American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [99]
Chalazion
A chalazion (see page 1034) is a painless swelling (cyst) on the upper or lower eyelid that can grow to the size of a pea (although most are much smaller). If the cyst becomes infected, the eyelid can become red, painful, and more swollen. Chalazions are caused by blockage of the glands that lubricate the edges of the eyelids.
Entropion
In entropion (see page 1035), either the upper or the lower eyelid turns inward. The eyelashes rub on the surface of the eyeball, causing pain and irritating the eyeball. Entropion can cause extreme discomfort and lead to eye inflammation.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma (see page 1035) is a condition in which small, yellowish deposits of fatty material grow in the skin around the eyes, usually near the nose. The fatty deposits are harmless but, in rare cases, can be a sign of an abnormally high level of cholesterol in the blood.
Stye
A stye (see page 1034) is an infected eyelash follicle. A follicle in the eyelid becomes red, inflamed, and painful as it fills with pus.
Exophthalmos
Exophthalmos (see page 1054) is the medical term for eyes that appear to stare or to protrude from their sockets, exposing more of the whites of the eyes than usual. Exophthalmos can make closing the eyes difficult. Protruding eyes are a symptom of a number of disorders but are usually a symptom of hyperthyroidism (see page 901). The bulging is caused by a buildup of tissue behind the eyeballs that pushes them forward in their sockets.
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Preventive Health Care
One of the most important things you can do is to take responsibility for keeping yourself healthy. Although genes play a role in all diseases, lifestyle factors—such as exercise habits and diet—are even more important influences on your health risks. Your doctor can help you evaluate your health risks and recommend steps to take to reduce them. See your doctor regularly to make sure you have all the recommended checkups, screening tests, and vaccinations. In general, the earlier a disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
Routine Health Care
You may need to choose a new doctor for a number of reasons: a move to another community, your doctor’s retirement or relocation, new health insurance requirements, the need for a specialist, a problem with your current doctor, or to get a second opinion. Try to explore your options while you are well so that you don’t have to rush into a decision during a crisis. Get a copy of your medical records from your former doctor or ask his or her office to send them to your new doctor. Everyone wants his or her doctor to be well trained, competent, and accessible. Compassion and high ethical standards are also important qualities in a doctor and are basic to good health care.
How to Choose a Doctor
If you are in a health insurance plan, or if you need a doctor who will accept Medicare, the range of doctors you can choose from may be restricted. With this in mind, ask friends and relatives if they have had good experiences with their doctors. What do they like about their doctors? (Remember, however, that what they like about their doctors may not be the same qualities you are looking for.) Ask your current doctor or other health care professionals for recommendations. Find out from local medical societies which doctors are currently accepting new patients. Locate a medical center that specializes in a particular area of health you’re interested in, and ask your doctor for a referral to the center or call the center yourself and find out how to get an appointment.
Many organizations (such as hospitals) have no-fee physician-referral services. You can also get information from doctor-selection services online or over the telephone. Most of these services organize their information according to type of practice and location. Others also provide information about a doctor’s background, education, training, and professional achievements.
Doctor Finder
You can locate doctors in your area by specialty