The Third Eye..
Friday, March 7, 2008/
1:50 AM
All of you would have probably heard of the term "The Third Eye" before? Ever really wanted to know more about it? Read on to find out!
In the physical body, your eyes look outward - though when the image converges on the retina, it becomes upside-down. Next, photoreceptors send the nerve impulses to the brain, which interprets the image and makes it appear right-side up to us.
However, it is also believed that another eye exists. It is called the
'Third Eye' which in reality, is the
pineal gland.

The pineal gland is about the size of a pea, and is located in the center of the brain in a tiny cave, behind and above the pituitary gland, which lies a little behind the root of the nose. To say it more clearly, it is located directly behind the eyes.
This gland is activated by light, and it controls the various biorhythms of the body. It works in harmony with the hypothalamus gland, which directs the body's thirst, hunger, sexual desire and the biological clock which determines our aging process.
Additionally, the pineal gland is said to excrete
dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which some think induces dreams, near-death experiences, meditation, or hallucinations. Various types of lower vertebrates, such as reptiles and amphibians, can actually sense light through a third parietal eye—a structure associated with the pineal gland—which serves to regulate their biorhythms.
There is evidence that the pineal gland produces the hormone
melatonin, which has a role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm to the daily light/dark cycle and also assists with the immune system. Because of all the above, the pineal gland has become for some the subject of speculation about its origin as a physical third eye.
While the physiological function of the pineal gland has been unknown until recent times, mystical traditions and esoteric schools have long known this area in the middle of the brain to be the connecting link between the physical and spiritual worlds. Considered the most powerful and highest source of ethereal energy available to humans, the pineal gland has always been important in initiating supernatural powers. Development of psychic talents has been closely associated with this organ of higher vision.
This is no wonder that the function of this gland has long been contemplated by philosophers and Spiritual Adepts, even the Ancient Greeks believed the pineal gland to be the connection to the Realms of Thought.
A True Joke
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1:32 AM
I think my joke is funnier than Rachel's. (LALA~ :D)
Patient: "Whenever I drink coffee, I have this sharp, excruciating pain."
Eye Doctor:"Try to remember to remove the spoon from the cup before drinking."
Haha! So funny!
HAHAHAHA!
Another funnier one:
Yilin: Did you consult the eye doctor about your eyes ?
Guiju: Yes, but the doctor was more blind than me.
Yilin: How do you know ?
Guiju: He was looking at my eyes with a torch !
HAHAHAHA!
This is so funny!!!
(Done by: Wong May Ping 24/4F)
[I feel embarrassed posting this :S]
Lazy Eye
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1:18 AM
I have been an eye doctor with ABC Hospital for 20 years, and if I should say, pretty experienced in this field. Over the years, I have seen patients affected by many kinds of eye diseases, but the most uncommon one, though certainly not unheard of, woule be amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, affecting just about two to three percent of the population. But, if left uncorrected, this vision problem can have very dire consequences. Central vision fails to develop properly, usually in one eye, which is called amblyopic. Untreated amblyopia may lead to functional blindness in the affected eye. Although the amblyopic eye has the capability to see, the brain "turns off" this eye because vision is very blurred. The brain chooses to see only with the stronger eye.
Amblyopia generally develops in young children, before age six. Its symptoms include squinting or completely closing one eye to see, overall poor visual acuity, eyestrain and headaches.
Trauma to the eye can cause amblyopia, as well as a strong uncorrected refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness) or strabismus. It is important to correct amblyopia as early as possible, before the brain learns to entirely ignore vision in the affected eye.
Amblyopic children can be treated with vision therapy (which often includes patching one eye), atropine eye drops, the correct prescription for nearsightedness or farsightedness, or surgery.
Vision therapy exercises the eyes and helps both eyes work as a team, as it forces the brain to see through the amblyopic eye, thus restoring vision. A prosthetic contact lens that is specially designed to block vision in one eye but is coloured to closely match the other eye can also be used until the amblyopic eye recovers.
Atropine eye drops can also be used to treat amblyopia. One drop is placed in the good eye each day. Atropine blurs vision in the good eye, which forces your child to use the eye with amblyopia more, to strengthen it. However, atropine does have side effects that should be considered: light sensitivity (because the eye is constantly dilated), flushing, and possible paralysis of the ciliary muscle after long-term atropine use, which could affect the eye's ability to change focus. (accomodation) Surgery is best for amblyopic children with an underlying physical problem, such as strabismus. The surgery corrects the muscle problem that causes strabismus so the eyes can focus together and see properly.
With the co-operation of both the doctor and the parents, I believe such cases of 'lazy eye' will see a further drop, though numbers are already currently pretty low. Children, do take good care of your eyes, as they are your windows to this beautiful world.
Credits: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amblyopia.htm
yilin-
Eyecare.
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12:39 AM
THE EYE SPECIALIST IS HERE AGAIN!!!
Hi one and all. I am the super duper professional eye specialist from 4Falala Hospital and now I am going to share with you all how can you all care for your eyes with proper eye care.
Firstly, why should we care for our eyes? Eye care is an important factor in all of our lives. We sometimes take sight for granted but can you imagine not being able to see everyday things normally. Imagine not being able to see your kids, too watch TV, too take a walk and see all of nature is beauties. People with certain eye diseases are not able to enjoy these experiences to their full extent and sometimes not at all. There are several reasons for people to start learning more about eye health and how to protect our sight. There are not only personal reasons but financial reasons as well because the cost of eye care affects everyone. As the Baby Boomer generation ages and faces more eye problems, the need for eye care will be much greater.
Secondly, eye care is essential to maintaining the health of our eyes. People with eye diseases that greatly affect their vision face many problems. They are physically hampered by impaired vision. They are not able to perform daily activities like driving or working. Some are barely able to see or have lost their vision entirely. They are also faced with emotional stress. People with dramatic eye problems face many issues that can lead to solitude and depression. This strain also affects friends and families.
They are not able to enjoy everyday moments or special events. Eye problems can also be very costly to individuals. The need for eye wear, eye surgeries, and other needs can greatly affect a person or a family is income. Some people are not even able to work because of their eye problems. There are several steps everyone can take to help prevent eye diseases and the problems related to them. It starts with knowledge of keeping the eye healthy and following good guidelines for maintaining good eye health.
Good eye care habits...
Give your eyes a break
•After 30 - 40 minutes of near work, you should take a vision break of 3 - 5 minutes. You can do so by looking at a distant object or out of the window.
•It is important for you to limit the time spent on continuous near work. Some examples of near work includes drawing, painting, playing hand-held games and doing craft work with small objects.
Reading
•The height of the table and chair should be adequate and the distance between the eyes and the book should be approximately 30cm.
•The reading environment should be well-lit.
•Sit upright in a comfortable chair.
Using a Computer
•Your eyes should maintain a distance of approximately 50cm from the computer screen.
•Adjust the monitor screen to reduce glare resulting from the reflections of other sources of light.
•Ensure adequate lighting.
Diet and Habits
•Have a balanced diet.
•Get enough sleep at night.
•Exercise regularly.
When Watching TV Programmes or Playing Video Games
•Sit at least 2 metres away.
•Ensure height of TV is at or below eye level.
•Switch on the room light.
Regular Eyesight Check Ups
Visit an optometrist or optician at least once a year if you are already myopic or are advised by the School Health Service for eye check ups. The check ups include:
•Visual Acuity Assessment
This assessment refers to the measurement of an eye's ability to distinguish forms and details of a visible target. Depending on the distance of the target, the visual acuity can either be distance visual acuity or near visual acuity.
•Refraction Assessment
This assessment determines the presence and severity of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, The results determine the power of the corrective device (eg spectacles or contact lenses) required to enable the person to see clearly.
Hopefully, you guys will find these eye care tips useful and remember to care for your eyes as without them you will not be able to enjoy the beautiful world! Till next time! Once again, i am the super duper professional eye specialist!!!
-Gui Ju 4F (10)
credits:
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/htm/pro/eyecare/goodeyecarehabits.html
http://www.eyecare123.com/
Cataract
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12:33 AM
To see Edwin suffering under the torture of the cataract, it really pains me... Edwin has been my friend for years. Many, many years. When I first learnt he contracted cataract, I couldn't believe it... His eyesight had always been good, and he had almost no problems with his eyes at all.
To see how I could help this dear friend of mine, I decided to do some research on the Internet and also accompanied him on his visits to the doctor...
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens,
See animation. which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye and also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. As we age, the arrangement of the protein is messed up as some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. In severe cases, it may even result in blindness. Cataracts affect vision by scattering incoming light.
See animation. According to the doctor, there are 3 different types of cataracts: The nuclear cataract, the cortical cataract and the subcapsular cataract.
A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes.
A cortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts.
A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids have a higher risk of developing a subcapsular cataract.
Edwin, who has an active and healthy lifestyle, falls under the first category. His cataract first started out small and brought about a temporary improvement in his near vision, called 'second sight', a symptom of nuclear cataract. It had little effect, only blurring his vision a little. Unfortunately, the improved vision is short-lived and the cataract gradually worsened. He found light from the sun or a lamp too bright or glaring. When he drove at night, the oncoming headlights caused more glare and discomfort to his eyes than before. Colours did not appear as bright as they once did, which to him, was a great hit, as he, who is a fashion designer, simply loved to work with colours and he loved the way he was able to blend and mix all the colours into those beautiful hues.
It has not been discovered why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are now identifying factors that may cause cataracts, and information that may help to prevent them. Many studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with cataract development, so eyecare practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce direct exposure to these harmful rays. Other types of radiation may also be causes.
Other studies suggest people with diabetes are at risk for developing a cataract. The same goes for users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, but more studies are needed to distinguish the effect of the disease from the consequences of the drugs themselves.
Some eyecare practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as vitamin A, selenium and vitamins C and E, may forestall cataract development. Meanwhile, eating a lot of salt may increase your risk. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.
Edwin first tried to correct his cataract and improve his vision by using new gla
sses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids, but they only helped for awhile. His cataracts have already progressed enough to seriously impair his vision and affect his daily life, and therefore he is contemplating surgery, as cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision, with a high chance of success. As explained by Edwin's doctor, his clouded lens will be replaced with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL), which will potentially help him see at all distances, not just one. Another new type of IOL blocks both ultraviolet and blue light rays, which research indicates may damage the retina.
Hopefully, after the surgery, Edwin will be able to regain his life before contracting cataract again, and go back to the job he loves the most -- being the fashion designer he longs to be.
Credits: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm
rachel [4F/23] --*
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
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12:07 AM
Haiz… As the Chinese saying goes, ‘人老了就不中用了’. This is indeed true and is happening to me, a sixty year-old lady who is suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). What a sad life I lead. My vision is always blurred or distorted, with objects looking an unusual size or shape and straight lines appearing wavy or fuzzy. Besides that, I am very sensitive to light now or can actually see lights, shapes and colours that are not there. This causes occasional discomfort, however it is not painful. Even so, it is very uncomfortable. Worst still, as I have an advanced condition, I will often notice a blank patch or dark spot in the centre of their sight. This makes reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult for me.
I did not notice that I had this disease until very long later when I finally realised that my vision is very bad. Thus, I consulted an eye specialist. That eye specialist did an assessment of my vision in both eyes. Then I was given eye drops, which was said to enlarge my pupil so that the specialist can look into my eye. According to the specialist, the drops take about 30 minutes (I was unhappy for having to wait for such a long time.L) to work although their effect may last for several hours. My vision was blurred for a while and then my eyes become sensitive to light, but the specialist said this is nothing to worry about as we do not meet the visual requirements for driving and it is certainly preferable that we do not drive to the hospital for this examination. Thus, in the end I had to take a taxi home.
THE EYE SPECIALIST ANSWERS ALL!!!
The eye is shaped like a ball. The pupil, close to the front, is the opening, which allows light to enter the eye. Just behind the pupil is the lens, which focuses the light on the retina at the back of the eye. The retina is a delicate tissue, which converts the light into images, and sends them to the brain. The macula is a small area at the very centre of the retina.
The macula is very important and is responsible for what we see straight in front of us, allowing us to see fine detail for activities such as reading and writing, as well as our ability to see colour.
What is macular degeneration?Sometimes the delicate cells of the macula become damaged and stop working, and there are many different conditions which can cause this. If it occurs later in life, it is called “age-related macular degeneration”, also often known as AMD.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of macular degeneration or AMD, usually referred to as “wet” and “dry”. This is not a description of what the eye feels like but what the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can see when looking at the macula.
“Dry” AMD is the most common form of the condition. It develops very slowly causing gradual loss of central vision. Many people find that the vision cells simply stop working like the colours fading in an old photograph. There is no medical treatment for this type. However, aids such as magnifiers can be helpful with reading and other small detailed tasks.
“Wet” AMD results in new blood vessels growing behind the retina, this causes bleeding and scarring, which can lead to sight loss. “Wet” AMD can develop quickly and sometimes responds to treatment in the early stages. It accounts for about 10 per cent of all people with AMD.
Both “wet” and “dry” AMD usually involve both eyes, although one may be affected long before the other. This sometimes makes the condition difficult to notice at first because the sight in the “good” eye is compensating for the loss of sight in the affected eye. You cannot wear out your sight, so do not be afraid to continue to use the “good” eye as normal.
The good news is that AMD is not painful, and almost never leads to total blindness. It is the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60 but very rarely leads to complete sight loss because only the central vision is affected. This means that almost everyone with AMD will have enough side (or peripheral) vision to get around and keep his or her independence.
What causes AMD?
At the moment the exact cause for AMD is not known. However there are a number of risk factors which have been identified.
Age – AMD is an age related condition so growing older makes the condition more likely.
Gender – Women seem more likely to develop macular degeneration than men.
Genetics – There appear to be a number of genes which can be passed through families which may have an impact on whether someone develops AMD or not.
Smoking – Smoking has been linked by a number of studies to the development of AMD. It has also been shown that stopping smoking can reduce the risk of AMD developing.
Sunlight – Some research suggests that lifetime exposure to sunlight may affect the retina. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
Nutrition – Research suggests some vitamins and minerals can help protect against AMD.
Although nothing can be done about age, gender and the genes we inherit, it is possible to control the other more environmental factors that seem to be linked to AMD. Protecting your eyes from the sun, eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and stopping smoking may all help to delay the progress of AMD.
I was quite worried about my condition as having a poor vision isn’t very nice and comfortable. Thus, I consulted the specialist for any cures or treatment. According to him, I was very lucky; as mine was the ‘wet’ type not the ‘dry’ one as the ‘dry’ type currently had no cure for it. PHEW! He told me that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is possible to treat my eyes. This treatment involves infusing a light sensitive drug through the blood stream similar to a fluorescein angiogram. This drug is able to identify the new blood vessels, growing in the wrong place behind the retina, that form with “wet” AMD. A “cold laser” is then shone into the eye which activates the drug stopping the new blood vessels from growing and helping to prevent them causing too much damage to the macular area. This treatment is available on the NHS and has been shown to be effective for many people with “wet” AMD. It can help stop the “wet” AMD progressing to its worst stages though more than one treatment may be needed.
Besides that, he said that new treatments for “wet” macular degeneration are being developed all the time. Anti VEGF therapies are the next group of treatments likely to be available in the UK. There are a number of different treatments being tested but all of them involve an injection into the eye that stops the development of the new leaky blood vessels. This has to be repeated about every six weeks for as long as your doctor thinks is necessary. Like PDT this type of treatment is limited to people whose “wet AMD” affects the middle of the macula and its main aim is to stop “wet AMD” from getting worse. However, in some cases it has been shown to restore some of the vision already lost and it can help with a wider range of people than PDT. At the moment these anti VEGF treatments are not available on the NHS. However local Primary Care Trusts can decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not to provide this treatment through the NHS. The treatment may also be available privately.
Hopefully, after going through the treatment, my condition can get better and life will be so much easier for me. Haiz…
-Gui Ju 4F (10)