Ask the Doctor: Floaters; Knee Replacement Surgery; Quitting Smoking

Q: I’ve recently noticed what seems like a black spot moving around my field of vision, but when I check in the mirror, I can’t see anything in my eye. Should I see my eye doctor?

A:  The spot you’re seeing is called a floater, but don’t panic: These usually aren’t a cause for alarm. Floaters occur when microscopic pieces of the eye’s vitreous—a clear gel that fills the eyeball between the lens at the front of the eye and the retina at the back—break loose. It isn’t actually the floater you’re seeing, it’s the shadow cast by the floater on the back of your eye.

Older adults are more likely to develop floaters because, as you age, the vitreous becomes more watery in consistency, and the particles—which also may appear as clumps, threads, or “cobwebs”—are able to float around more easily. They are also more common if you’ve had cataract surgery, you’re very nearsighted, or you have diabetes.

Large floaters can be broken up with laser treatment. However, in most cases, the floaters eventually settle down to the bottom of the vitreous cavity, out of the line of vision.

Although floaters are usually harmless, they can be associated with a retinal tear or detachment; if this is the case, you’ll see a shower of floaters and spots that may be accompanied by light flashes and loss of peripheral vision. If you experience these symptoms, see your ophthalmologist immediately, since a retinal tear or detachment can put your vision at risk.

Q: My husband is going to have a knee replacement, and a friend mentioned that this procedure can put you at risk for a blood clot. How can we ensure this doesn’t happen?

A: All surgeries carry some risks, one of which is the formation of blood clots in the veins. Studies suggest that in the case of knee replacement, the risk for a postoperative blood clot is greater in people with a history of cardiovascular disease or previous blood clots, as well as in patients who have coexisting medical conditions, including diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and some types of cancer. It’s vital to prevent blood clots, since it is possible for a fragment of a clot to break free and travel through the circulatory system to the lungs, where it can cause a pulmonary embolism—a serious and potentially fatal complication.

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of post-surgery clot formation. One of them is to get up and active within 12 hours of surgery. When your husband is reclining, he will likely need to use a compression device that consists of pneumatic pumps that keep the blood moving through his leg veins. Your husband will also be prescribed medication that helps prevent blood clots.

Sometimes, blood clots form despite taking precautionary measures, so stay alert for symptoms, which include pain and swelling in the calf. Pulmonary embolism symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Any of these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.

Q: I’m determined (again!) to quit smoking for my New Year’s resolution. Do you have any tips that might help me succeed this year?

A: You’ll be much more likely to succeed at quitting if you plan ahead and prepare a list of mental and behavioral strategies to cope with cravings. For example, if you tend to smoke in specific contexts, such as when you’re drinking coffee, give yourself something else to do—for instance, use a string of worry beads to keep your free hand busy, or keep a pad and a pen handy so you can doodle.

Other tactics that may help include throwing lighters, ashtrays, and cigarettes in the trash. Many people find success if they use nicotine replacement products, such as gum, lozenges, or patches. You can also speak to your doctor about smoking cessation medications, counseling services, and support groups.

–Editor-in-Chief Orli R. Etingin

The post Ask the Doctor: Floaters; Knee Replacement Surgery; Quitting Smoking appeared first on University Health News.

Read Original Article: Ask the Doctor: Floaters; Knee Replacement Surgery; Quitting Smoking »

Powered by WPeMatico