| BioMed_Central__Cryptococcosis Medical article on the disease. |
| Cryptococcal_Meningitis Comprehensive information on this yeast-like fungus opportunistic infection, from AEGIS. |
| Cryptococcosis Information resources from The Body. |
| Dr__Fungus_-_Cryptococcosis Extensive factsheet on the disease. |
| eMedicine_-_Cryptococcosis__ Article by John W King, MD. |
| MedlinePlus_Medical_Encyclopedia__Cryptococcosis Features cause, symptoms, tests, diagnosis, prognosis, complications, treatment, and prevention. |
| What_Makes_Cryptococcus_neoformans_a_Pathogen? Scientific article on the organism. |
| Arrhythmogenic_Right_Ventricular_Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia ARVD information and treatment for patients and medical doctors. |
| Broken_Heart_Syndrome__Acute_Stress_Cardiomyopathy About this condition in which intense emotional or physical stress can cause rapid and severe heart muscle weakness. Includes information about Johns Hopkins University's case registry for use in rese |
| The_Cardiac_Center A list of treatment alternatives available to patients with cardiomyopathy/heart failure. A list of services, information for patients and second opinions are topics discussed. |
| Cardiomyopathy HealthCentral presents this disorder discussing the different types. |
| Cardiomyopathy_Association Helps sufferers and medical professionals find ways to deal with various forms of this disease. |
| Charity_Mae_Foundation In memory of a teenage girl who died unexpectedly in January 1998 from complications of cardiomyopathy. Detailed information on this disorder and a support group. |
| The_Deborah_Heart_and_Lung_Center A look at cardiomyopathy, the types, causes, diagnosing, symptoms, treatment and what to expect. |
| Dr__Strand_MD___Specializing_in_Nutritional_Medicine Looks extensively at cardiomyopathy and Coenzyme Q10 supplementing. |
| Familial_Dilated_Cardiomyopathy_Research_Project Offers information about the project for patients, families and health professionals. Oregon Health Sciences University. |
| Fox\'s_Medical_Page A site describing a young woman's struggle with cardiomyopathy. She has a left ventricular assist device, and is waiting for a heart transplant. Site has links to educational sites on heart failure, a |
| Gilead__The_Israeli_Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Association A detailed outline of what the association is and is trying to accomplish. Also the story of Gilead Har'El. |
| Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy Answers questions such as what is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, how common is it, how does it develop, symptoms, physical exam, and is there a cure. |
| Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy An in-depth discussion on this disorder as to what it is, history and other names, how common it is, the causes, new discoveries, how the heart is affected and many other topics are covered. |
| Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Association Membership information is discussed as well as in-depth discussion on this disorder. Some topics are, how common it is, symptoms, diagnosing, cures and research. |
| Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Association_of_Canada Information about the association. Includes patient manual and patient stories. |
| Living_With_Dilated_Cardiomyopathy A personal story about this disorder covering exercise and rest, diet and weight, medicines, self control and mental attitude. |
| Mayo_Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Clinic A look at the facilities and the role of the clinic. Answers and questions for patients and relatives and a section with useful references about this disease. |
| The_Merck_Manual A look at dilated (congestive), hypertophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathies, discussing the symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of each. |
| Montgomery_Heart_Foundation_for_Cardiomyopathy Provides private funding to support genetic research for familial cardiomyopathy and raise awareness of the disease to help promote the advancement of a cure. Includes the story of the Montgomery fami |
| A_Mother\'s_Heart,_Inc_ Offers education, advocacy, and patient support for women suffering from peripartum cardiomyopathy, cardiac failure occurring near the end of pregnancy or after a baby's birth, when there is no prior |
| Peripartum_Cardiomyopathy Describes this disorder including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosing, tests, treatment and prognosis. |
| Peripartum_Cardiomyopathy_and_Pregnancy Explains what peripartum cardiomyopathy means for your pregnancy, implications for baby and anticipated management and care. From WebMD Health. |
| Peripartum_Cardiomyopathy_Support Peer support for women with this heart condition stemming from pregnancy. |
| Pillie_Willie_Koerier Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine and taurine where used by this person for the treatment of this disorder. The steps and results are recorded here. |
| RXmed__Cardiomyopathy Explains what cardiomyopathy is, signs and symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnoses and treatment, medication, activity, diet, possible complications, and prognosis. |
| Again_and_Again A large, organized collection of annotated links to OCD-related web sites. |
| Anxieties_com_OCD_Information Information on OCD and its treatment. |
| Awareness_Foundation_for_OCD_and_Related_Disorders Non-profit organization promoting public awareness of OCD and related disorders through educational films and public presentations. |
| Dr__Randy_Frost Smith College researcher specializing in OCD, especially "hoarding". Links to articles on OCD and other anxiety disorders. |
| eMedicine_-_Obsessive-Compulsive_Disorder Article, bibliography, and resources regarding the Obsessive-Comulsive Disorder. |
| Expert_Consensus_Guidelines_for_Treatment_of_OCD Professional treatment guidelines developed for use by clinicians. |
| Hoarding_Fact_Sheet This guide assists seniors who are hoarders, and offers detailed intervention guidelines. Produced by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health - Older Adults Services Division. |
| Hoarding_Web_Site Information from leading experts on how to treat compulsive hoarding. Includes description, treatment suggestions, research articles, and resources. From the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. |
Main Page Back To Directory Our Special Offers Search Our Offers The Eye 2 Eye Team Your Sight Test Our Practice Contact Eye 2 Eye NewsDesk CATARACTS What Are Cataracts? Although there are several different types of cataracts, they are all caused by a loss of transparency in the crystalline lenses of the eye. This loss causes a disruption in the transmission of light to the retina. Who is affected? Cataracts most commonly occur among people who are over 55, although it can affect younger people and, although very rare, has even been known to affect newborns. Twenty-three percent of those over 75 are affected by cataracts. On a Global basis, cataracts account for over one-half of all cases of impaired vision and affect over 20 million people. 
What causes the development of Cataracts? Chemical changes within the protein material of the lens are responsible for clouding and yellowish or brownish discoloration. These chemical changes seem to be part of the natural aging process, although they may also be caused by injury, inherited tendencies, certain diseases, or birth defects. Other contributing factors include exposure of the eye to ultraviolet light (sunlight), poor nutrition, cigarette smoking and certain drugs. How do Cataracts Affect Sight? The lens is normally clear so light can readily pass through it, producing a sharp image on the retina; when the lens becomes opaque, light can't pass through as easily. Having a cataract is like trying to look through a foggy window. The cloudy lens blocks the passage of light, thereby casting a blurred image on the retina. Clouding of the lens may affect only a small portion of the lens, or may affect the entire lens. Cataract formation may cause little or no visual problem for some people, especially in the early stage of the problem, but other experience a substantial decrease in vision that may requires surgery. Severe Cataracts may cause a complete loss in functional vision. The degree to which a person's vision is affected by cataract formation depends on the location and degree of clouding. For instance, if the area clouding initially starts at the side of the lens, a person's vision may not be drastically affected for years, because peripheral vision is not used as mush as the central area. Cataracts typically develop in both eyes, although the rate of progression varies with each eye. The Onset of a cataract may be gradual or rapid. Cataracts Usually develop around age 50, but may not significantly interfere with sight until much later -age 65 to 75. Clearing Up Cataract Myths. Cataracts do not "spread" from one eye to the other. Cataracts are not caused from overusing eyes. Cataracts are neither contagious nor related to cancer. There is no known means of reversing the clouding once it occurs. Cataracts are not a film or coating on the surface of the eye. Can Cataracts be Prevented? There is no known prevention for cataracts that occur as a natural process of aging. However, there is growing evidence that exposure to Ultraviolet light (sunlight) and cigarette smoking may speed their development. Avoidance of excessive sun exposure and smoking is a sound preventative measure. How are Cataracts Diagnosed? A comprehensive eye health examination is needed to detect cataract formation. After diagnosis, regular follow-up care is needed to assure the best possible correction for the level of impairment. What is the Treatment for Cataracts? Prescription glasses can help you to see better. At some time, however, cataract may become so dense that the good vision can no longer be maintained with just prescription eyewear. At that time, surgery may be the best option to restore vision. The decision regarding surgery is one that is made jointly by the patient and their eyecare professional. The decision of when to have a cataract removed depends on a number of factor, such as the extent of clouding, the location of the cataract, and the extent to which normal daily activities are impaired. For instance, if reading or driving abilities are impaired, surgery may be a more realistic consideration than if such impairments have not yet been noticed. What Does Cataract Surgery Involve? Cataract surgery has improved dramatically in the last decade with a very high success rate - 95 percent or better. Over one million cataract surgeries are performed annually. The surgery has few complications and an increasingly short recovery time. Most of the time, the procedure is done on an outpatient basis. 
Because only one eye is operated on at a time, the more impaired eye is usually done first. Surgery is often timed such that the other eye still has adequate vision for one to function while the surgical eye has healed. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens. When the affected lens is removed (a condition in it's self known as Aphakia), the focusing power of the lens must be replaced. Often an artificial lens implant (known as an IntraOcular Lens implant or IOL) will be inserted into the eye immediately after the impaired lens is removed. 
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are other forms of lens "replacement." However, since these replacements are not within the eye itself, vision is not as natural. Sometimes cataract removal does not result in complete improvement in vision because sight is dependent on many other factors, such as the "health" of the retina, which may be impaired also. But, in such cases, proper eyewear can usually further enhance vision to an acceptable range. Each of these replacements (IOL and prescription lenses) is designed to allowthe eye to again focus clearly. Although no substitute is as good as the real thing - nature's own lens - the availability of replacements certainly is an improvement over earlier days when the development of cataracts simply meant a gradual, progressive loss of vision - period. For more information, take a look at these links:- Cataracts - A Useful Factsheet from the (RNIB) Childhood Cataracts - Another useful Factsheet, which is great for concerned parents Cataract Surgery - A Factsheet from the Oxford Eye Hospital 
RECOMMENDED READING 
Cataracts By Dr Julius Shuman (£7.33) 
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