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An abdominal ultrasound takes pictures of the organs and other structures in your upper belly. It uses sound waves to show images on a screen. Areas that can be checked include the: Abdominal aorta. This large blood vessel passes down the back of...
The Epstein-Barr virus infects almost everyone by the age of 40 and usually does not cause any illness. But it can cause mononucleosis (mono) and is linked to some types of cancer, such as Burkitt's lymphoma and cancers of the mouth. The virus lives in a person's salivary glands and can be spread through saliva, such as...
What is strabismus? Strabismus (say "struh-BIZ-mus") is a vision problem in which both eyes do not look at the same point at the same time. Strabismus most often begins in early childhood. It is sometimes called crossed-eyes, walleye, or squint. Normally, the muscles attached to each eye work together to move both eyes...
A bone scan is a test that can find damage to the bones, find cancer that has spread to the bones, and watch problems such as infection and trauma to the bones. A bone scan can often find a problem days to months earlier than a regular X-ray test. During a bone scan, a radioactive substance called a tracer is injected...
What is color blindness? Color blindness is a vision problem that means you have trouble seeing shades of red, green, or blue or a mix of these colors. It happens when there's a problem with some of the cells found in the layer of nerves (retina) at the back of the eye. Almost always, the problem runs in families and is...
What are styes and chalazia? Styes and chalazia are lumps in or along the edge of an eyelid. They may be painful or annoying, but they are rarely serious. Most will go away on their own without treatment. A stye is an infection that causes a tender red lump on the eyelid. Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid...
What is a Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy style of eating. It features foods eaten in Greece, Spain, and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes eating fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fiber breads, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil. These foods are rich in...
A chemical burn can be caused by alkaline or acid products, metals, and hydrocarbons, such as gas. If you wear contacts, remove them before flushing your eye. If you can't remove a contact, flush the eye with the contact in place. Many workplaces have eye wash stations for burns to the eye. Know where they are and how...
Immediately flush the eye with cool water. Fill a sink or dishpan with water. Put your face in the water, then open and close your eyelids to force water to all parts of your eye. You can also flush your eye under a running faucet or shower. You may need to open and close your eyelids with your fingers. Move your eye in...
What are cataracts? Cataracts are a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye. They block the passage of light to the retina. Nerve cells in the retina detect light entering the eye and send nerve signals to the brain about what the eye sees. Because cataracts block this light, they can cause vision problems. What...
Neuropsychological testing can help your doctor find out how a problem with your brain is affecting your ability to reason, concentrate, solve problems, or remember. Doctors use a wide variety of tests for neuropsychological testing. In most cases you will take a series of tests, rather than a single test. This type of...
Presbyopia is a condition in which the eyes are not able to focus on near objects. This usually happens around age 40, when the eye begins to lose its ability to change the shape of the lens so it can focus on near objects (accommodation). Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that affects most people. Besides a...
What is Graves' ophthalmopathy? Graves' ophthalmopathy, also called thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune disease that can occur in people with Graves' disease. In Graves' ophthalmopathy, the tissues and muscles behind the eyes become swollen. The eyeballs may stick out farther than normal. This can occur before, after...
Electronystagmography (ENG) measures normal eye movement and involuntary rapid eye movements called nystagmus. It also checks the muscles that control eye movements. ENG checks how well the eyes, inner ears, and brain help you keep your balance and position (such as when you change from lying down to standing). ENG is...
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in eye care. Ophthalmology is a surgical subspecialty. Ophthalmologists are licensed by state medical boards to practice medicine and are usually board-certified in ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists are certified to: Diagnose and treat all forms of eye disease...
Older adults and adults with physical disabilities or mental or emotional conditions are more vulnerable than other adults. This is because they may not be able to defend themselves, protect themselves, or get help for themselves when injured or abused. Vulnerable adults have a higher risk of being abused by others...
Gloria, 70 Read more about Gloria and how she manages her diabetes. "Exercise really changed everything for me. The way I feel, my blood sugar, everything. It really works. I never felt better, stronger, healthier, or happier in my life." Gloria...
A facial X-ray is a series of pictures of the bones in the face. One type of facial X-ray (called a paranasal sinus X-ray series) looks at the air-filled cavities (sinuses) around the nose and eyes. A facial X-ray helps find bone fractures, tumors,
The day after surgery to remove a cataract, you will most likely be allowed to return to your normal activities. But you need to take certain precautions. Use eyedrops as prescribed by your doctor. Wash your hands before putting drops in your eye. Be careful not to touch your eye with your hands or the tip of the...
Discusses nuclear scanning test to check way kidney works or its shape and size. Also called a renal scan. Covers use to check for cancer or how transplanted kidney is working. Explains how camera scans for radiation to make pictures of kidney.
The slit lamp exam uses a tool that provides a magnified, three-dimensional (3-D) view of the parts of the eye. During the exam, your doctor can look at the front parts of the eye. These parts include the clear, outer covering (cornea), the lens, and the colored part (iris). The doctor can also see the front part of the...
What you pack in your first aid kit will depend on where and how long you plan to travel and the medical care available there. Here is a general list of items to include. Insect repellent Sunscreen (SPF 30 to 50) and lip screen Thermometer Oral rehydration solution packets Basic first aid items (adhesive bandages...
Why is it important to drink enough water? Water keeps every part of your body working properly. It helps your body flush wastes and stay at the right temperature. It can help prevent kidney stones and constipation. You lose water throughout the day—through your breath, sweat, urine, and bowel movements. If you live in...