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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Living Faithfully: Greatful Living
Living Faithfully: Greatful Living: "I have been thinking a lot about being thankful lately. Especially since the “cold front” came through on Sunday, preceded by the wonderful ..."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Keep Breathing
This truly is the secret to living a long life, You must keep breathing.
I think I will continue to add to this for a few days and see where it takes me. I understand that when people give up and quit trying they die. This may not be a an actual physical death but it certainly is a death of sorts. When people no longer have a reason to get up in the morning is when they start to wither. I have watched many people over the years retire with no hobbies, realy activites or interests and then there they are--stagnent. They literally were what the jobs were, and without them the purpose in life wains.
Tomorrow If only Closed Minds came with Closed mouths and other things we think and never say. Or at least out loud
I think I will continue to add to this for a few days and see where it takes me. I understand that when people give up and quit trying they die. This may not be a an actual physical death but it certainly is a death of sorts. When people no longer have a reason to get up in the morning is when they start to wither. I have watched many people over the years retire with no hobbies, realy activites or interests and then there they are--stagnent. They literally were what the jobs were, and without them the purpose in life wains.
Tomorrow If only Closed Minds came with Closed mouths and other things we think and never say. Or at least out loud
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Golf OUting
Today we palyed in a gold fouting that was organized by two staff persons from the OR hat watnted to improve morale. This gold outing was a success for all who attended. It was fun, the weather cooperated and we collected money for education for OR staff. We will allow the Shared governace group to help define how the $4 are dispensed.
My husband and I played with a great golfer who is younger than any of our children. He was a great partner, Cheerleader and I could not figure out how I could clone him. HE was a great team player, cheered some questionalble shots and we all had fun.I truly enjoyed his company, he is a very mature person but fun. It is something that people that are aging need to pay attention to. I know many people that are int he retirement group that have becone stuff, not open to life and are missing many things. I am not being judgemental, I am reminding those of us that are aging that life doe sgo in and we cannot quit learning. I dread the idea of becoming stagnent. I hope my younder friends will kick me forward, Deb you have done that for years and I know the Gregg and Jason will not let up.
Today was fun, we did someting for others and had had good fellowship. LIfe remains goodl
My husband and I played with a great golfer who is younger than any of our children. He was a great partner, Cheerleader and I could not figure out how I could clone him. HE was a great team player, cheered some questionalble shots and we all had fun.I truly enjoyed his company, he is a very mature person but fun. It is something that people that are aging need to pay attention to. I know many people that are int he retirement group that have becone stuff, not open to life and are missing many things. I am not being judgemental, I am reminding those of us that are aging that life doe sgo in and we cannot quit learning. I dread the idea of becoming stagnent. I hope my younder friends will kick me forward, Deb you have done that for years and I know the Gregg and Jason will not let up.
Today was fun, we did someting for others and had had good fellowship. LIfe remains goodl
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Righteousness, Judgement and Other Hazzards of Aging
One of the things that amazes me about growing a little older is that there is a tendency to assume that we know more just because we have experience. I am not certain that, this is even close to truth. In fact my personal experience tells me that the older I get the more I realize how much more I have to learn.
Life is certainly about growth and change. I read and listened to several discussions this past week about judgement. In fact one was originated in a roundabout way over the Koran burning planned by the Florida preacher. We circled around the topic and concluded that we did not feel that this was a good thing to do, but there was acknowledgement that the person involved did have a right to his opinion.
I heard many indignant people discussing this as a disgrace to Christians everywhere, and perhaps there is truth in this statement. I do not even want to go there today because this discussion sparked another issue.
As Christians we all feel that we know right from wrong, and in fact we do probably classify things according to severity in our own minds. For example murder and adultery could be classified as major transgressions. Then where does gossip and littering rank in severity?
It is very easy to condemn, criticize people that commit what we consider major transgressions but why do we feel the need to rank things? I think because it allows us to feel better about themselves, I know for example I have not committed any felonious crimes but I have gossiped, and while I do not ordinarily hold grudges I have harbored ill will toward others that have either harmed me or that I have perceived to have harmed me. I have committed the sin of feeling righteous when in fact I should not judge anyone, No matter what the ranking of my transgressions, I am far from being in a place to pass judgement on anyone.
I couldn't find a good Scripture to go with this post because I simply am not a great Biblical scholar, perhaps someone will suggest one.
For today my thought are clear I have much to learn and much to do before I can comment on someones life choices. I do commit to trying to avoid gossip, not being truthful, and being kind to others. This is just a small step, but it is one I am taking seriously.
Life is certainly about growth and change. I read and listened to several discussions this past week about judgement. In fact one was originated in a roundabout way over the Koran burning planned by the Florida preacher. We circled around the topic and concluded that we did not feel that this was a good thing to do, but there was acknowledgement that the person involved did have a right to his opinion.
I heard many indignant people discussing this as a disgrace to Christians everywhere, and perhaps there is truth in this statement. I do not even want to go there today because this discussion sparked another issue.
As Christians we all feel that we know right from wrong, and in fact we do probably classify things according to severity in our own minds. For example murder and adultery could be classified as major transgressions. Then where does gossip and littering rank in severity?
It is very easy to condemn, criticize people that commit what we consider major transgressions but why do we feel the need to rank things? I think because it allows us to feel better about themselves, I know for example I have not committed any felonious crimes but I have gossiped, and while I do not ordinarily hold grudges I have harbored ill will toward others that have either harmed me or that I have perceived to have harmed me. I have committed the sin of feeling righteous when in fact I should not judge anyone, No matter what the ranking of my transgressions, I am far from being in a place to pass judgement on anyone.
I couldn't find a good Scripture to go with this post because I simply am not a great Biblical scholar, perhaps someone will suggest one.
For today my thought are clear I have much to learn and much to do before I can comment on someones life choices. I do commit to trying to avoid gossip, not being truthful, and being kind to others. This is just a small step, but it is one I am taking seriously.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Shaping our World, Molding ourselves,
There are many ways to look at life and certainly none of them comes close to being perfect. I felt a little reluctant to go to church today, in fact I actually put off getting ready until I was nearly late.
This is one of the concerns I have had about myself over the years, when things are tough sometimes I do absolutely try to rely on myself and generally learn too late that God and the friends he has provided are there to help, I only need to be open to their presence.
The sermon today could have been customized for me, the story hit home squarely, dead center. The reference versed are found in Jeremiah 18 and this is posted at the end of the blog.
This covered the topic of a potter and how the potter shapes the clay into a product that can have many issues.
I have been involved in multiple conversations about how God affects our lives and what part we play in the outcomes.
When we put something in {God's Hands} does it mean that we are then free to do nothing? I think not, we were created with free will and given the ability to think. There is a purpose in that and we do play a critical part in how we move forward or not in life.
As I get closer to being able to retire I realize that my life is in many ways just beginning. I have spent years pursuing a career that I remain passionate about even 30 plus years later. I have had trials and tribulations in my work, family life and most of all my Faith. Each of the tribulations had produced growth, learning and a better person for the most part. My children and I have a good relationship today and this is a huge part of my motivation for anything ai do. God in my first priority because I believe that my faith has allowed him to work with me, molding me along the way,as I struggle to participate in my changes.
My faith has continued to grow and develop a strength I did not know existed and it is through this that I believe that there is still much for me to learn and do. I have been working with a coach at to improve my leadership skills, and I have been quite humbled at what I did not know or in some instances just did not see. This becomes a matter of "We don't know, what we don't know". God has given us ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to feel. My problem is that my mouth often prevents me from seeing or hearing. Or am I just not really present? This is what I am learning. I am learning to really listen and be present in the world where I walk. This has made an amazing difference, I am seeing things I missed, hearing things I have not heard and actually see myself in a very different light. It also helps when people actually speak the truth to help, rather than remain apathetic. I am Blessed with people that can and do talk.
This is the part of the potters molding, when the clay is appropriate and moist, and the potters hand steady a piece of work evolves that is able to serve a purpose, the potter chooses the purpose, or just discard the work. We discard the gifts from God when we do not try to continue to grow, develop and learn.
I know that when I retire from my current career, there will be more for me to do, I feel like I did many years ago when I graduated from high school, filled with possibilities.
I will have more on this topic and hope to hear from some of you
Jeremiah 18:1-11
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
2.“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”
3.So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.
4.The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. 5.Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6.Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
7.At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it,
8.but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it.
9.And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,
10.but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it.
11.Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What will you be molded into today and tomorrow?
This is one of the concerns I have had about myself over the years, when things are tough sometimes I do absolutely try to rely on myself and generally learn too late that God and the friends he has provided are there to help, I only need to be open to their presence.
The sermon today could have been customized for me, the story hit home squarely, dead center. The reference versed are found in Jeremiah 18 and this is posted at the end of the blog.
This covered the topic of a potter and how the potter shapes the clay into a product that can have many issues.
I have been involved in multiple conversations about how God affects our lives and what part we play in the outcomes.
When we put something in {God's Hands} does it mean that we are then free to do nothing? I think not, we were created with free will and given the ability to think. There is a purpose in that and we do play a critical part in how we move forward or not in life.
As I get closer to being able to retire I realize that my life is in many ways just beginning. I have spent years pursuing a career that I remain passionate about even 30 plus years later. I have had trials and tribulations in my work, family life and most of all my Faith. Each of the tribulations had produced growth, learning and a better person for the most part. My children and I have a good relationship today and this is a huge part of my motivation for anything ai do. God in my first priority because I believe that my faith has allowed him to work with me, molding me along the way,as I struggle to participate in my changes.
My faith has continued to grow and develop a strength I did not know existed and it is through this that I believe that there is still much for me to learn and do. I have been working with a coach at to improve my leadership skills, and I have been quite humbled at what I did not know or in some instances just did not see. This becomes a matter of "We don't know, what we don't know". God has given us ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to feel. My problem is that my mouth often prevents me from seeing or hearing. Or am I just not really present? This is what I am learning. I am learning to really listen and be present in the world where I walk. This has made an amazing difference, I am seeing things I missed, hearing things I have not heard and actually see myself in a very different light. It also helps when people actually speak the truth to help, rather than remain apathetic. I am Blessed with people that can and do talk.
This is the part of the potters molding, when the clay is appropriate and moist, and the potters hand steady a piece of work evolves that is able to serve a purpose, the potter chooses the purpose, or just discard the work. We discard the gifts from God when we do not try to continue to grow, develop and learn.
I know that when I retire from my current career, there will be more for me to do, I feel like I did many years ago when I graduated from high school, filled with possibilities.
I will have more on this topic and hope to hear from some of you
Jeremiah 18:1-11
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
2.“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”
3.So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.
4.The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. 5.Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6.Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
7.At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it,
8.but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it.
9.And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,
10.but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it.
11.Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What will you be molded into today and tomorrow?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Is Apathy a killer without a cure?
Science may have found a cure for most evils, but it has not found a cure for the worst of them all, the apathy of human beings. Helen Keller
How many times do you say "I don't care"?
I hear myself saying it when asked what do you want to eat? Where do you want to go? and on and on, the thing is I really do care. I do have opinions and thoughts on even the most mundane questions, however over time I have developed the art of being agreeable. Or is it learned apathy.
We can cure horrendous diseased but do we have a cure for apathy? The human mind can do many things but I really believe that we train ourselves into states of apathy. We don't want to rock the boat, or is my case I was brought up in a culture where being too assertive was called "bossy", thence comes the "I don't care". I am learning to try to express my opinions without sounding "bossy" or too assertive. It is a battle that I struggle with to keep peace with myself.
Given these mundane little apathy's , what is the larger picture? Do we compromise ourselves in more important areas. Do we keep our valid opinions to ourselves in the interest of keeping the peace. Do we avoid controversy and then later wonder why we did?
These questions haunt me from when I am guilty of keeping silence. It serves no useful purpose for me to retrospectively review what I should have said or done. In fact that is a genuine waste of time. It is no more useful than reliving the past. The past is over and done and cannot be changed. The same applies to the words not spoken. We cannot bring back the time, nor can we change what we have not said or done.
I do not want to spend the remainder of my life regretting things I could have changed, made better or enjoyed more because I did not speak up or act on the opportunity.
My prayer is
Lord bring me into the present
Grant me the gift to live here and now
To see and hear life
To be able to respond to those in need
To share my gifts in a manner that benefits others and pleases you
Promote my dreams and give me the courage to
Risk stepping up and out and live in this world for you
Now and always
Amen
How many times do you say "I don't care"?
I hear myself saying it when asked what do you want to eat? Where do you want to go? and on and on, the thing is I really do care. I do have opinions and thoughts on even the most mundane questions, however over time I have developed the art of being agreeable. Or is it learned apathy.
We can cure horrendous diseased but do we have a cure for apathy? The human mind can do many things but I really believe that we train ourselves into states of apathy. We don't want to rock the boat, or is my case I was brought up in a culture where being too assertive was called "bossy", thence comes the "I don't care". I am learning to try to express my opinions without sounding "bossy" or too assertive. It is a battle that I struggle with to keep peace with myself.
Given these mundane little apathy's , what is the larger picture? Do we compromise ourselves in more important areas. Do we keep our valid opinions to ourselves in the interest of keeping the peace. Do we avoid controversy and then later wonder why we did?
These questions haunt me from when I am guilty of keeping silence. It serves no useful purpose for me to retrospectively review what I should have said or done. In fact that is a genuine waste of time. It is no more useful than reliving the past. The past is over and done and cannot be changed. The same applies to the words not spoken. We cannot bring back the time, nor can we change what we have not said or done.
I do not want to spend the remainder of my life regretting things I could have changed, made better or enjoyed more because I did not speak up or act on the opportunity.
My prayer is
Lord bring me into the present
Grant me the gift to live here and now
To see and hear life
To be able to respond to those in need
To share my gifts in a manner that benefits others and pleases you
Promote my dreams and give me the courage to
Risk stepping up and out and live in this world for you
Now and always
Amen
Friday, September 3, 2010
The Senior Version of Jesue Loves ME
a friend passed this on to me tonight and I really liked it. I am shamelessly copying this for todays edition on aging.
SENIOR VERSION: JESUS LOVES ME
92 YEAR OLD PREACHERWhile watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....]
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse........ .......
"Jesus loves me this I know.For the Bible tells me so.Little ones to Him belong,we are weak but He is strong.....Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."The old pastor stated, "
I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.""
Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
JESUS LOVES MEJesus loves me, this I know,Though my hair is white as snowThough my sight is growing dim,Still He bids me trust in Him.(CHORUS)YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,With my hand in His I'll goOn through life, let come what may,He'll be there to lead the way.(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,In my heart He puts a song..Telling me in words so clear,"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)When my work on earth is done,And life's victories have been won.He will take me home above,Then I'll understand His love.(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?Have I ever told Him so?Jesus loves to hear me say,That I love Him every day.(CHORUS)
this does say it all, and again I say aging is not for Sissy's or cowards, we live and learn and Jesus is here with us every step of the way.
Amen
Chris
SENIOR VERSION: JESUS LOVES ME
92 YEAR OLD PREACHERWhile watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....]
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse........ .......
"Jesus loves me this I know.For the Bible tells me so.Little ones to Him belong,we are weak but He is strong.....Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."The old pastor stated, "
I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.""
Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
JESUS LOVES MEJesus loves me, this I know,Though my hair is white as snowThough my sight is growing dim,Still He bids me trust in Him.(CHORUS)YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,With my hand in His I'll goOn through life, let come what may,He'll be there to lead the way.(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,In my heart He puts a song..Telling me in words so clear,"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)When my work on earth is done,And life's victories have been won.He will take me home above,Then I'll understand His love.(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?Have I ever told Him so?Jesus loves to hear me say,That I love Him every day.(CHORUS)
this does say it all, and again I say aging is not for Sissy's or cowards, we live and learn and Jesus is here with us every step of the way.
Amen
Chris
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
All the better to see you
i have worn glasses for decades, what a scary sound that has. Decades, when I generally feel like I am still a young person. I do not actually know when I realized that people looked at me and saw an old person. I still see the young woman I was actually decades ago. I feel like her, I am hopeful like she was and remains. The mirror image I see tells me I am young inside, where it counts.
Tomorrow I am having my second cataract surgery and I am really looking forward to this, not the surgery but the result. I could not believe the difference in the first eye, white is white and bright, night time I can see better (out of the right eye for now) tommorrow the left will be done and I will no longer have to wear glasses. This is absolutely amazing, I will have young eyes again. The information that follows is only as accurate as the source, but it seems complete.
Cataract
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see Cataract (disambiguation).
Cataract
Classification and external resources
Magnified view of cataract in human eye, seen on examination with a slit lamp using diffuse illumination
ICD-10
H25.-H26., H28., Q12.0
ICD-9
366
DiseasesDB
2179
MedlinePlus
001001
Human eye cross-sectional view, showing position of human lens. Courtesy NIH National Eye Institute
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other.[1]
A senile cataract, occurring in the elderly, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency.[2] Moreover, with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma. Very advanced cataracts with weak zonules are liable to dislocation anteriorly or posteriorly. Such spontaneous posterior dislocations (akin to the historical surgical procedure of couching) in ancient times were regarded as a blessing from the heavens, because some perception of light was restored in the cataractous patients.
Cataract derives from the Latin cataracta meaning "waterfall" and the Greek kataraktes and katarrhaktes, from katarassein meaning "to dash down" (kata-, "down"; arassein, "to strike, dash").[3] As rapidly running water turns white, the term may later have been used metaphorically to describe the similar appearance of mature ocular opacities. In Latin, cataracta had the alternate meaning "portcullis",[4] so it is also possible that the name came about through the sense of "obstruction". Early Persian physicians called the term nazul-i-ah, or "descent of the water"—vulgarised into waterfall disease or cataract—believing such blindness to be caused by an outpouring of corrupt humour into the eye.[5] In dialect English a cataract is called a pearl, as in "pearl eye" and "pearl-eyed".[6]
Contents[hide]
1 Epidemiology
2 History
3 Classification
4 Signs and symptoms
5 Causes
5.1 Associations with systemic conditions
6 Prevention
7 Treatment
8 Research
8.1 Investigational Treatments
8.2 Investigational preventives
9 See also
10 References and notes
11 External links
//
[edit] Epidemiology
Disability-adjusted life year for cataracts per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004.[7]
no data less than 90 90-180 180-270 270-360 360-450 450-540 540-630 630-720 720-810 810-900 900-990 more than 990
Age-related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).[8] In many countries surgical services are inadequate, and cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. As populations age, the number of people with cataracts is growing. Cataracts are also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries. Even where surgical services are available, low vision associated with cataracts may still be prevalent, as a result of long waits for operations and barriers to surgical uptake, such as cost, lack of information and transportation problems.
In the United States, age-related lenticular changes have been reported in 42% of those between the ages of 52 to 64,[9] 60% of those between the ages 65 and 74,[10] and 91% of those between the ages of 75 and 85.[9]
The increase in ultraviolet radiation resulting from depletion of the ozone layer is expected to increase the incidence of cataracts.[11]
[edit] History
The earliest records are from the Bible as well as early Hindu records.[12] Early cataract surgery was developed by the Indian surgeon, Sushruta (6th century BCE).[13] The Indian tradition of cataract surgery was performed with a special tool called the Jabamukhi Salaka, a curved needle used to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision.[13] The eye would later be soaked with warm butter and then bandaged.[13] Though this method was successful, Sushruta cautioned that it should only be used when necessary.[13] Greek physicians and philosophers traveled to India where these surgeries were performed by physicians.[13] The removal of cataract by surgery was also introduced into China from India.[14]
The first references to cataract and its treatment in Ancient Rome are found in 29 CE in De Medicinae, the work of the Latin encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus.[15] The Romans were pioneers in the health arena—particularly in the area of eye care.[16]
The Muslim ophthalmologist Ammar ibn Ali of Mosul performed the first extraction of cataracts through suction. He invented a hollow metallic syringe hypodermic needle, which he applied through the sclerotic and extracted the cataracts using suction.[17] In his Choice of Eye Diseases, written circa 1000 CE, he wrote of his invention of the hypodermic needle and how he discovered the technique of cataract extraction while experimenting with it on a patient.[18]
[edit]
Tomorrow I am having my second cataract surgery and I am really looking forward to this, not the surgery but the result. I could not believe the difference in the first eye, white is white and bright, night time I can see better (out of the right eye for now) tommorrow the left will be done and I will no longer have to wear glasses. This is absolutely amazing, I will have young eyes again. The information that follows is only as accurate as the source, but it seems complete.
Cataract
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For other uses, see Cataract (disambiguation).
Cataract
Classification and external resources
Magnified view of cataract in human eye, seen on examination with a slit lamp using diffuse illumination
ICD-10
H25.-H26., H28., Q12.0
ICD-9
366
DiseasesDB
2179
MedlinePlus
001001
Human eye cross-sectional view, showing position of human lens. Courtesy NIH National Eye Institute
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other.[1]
A senile cataract, occurring in the elderly, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency.[2] Moreover, with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma. Very advanced cataracts with weak zonules are liable to dislocation anteriorly or posteriorly. Such spontaneous posterior dislocations (akin to the historical surgical procedure of couching) in ancient times were regarded as a blessing from the heavens, because some perception of light was restored in the cataractous patients.
Cataract derives from the Latin cataracta meaning "waterfall" and the Greek kataraktes and katarrhaktes, from katarassein meaning "to dash down" (kata-, "down"; arassein, "to strike, dash").[3] As rapidly running water turns white, the term may later have been used metaphorically to describe the similar appearance of mature ocular opacities. In Latin, cataracta had the alternate meaning "portcullis",[4] so it is also possible that the name came about through the sense of "obstruction". Early Persian physicians called the term nazul-i-ah, or "descent of the water"—vulgarised into waterfall disease or cataract—believing such blindness to be caused by an outpouring of corrupt humour into the eye.[5] In dialect English a cataract is called a pearl, as in "pearl eye" and "pearl-eyed".[6]
Contents[hide]
1 Epidemiology
2 History
3 Classification
4 Signs and symptoms
5 Causes
5.1 Associations with systemic conditions
6 Prevention
7 Treatment
8 Research
8.1 Investigational Treatments
8.2 Investigational preventives
9 See also
10 References and notes
11 External links
//
[edit] Epidemiology
Disability-adjusted life year for cataracts per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004.[7]
no data less than 90 90-180 180-270 270-360 360-450 450-540 540-630 630-720 720-810 810-900 900-990 more than 990
Age-related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).[8] In many countries surgical services are inadequate, and cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. As populations age, the number of people with cataracts is growing. Cataracts are also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries. Even where surgical services are available, low vision associated with cataracts may still be prevalent, as a result of long waits for operations and barriers to surgical uptake, such as cost, lack of information and transportation problems.
In the United States, age-related lenticular changes have been reported in 42% of those between the ages of 52 to 64,[9] 60% of those between the ages 65 and 74,[10] and 91% of those between the ages of 75 and 85.[9]
The increase in ultraviolet radiation resulting from depletion of the ozone layer is expected to increase the incidence of cataracts.[11]
[edit] History
The earliest records are from the Bible as well as early Hindu records.[12] Early cataract surgery was developed by the Indian surgeon, Sushruta (6th century BCE).[13] The Indian tradition of cataract surgery was performed with a special tool called the Jabamukhi Salaka, a curved needle used to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision.[13] The eye would later be soaked with warm butter and then bandaged.[13] Though this method was successful, Sushruta cautioned that it should only be used when necessary.[13] Greek physicians and philosophers traveled to India where these surgeries were performed by physicians.[13] The removal of cataract by surgery was also introduced into China from India.[14]
The first references to cataract and its treatment in Ancient Rome are found in 29 CE in De Medicinae, the work of the Latin encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus.[15] The Romans were pioneers in the health arena—particularly in the area of eye care.[16]
The Muslim ophthalmologist Ammar ibn Ali of Mosul performed the first extraction of cataracts through suction. He invented a hollow metallic syringe hypodermic needle, which he applied through the sclerotic and extracted the cataracts using suction.[17] In his Choice of Eye Diseases, written circa 1000 CE, he wrote of his invention of the hypodermic needle and how he discovered the technique of cataract extraction while experimenting with it on a patient.[18]
[edit]
I Still have a Dream
"A true champion is someone who wants to make a difference, who never gives up, and who gives everything she has no matter what the circumstances are. A true champion works hard and never loses sight of her dreams."~Dot Richardson
Something that I see every day are people that have lost the adventure of life. They are encumbered with the everyday tasks and living and do not have the desire, ability or awareness to seek more.
I learned at a very early age that there is something new to be learned each day and I have never lost sight of that. I am innately curious which is one reason I have started writing this because the aging process and how it is experienced is a fascinating topic for me. I hope to continue with this for some time.
I have recently started a new learning and living experience based on work experience. It has involved taking a very serious look at myself and how I communicate, this has been an eye opening experience. I have some work to do with how I do some things. This is a good thing, because when we fail to use opportunities to grow and change we are wasting our gifts from God.
Talents given to us need to be developed and learned and people who take them for granted seem to lose opportunities to raise their personal bars. My bar is sometimes too high for my own good, this is where feedback, prayer and listening to others helps develop our talents. No one is free from the obligation to work to be their best (this is of course my personal opinion) When you quit trying to improve , learn or change you are definitely on the downside of the winter of life, no matter what your chronological age.
How does any of that relate to Dreams? In order to reach for a dream you must risk moving out of your comfort zone and stretch and change a bit and definitely learn. I have always dreamed of flying, I have taken the controls of a plane for brief time, I still want to at least take a lesson in order to meet the goal of actually flying.
I have always wanted to ski the Alps, well with age and bad knees that will not happen, however a trip to Switzerland and a cable car are still not out of the realm of possibility. This represents a modification of a dream, not an abandonment.
Keeping faith and finding the modifications is how we continue to live, love and grow as people and Children of God. Incorporation of prayers, meditations and honest reflections are the routes to maintain dreams.
I continue to live, learn, love and grow and certainly feel my Blessings are increasing, or is it my awareness of what I have been given?
Pray often, love much and tell others they matter.
Walk with God
Chris
Something that I see every day are people that have lost the adventure of life. They are encumbered with the everyday tasks and living and do not have the desire, ability or awareness to seek more.
I learned at a very early age that there is something new to be learned each day and I have never lost sight of that. I am innately curious which is one reason I have started writing this because the aging process and how it is experienced is a fascinating topic for me. I hope to continue with this for some time.
I have recently started a new learning and living experience based on work experience. It has involved taking a very serious look at myself and how I communicate, this has been an eye opening experience. I have some work to do with how I do some things. This is a good thing, because when we fail to use opportunities to grow and change we are wasting our gifts from God.
Talents given to us need to be developed and learned and people who take them for granted seem to lose opportunities to raise their personal bars. My bar is sometimes too high for my own good, this is where feedback, prayer and listening to others helps develop our talents. No one is free from the obligation to work to be their best (this is of course my personal opinion) When you quit trying to improve , learn or change you are definitely on the downside of the winter of life, no matter what your chronological age.
How does any of that relate to Dreams? In order to reach for a dream you must risk moving out of your comfort zone and stretch and change a bit and definitely learn. I have always dreamed of flying, I have taken the controls of a plane for brief time, I still want to at least take a lesson in order to meet the goal of actually flying.
I have always wanted to ski the Alps, well with age and bad knees that will not happen, however a trip to Switzerland and a cable car are still not out of the realm of possibility. This represents a modification of a dream, not an abandonment.
Keeping faith and finding the modifications is how we continue to live, love and grow as people and Children of God. Incorporation of prayers, meditations and honest reflections are the routes to maintain dreams.
I continue to live, learn, love and grow and certainly feel my Blessings are increasing, or is it my awareness of what I have been given?
Pray often, love much and tell others they matter.
Walk with God
Chris
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