Sometimes, you just can’t believe your eyes!  

(This article was published in The Hueneme Pilot newspaper)

The human visual system consists of two separate visual systems.  The majority of the retina (the light sensitive part inside the eye) consists of 90 million cells that are called rods.  Many rods are connected to a single nerve, making them very sensitive in light detection but they lack detail and color vision.   This is our night-time vision system.  We easily see the approaching headlights but as the car passes, you may not be able to tell its color.  In the dark, we see in shades of gray.  

There is a 3/16" diameter spot on the central retina called the macula.  It is jam packed with 4 million cells called cones.  Each cone connects to only one nerve so the cone cells are very sensitive to detail.  They have color perception but do not function in poor light. To see something clearly during daytime, we point our eye so that the image is on the cone cells in the macula. To see something clearly in the dark, we point our eye slightly to the side so that the image is not on the cone cells in the macula.

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(This article was published in The Hueneme Pilot newspaper)  

The next time you see your doctor, you may want to ask for a prescription -- for yoga.

Yoga is rapidly becoming more and more popular.   It builds strength and flexibility, but more importantly it can affect your general health and outlook on life.

The body normally runs itself automatically with the autonomic nervous system (ANS).  We do not have to instruct our heart to beat or tell the kidneys what to do.  These things all happen without conscious control.  The ANS has 2 subsystems - the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).  Most organs are controlled by both systems in opposite ways.  In general, the SNS prepares the body for emergency or quick action.  Powerful hormones including adrenaline and cortisol are released giving the body a burst of strength and energy.  The heart beats faster, blood pressure increases, more blood is directed to the muscles, and digestion slows.  This is the so-called “fight or flight” response.  The parasympathetic system is more restorative and has the opposite effects on the organs, calming things down.

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Do you have “dry eyes”?  Many people in their 40’s and older do!

(This article was published in The Hueneme Pilot newspaper)  

The term “dry eye” refers to a wide spectrum of ocular conditions.  The most common symptoms are dry, red, gritty, and even watery eyes.  It often feels as though there is something foreign on your eye. Every time we blink, tear glands within the eyelid secrete tears.  These tears lubricate the eye and help prevent infection. A healthy tear film consists primarily of a delicate balance of two layers.  A thin outer oily layer reduces evaporation of the tears.  Below the outer oily layer is a watery layer called the aqueous layer, which makes up 98% of the tear film.  It helps rinse and clean the front surface of the eye.  These normal tears nourish and refresh the eyes.

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(This article was published in The Hueneme Pilot newspaper February 19, 2009)

Diabetes is the #1 cause of blindness in our neighborhood!

Diabetes is a disease involving the production and use of insulin.  Insulin is a very powerful hormone that is made in the pancreas.  Digestion of sugar, starches and other foods creates glucose.  The glucose travels throughout the body in the blood vessels to the individual cells.   If insulin is present, the individual cell allows the glucose into be converted into energy.  If there is not enough insulin present the glucose cannot enter the cells and the cells will be starved for energy.  Over time, high glucose levels in the blood can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.

There are 2 main types of diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes results from a lack of insulin production in the pancreas.  These people must take insulin injections or they will die.

Approximately 0.12% of Americans (400,000) have this type.  We do not know it’s cause, but it might be genetic or viral.  It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

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(This article was published in The Hueneme Pilot newspaper October 16, 2008) 

Almost everyone these days is using a computer for work or play. 

We spend a lot of time staring at our computer screens and many people are experiencing vision related problems.  The eyestrain, blurred vision and headaches that often come with computer use are called “Computer Vision Syndrome” (CVS).

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(This article was published in The Hueneme Pilot newspaper September 18, 2008)

Guys really do need yoga.

When you mention yoga to most guys they think of women from the 1970s in purple leotards and pink leg warmers doing some passive form of stretching.   Or maybe they think about some far-out guy chanting. Those images probably do not appeal to most guys.  When I mention that I teach yoga to male acquaintances, many give me a funny look and shrug. They don’t know the yoga secret.

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