H. & Elkington, A. (1986). Opthamology for Nurses. New Hampshire: Croom Helm Ltd.
Saran, B.R. & Brucker, A.J. (1995). Macular Epiretinal Membrane Formation and Treated Retinal Breaks. American Journal of Opthamology, 120, 480-484.
Stein, H.A., Slatt, B.J., and Stein, R.M. (1992). A Primer in Opthamology. Missouri: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.
Recent Advances in Retinal Detachment Surgery (Feb. 1997) Eye-Online http://www.usa.net/eol/retinal/recent advances in retinal detachment surgery.html
Retinal Detachment (Feb. 1997) Rosa Y. Kim, M.D. and John I. Lowenstein M. D. http://netope.harvard.edu/meei/PI/RD.html
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND LINKS
Chechelnitsky, M., Mannis, M.J., & Chu, T.G. (1995). Scleromalacia After Retinal Detachment Surgery. American Journal of Opthamology, 119, 803-804.
Yasukawa, T., Fukuda, T., Kishimoto, M. & Ogura, Y.J. (1995). Prediction of Postoperative Visual Acuity in Retinal Detachment with Macular Involvement. American Journal of Opthamology, 120, 276.
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/2357/infloat.html
http://www.eyeville.com/eyeret.html
by Sara Borek
Human cataracts represent one of the major causes of treatable blindness. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. The lens is transparent and very important for focusing a sharp image on the retina (Goldstein, 1996). The human lens works a lot like a camera lens because it focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is then recorded. The lens is made up mostly of water and protein. As people age, the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is what's known as a cataract and it can potentially block out some of the light trying to get through . As a cataract develops, it becomes harder for a person to see, mainly because it could grow larger and cloud more of the lens (HTTP://WWW:NEI.NIH.GOV...).
Cataracts occurs in 75 percent of people over 65 and 95 percent of people over 85. In a study by Klein, Wang, and Meuer(1995), it was found that age-related maculpathy (macular degeneration and geographic atrophy) and cataract are important causes of decreased vision as people grow older.
The majority of the people who have cataracts have them bilaterally, or in both eyes. It is possible, though, that one eye may be worse than the other. This is mainly because each cataract develops at a different rate. A cataract can be so small that people may not even know it is there. Fortunately in only about 15 percent of the cases does the cataract interfere with a person's normal activities, and only about 5 percent of cataracts are serious enough to require surgery (Goldstein, 1996). The procedure for having a cataract removed involves making a small opening in the eye. The surgeon removes the lens while leaving in place the capsule, which is a structure that supports the lens. There are three types of suguries usually performed:
When the lens is removed, an intraocular lens is put in place of it. An intraocular lens is a plastic lens which is placed inside the eye, where the original lens used to be.
References
HTTP:// TEXT.NLM.NIH.GOV./AHCPR/CAT/WWW/CATPTXT.HTML
HTTP://WWW:NEI.NIH.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/CATARACT.HTM
Goldstein, E. B. (1996). Sensation and Perception. 4ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing. Klein, R., Wang,Q., Klein, B., Moss, S., & Meuer, S. (1995). The Relationship of Age-Related Maculopathy, Cataract, and Glaucoma to Visual Acuity. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 36.
For more information, look at cataract surgery and cataract.
By Shandra L. Session
There are a number of changes that occur within the human body as it ages. Specifically, a major effect of aging on the human body can be seen in in the brain. These modifications can affect an individual's perception, sometimes to a great extent; for example, changes in perception as a direct result of age-related dementia. Although dementia can be correlated with aging, it is not a certainty of old age. Some elderly adults are only slightly affected by age-related dementia, whereas other elderly individuals may not be affected at all. According to Meaney, O'Donnell, and Rowe (1995), although evidence for learning, memory, and language loss appears in some individuals as early as 50-55 years of age, many people continue to function alertly well into their 90's. Certain individuals may have a predisposition for dementia, for example, a genetic makeup, exposure to toxins, etc. Age-related dementia can also be a result of an underactive mind; areas of the brain that are not used may deteriorate over time. Thus, the elderly should be incouraged to participate in a variety of activities that increase neural activity.The potential genetic influence in dementia has been supported by the study of Alzheimer's (an extreme form of age-related dementia). Individuals whose parents developed Alzheimers have a greater chance of also developing Alzheimers. Physiological changes may include gradual neuronal death, a thinning of axons and myelin sheaths, a decrease in the number of receptors, and neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques (Boss,1991).
A general slowing of response time is another effect of aging; however, a study done by Stanley and Richard (1993) showed that this slowing in reaction time can be slowed with repetition of a specific task. Further, appropriate training can:
In general,
The slowing of response time with aging directly interacts with visual perception in activities such as driving. The time it takes for an elderly person to perceive a potentially hazardous condition on the highway and react to it is longer than that of a younger person.
For more information on aging,click here!
For more information on Alzheimers's,click here!
For more information on dementia, click here!
References:
Boss,B.J. (1991). Normal aging in the nervous system: implications for SCI nurses Aging-Physiology,8, 42-47.
Meaney, M.J., O'Donnell, D., & Rowe, W. (1995), Individual differences in hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal activity in later life and hippocampal aging. Developmental Neuroendocrenology,30, 229-251.
Stanley, M. & Richard, R. (1993). Treatment considerations for the elderly. Occupational and Physical Therapy, 15, 559-565.
by Ella L. Bowser
As the body ages, many changes take place. The body has a natural tendency to wear down. Over time the functions of the major systems of the body show a decline or cease to work altogether. One may not realize his or her senses are fading. Senses like vision and hearing often deteriorate gradually. Presbyopia (hardening of the lenses of the eye) and Presbycusis (loss of the ability to hear high frequencies) are diseases that are age related.
Presbycusis accounts for about 16% of all hearing loss (Magno, 1991). A sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear. Researchers once assoicated presbycusis with tinnitus (ringing of the ears) and vertigo (dizziness) (Carmen, 1977). However, current research indicates tinnitus and vertigo to be associated with Meniere's syndrome (Magno, 1991). Presbycusis is a sensorineural hearing loss.
There are certain risk factors associated with presbycusis: age (generally appears after age 40); gender (males are more likely to suffer from presbycusis than females); and line of work (expousre to workplace noise).
Due to medical advances in the area of hearing, presbycusis can be treated using hearing aids to amplify sound. This form of treatment for presbycusis was not available 20 years ago. Goldstein (1996) also recommends treatment by teaching people more effective communitcations strategies.
Many people might have a hard time admitting that there is
something physically wrong with them. Instead, they may become
depressed and withdraw from family and friends. This is one of the
reasons that gerontology has become a prominent field in psychology.
Advances in the body of knowledge of aging benefits all.
References
Carmen, R. (1977). Our endangered hearing: Understanding &
coping with hearing loss. Rodel Press, Emmaus, PA. 50-52.
Humes, L. E. , Halling, D., & Coughlin, M. (1996). Reliability
and stability of various hearing-aid outcome measures in a group of
elderly hearing-aid wearers. Journal of Speech and Hearing,
39, 923-935.
Goldstein, E. B. (1996). Sensation and Perception. 4ed.
Brooks/Cole Publishing.
Mango, K. (1991). Hearing loss. Franklin Watts. New
York.
Porell, W. (1986). Lifespan plus. Macmillan Publishing Company. New York.
By Shelly Kruk
Hearing loss affects nearly half of the population of people more
than 65 years of age. Otosclerosis is one of the causes of hearing
loss and affects 10% of the population. This condition is an
inherited disorder involving the growth of abnormal spongy bone in
the middle ear. The growth prevents the stapes from vibrating in
response to sound waves which leads to a progressive conductive
hearing loss. This is the most frequent cause of middle ear hearing
loss in young adults and is most commonly seen in women ages 15 to
30. Risks of developing otosclerosis include a family history of
hearing loss and pregnancy may trigger its onset. Caucasians are also
more susceptible to otosclerosis than any other races
(www.housecall.c...mi/97).
There are very few symptoms of otosclerosis which include:
To distinguish otosclerosis from other causes of hearing loss a head CT scan or head x-ray may be used (www.housecall.c...mi/97), and an audiometry/audiology may determine the extent of hearing loss. .
Otosclerosis progresses slowly so the condition may not require treatment until the extent of hearing loss is significant. There is no local treatment to the ear itself or any medication that will improve the hearing in patients who have otosclerosis. Stapes surgery is the recommended treatment for patients with otosclerosis (www.voice-center.com/97). This surgery removes the stapes and replaces it with a prothesis. With state-of-the-art surgical techniques, about 90% of current patients can expect significant improvement (Gantz,B.,Schindler,R.,Snow,J., 77-78). However, the surgery can cause complications like infections, dizziness, pain, and blood clots in the ear. These complications usually correct themselves within a few weeks. Maximum hearing is usually obtained in approximately 4 months (www.housecall.c...mi/97).
REFERENCES:
http://www.housecall.c.mi/convert/001036.html
http://www.voice-center.com/otosclerosis.html
Cole, J.M., Giddings, N.A., Millman, B. (1996). "Long-term
follow-up of stapedectomy in children and adulescents."
Otolaryngol-Head-Neck-Surgery:78-81. Gantz, B.J., Schindler, R.A.,
Snow, J.B. (September 1995). ÒAdult hearing loss:some
tips and pearls.Ó Patient Care:77-78.
Murphy, T.P., Wallis, D.L. (1996). "Stapedectomy in the pediactric patient." Laryngoscope: 1415-1418. Vartianiner, E. (1995). "Surgery in elderly patients with otosclerosis." Department of Otolarynegology: 536-538.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND LINKS:
http://www.boystown.org/hhirr/otoscler.html
http://www.earsurgery.org/otoscl.html
by Shannon Hightower
Tinnitus is most often characterized by the perception of ringing
or buzzing in the ears or head, but different forms of sounds such as
roaring, hissing, clicking and even crickets chirping have been
described by sufferers. This sensation is mistakenly generated within
the auditory system itself or by a vibration produced in the
surrounding tissues or bones of the head; there is no corresponding
sound in the external environment (Slayter & Terry, 1987). While
individuals of all ages may experience tinnitus, its prevalence
increases with age. Because it is often a symptom of normal hearing
loss, tinnitus primarily affects people over the age of 50 (Fiscus,
1995). According to research by Ross, Echevarria, & Robinson
(1991), tinnitus is one of ten chronic conditions reported most by
those over the age of 65. Most cases of tinnitus among the elderly
are attributed to the irreversible degeneration of the auditory
system with age, a disorder known as presbycusis. "The prevalence of
tinnitus matches that of presbycusis in the population from 40 to 60
years of age" (Fitzgerald, 1985, p. 230).
Tinnitus is divided into two subgroups: objective tinnitus and
subjective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is rarely diagnosed; it is
present in only one percent of individuals complaining of tinnitus.
In this type, noises are caused by abnormalities within the arteries
of the head and neck or is due to a problem in the system of veins at
the base of the skull. With subjective tinnitus, hearing loss
accompanies the noise, usually indicating damage to the auditory
system. Damage could result from a number of things, including
Menieres Disease, long term exposure to loud noises, impacted wax in
the external canal of the ear, a tear in the tympanic membrane, and
the degenerative effects of aging. Because of the seriousness of the
abnormalities associated with objective tinnitus, it is extremely
important for individuals experiencing tinnitus to report their
symptoms to an otorhinolaryngologist, a physician specializing in
ear, nose and throat disorders, who can complete a thorough medical
examination to determine whether the tinnitus is objective or
subjective.
Although no cure for tinnitus has been found, objective tinnitus
can often be alleviated through medication or surgical intervention
to eliminate the existing pathology. When auditory damage is found to
be the cause of tinnitus, a variety of treatments offer partially
effective alternatives to the ringing sensation and other problems
frequently associated with tinnitus. Hearing aids, which merely
amplifies external sounds, and maskers, which provide an alternate,
less annoying white noise, have been shown to reduce tinnitus in some
clients. Drug treatment with Lidocaine has had mixed results for
tinnitus. Antidepressant and antianxiety medications is often used in
conjunction with psychological techniques to reduce the secondary
symptoms of depression and anxiety caused by tinnitus. Psychological
treatments offer the most help in chronic tinnitus sufferers.
Biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and counseling directed at the
reduction of stress rather than reducing the noticeability of the
symptoms, seem to help improve coping strategies and stress
management. Alternative treatments, including hypnosis, acupuncture,
and yoga, are controversial and supported by little research.
Many elderly sufferers are intolerant of their tinnitus and report
high levels of stress compounded by other health problems and by
their loss of social support. Since most elderly are retired, they
may have little else to do with their time but listen to the noise
(Ross et al., 1991). Although in the majority of cases, serious
medical conditions are ruled out during the initial physical
examination, the elderly often worry that their tinnitus is a sign of
impending stroke, brain tumor, or insanity. Even though most elderly
sufferers benefit from education, reassurance, and one or more of the
traditional treatment methods, persistent tinnitus can compromise the
elderly patient's sense of well-being, leading to a lower quality of
life (Ciocon, Amede, Lechtenberg, & Astor, 1995).
Ciocon, J., Amede, F., Lechtenberg, C., & Astor, F. (1995).
Tinnitus: A Stepwise Workup to Quiet the Noise Within.
Geriatrics, 50(2), 18-25.
Fiscus, J. (1995). New Hope for Ringing Ears. American Health:
Fitness of Body and Mind, 14(10), 8-9.
Fitzgerald, D. (1985). The Aging Ear. American Family
Physician, 31(2), 225-232.
Ross, V., Echevarria, K., & Robinson, B. (1991). Geriatric
Tinnitus: Causes, Clinical Treatment, and Prevention. Journal of
Gerontological Nursing, 17(10), 6-11.
Slater, R., & Terry, M., (1987). Tinnitus: A Guide for
Sufferers and Professionals. London, UK: Croom Helm.
Alster, J., Shemesh, Z., Ornan, M., & Attias, J. (1993). Sleep
Disturbance Associated with Chronic Tinnitus. Biological
Psychiatry, 34, 84-90.
O'Conner, C., & Zappia, J. (1993). Management of the Tinnitus
Patient. Journal of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology,
26, 25-38.
Stouffer, J., & Tyler, R. (1990). Characterization of Tinnitus
By Tinnitus Patients. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders,
55, 439-453.
Wilson, P., Henry, J., Bowen, M. & Haralambous, G. (1991).
Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties of a Measure
of Distress Associated with Tinnitus. Journal of Speech and
Hearing Research, 34, 197-201.
Click here for additional information on
Subjective
Tinnitus.
Check out the Tinnitus FAQ page.
by Anna Martin
Our sense organs are faculties by which outside information is
received for a response and perceptual. One of our great senses is
touch. Many of us don't pay much attention to our ability to touch
and feel things. Touch is a sense by which the body perceives contact
with a substance. This is accomplished by nerve endings in the skin
that convey sensations to the brain by way of nerve fibers. When we
age, we tend to lose the sensitivity to many of the pressures from
touching.
We touch things everyday. We touch to show gesture such as a caring
pat, a hug, or even a handshake. These all relay a message to the
receiver. Active touch is when we physically explore an object by
moving our fingers over it's surface.
Touch is affected by age. In advancing age, our corpuscles in our
fingers become less organized and show degenerative changes
(Selmanowitz, 1977). Such dementia can result in accidents. Light
touches are not detected. An elderly person may not feel their loved
one patting or holding their hand, and this could leave the elderly
person feeling unloved. The elderly person may also not feel slight
bumps into objects, which could lead to bruising. Bozian (1980),
lists measures that should be taken to help people suffering from
such a loss:
by: Shannon Van Buskirk
References
Mold, James, "Sensory Loss can be Averted," USA Today, February 1995, Vol. 123, No. 2597, pp.8.
(1996)http://www.healthtouch.com.
Henkin, Robert I., "Loss of Taste or Smell: a Rational Approach," Patient Care, September 1994, Vol. 28, No.15, pp.40.
Additional References and Links
Duffy, Valerie, "Making Sense of Taste and Smell," Tufts University Diet and Nutrition Letter, Nov. 1995, Vol.13, No. 9, pp.3.
(December 1996)http://www.vetmed.com.
Mott, April, "Disorders in Taste and Smell," Medical Clinics of North America , Vol.75, pp.1321-1353.
Http://www.geron.uga.edu/~rob/Phys.taste.html.
Http://www.csa.com/crw/prehome.html/.
By Shannon Street
The sense of smell is a necessary commodity to the human species in order to promote survival and enjoyment of life. Humans unconsciously use smell for many things such as sensing danger, familiarity of loved ones, and the earth after a rainstorm. Humans consciously associate smell with flowers, dinner time and the cleanliness of clothing. Smell is defined as "one of the five senses of the body by which a substance is perceived through the chemical stimulation of olfactory nerves in the nasal cavity by particles given off by that substance" (Websters). Smell is a very complex but amazing process that intensifies as we age up to late adulthood then decreases to a level below that with which we were born.
The smelling process is not the same for all people. Every human, whether it be a child, woman, or man, has their own perception of smell. Children before the age of five do not believe that anything smells bad. By the age of ten, both boys and girls begin having likes and dislikes towards odors. Women identify odors better than men. They use smell for cooking, smelling foods for freshness, perfumes and bonding to their newborns. Men are aroused by odors and depending on the pleasantness or unpleasantness of the experience, will determine if the odor was good or bad. As men and women get older, the smell intensity begins to diminish. Research by Chalke, Dewhurst & Ward (1982), found that older people were less sensitive to odors than younger people. Wysocki & Pelchat (1987), also found that there was a decline of odor perception with age.
Age is not the only factor involved with the declined sense of smell. Many illnesses and diseases directly affect smell. For example, allergies, nutrient deficiency, obesity, strokes, tumors and AlzheimerÕs. Some people are born with smell loss, but the majority of cases are due to illnesses and diseases. Therefore, smell is a delicate sense that needs to be handled with care.
In conclusion, this sense is not currently a research priority therefore society tends to take the smell issue for granted due to the fact that people are not consciously aware of the fragility of their sense of smell. However, people need to become knowledgeable of their sense of smell due to how many things influence the loss of smell.
References
Chalke, Dewhurst & Ward (1982). Anosmia In Engen, T.The Perception of Odor. New York: Academic Press. New York: Acadenic Press (pp. 90-91).
Wysocki, C. & Pelchat, M. (1987). The Effects of Aging on the Human Sense of Smell and Its Relationship to Food Choice. Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 33, 63-82.
Additional References and Links
Gibbons, B. (1986). The Intimate Sense of Smell/National Geographic Smell Survey. National Geographic, 170, 324-361.
Goldstein, B. (1996). Sensation & Perception. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. 504.
Internet. (Feb.1997). Because You Asked About Smell and Taste Disorders. http://www.nih.gov/nided/smltaste.htm.
Internet. (Feb.1997) Taste and Smell. http://www.nutramed.com/zeno/smell.htm.
Winter, R. (1976). The Smell Book. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company. 142-146.
http://www.nih.gov/nidcd/smltaste.htm.
http://www.nutramed.com/zeno.smell.htm.
http://www.csa.com/crw/prehome.html
http://caps.otago.ac.nz:801/FOSC/SENSORY/HOME.html
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