DIABETIC RETINOPATHY..

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY  /  TERAPI MASALAH MATA BRPUNCA DARI KENCING MANIS

Overview

Diabetic retinopathy (“DR”) is a complication of diabetes caused by damage to blood vessels in the eyes. There aren’t usually any early warning signs or symptoms of DR. When vision loss occurs it is often too late to fully restore sight. That is why it is crucial that diabetics have eye exams at least once a year.

In advanced cases symptoms occur when the retina, located in the back of the eye, develops abnormal new blood vessels that are weak and prone to bleeding. As more blood leaks out of the vessels over time, vision becomes increasingly obstructed. If left untreated, some patients may only be able to see the difference between light and dark, and nothing more. In severe cases, the condition may even cause the retina to detach, thus requiring surgery to mend. DR may affect as much as 80% of people who have had diabetes for ten or more years.

Prevalence

An estimated five million individuals worldwide suffer from DR today, accounting for 4.8% of blindness worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years. More than 170 million people worldwide currently have diabetes, and this number is projected to skyrocket to 366 million by 2030. Approximately half of these cases are likely to develop DR. Rates of both diabetes and DR are expected  increase significantly in developing countries due to a lack of access to health care.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the chance of someone with diabetes developing DR include

- How long the patient has had diabetes
- How well the patient maintains his or her blood sugar level
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Tobacco use

Prevention

Development of DR can be prevented or slowed through the careful management of one’s diabetes, which includes the following:

1. Getting annual eye screenings, which can detect diabetic retinopathy in its early stages.
2. Meticulously regulating one’s blood sugar.
3. Keeping an eye on cholesterol and blood pressure.
4. Avoiding tobacco use

Treatment

SEE International’s preferred method of treatment is called Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation, or PRP for short. This technique employs a laser to stop neovascularization (the growth of new abnormal blood vessels due to diabetes). This is a less invasive treatment than surgery, and is less expensive than retinal drug injections, but may require follow-up treatments, depending on the severity of neovascularization and how well the patient has cared for his or her diabetes.

SEE International & Diabetic Retinopathy Around the World

SEE is committed to addressing the worldwide vision crisis caused by the exponential growth of diabetic retinopathy cases by:

1. Training local eye care personnel how to accurately diagnose DR and appropriate treatment techniques.
2. Working with local organizations to increase awareness and prevention of diabetes and DR.
3. Strengthening local health care infrastructure.
4. Launching a DR Initiative in 2011 with its long-term partners in Honduras, Peru, Vietnam, Georgia, India, and Ghana. SEE is working with these pilot sites to build capacity by placing donated DR equipment on permanent loan and by visiting the clinics on a regular basis.. The SEE expedition teams help address the backlog of patients and train the local ophthalmologists on how to identify and treat the disease on their own.  During the first 2 years of the program there have been more than 1,000 DR screenings and 32 laser treatments performed.

For more information about our Diabetic Retinopathy Program, please contact Rachel Siegel, Retina Program Coordinator, at rsiegel@seeintl.org.

Copy from SEE International : Masbi

REFLEXOLOGY

Manipulative and body-based methods - edit
Acupressure Bodywork Bowen technique Chiropractic Craniosacral therapy Indian head massage Lomilomi Manual lymphatic drainage Massage therapy Naprapathy Osteopathic medicine Physical Therapy Rolfing Structural Integration Shiatsu Thai Massage Tui na Watsu
NCCAM classifications
Alternative Medical Systems Mind-Body Intervention Biologically Based Therapy Manipulative Methods Energy Therapy
See also
Alternative medicine Glossary of alternative medicine

An example of a reflexology chart, demonstrating the areas of the feet that practitioners believe correspond with organs in the "zones" of the body.

Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work affects a physical change to the body.^[1]

A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concludes: "The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition."^[2]

There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through one's qi.^[3] Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left.^[4] Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of appropriate medical treatment.^[5]

Reflexology and Inguinal Hernias

Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013 | By Eliza Martinez

Reflexology pressure points are commonly found in the feet. Photo CreditStockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Reflexology, also called zone therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to various points on your body. It is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including an inguinal hernia. Always talk with your doctor about integrating reflexology into your treatment plan for a hernia before scheduling an appointment with a reflexologist.

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs when your abdominal wall becomes torn, allowing small portions of soft tissue to fall through. It is sometimes a preexisting condition, but pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting and a chronic cough can also contribute to the development of an inguinal hernia. Symptoms include a bulge in your groin area, pain or aching at the site of the hernia, particularly when lifting or coughing, and a weak feeling in your groin. Treatment often requires surgery to repair the hernia.

Reflexology

The practice of reflexology involves manipulating various points on the feet and hands, which stimulates your nervous system. This is supposed to relax you, increase blood flow through your body and improve the function of internal organs. Since reflexology uses pressure, it may provide pain relief as well. An inguinal hernia often produces pain, making reflexology a good option to help you control the discomfort while you await surgery and while you recover from it.