Latest news with #eyehealth
Arab News
12 hours ago
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's KSrelief performs over 4,484 successful eye surgeries in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) performed over 4,484 successful eye surgeries across Pakistan under a voluntary program to provide free medical services to the underprivileged, state-run media reported this week. The state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported on Thursday that KSrelief successfully concluded 11 comprehensive eye treatment camps in Pakistan under the 'Noor Saudi Volunteer Program 2025.' These camps, PTV said, were organized in collaboration with the Al-Basar International Foundation and Ibrahim Eye Hospital Karachi. The camps were held to provide free medical services to underprivileged individuals suffering from blindness or other eye-related ailments, it added. These camps were organized in both the urban and rural areas of Pakistan's Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions where access to quality eye care services remains limited, PTV said. 'During the campaign, medical teams examined a total of 43,294 patients and performed over 4,484 successful surgeries,' the state television said. 'Additionally, 11,050 eyeglasses were distributed free of charge, along with the provision of prescribed medications to deserving patients.' It said these camps were conducted in various Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Matli, Kandhkot, Shikarpur, Hyderabad, Naseerabad, Kharan, Khuzdar, Jhelum and Rawalakot. The camps enabled thousands of patients to benefit from specialized eye treatments due to which many were able to regain their vision. 'This initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong humanitarian commitment and its dedication to enhancing the lives of people affected by visual impairments,' PTV said. KSrelief has implemented hundreds of projects in Pakistan worth millions of dollars to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. Efforts include emergency relief for natural disasters, and long-term projects addressing food security, health care, education, and shelter. The Saudi charity organization has one of the largest humanitarian budgets available to any aid agency across the world, which has allowed its officials to undertake a wide variety of projects in more than 80 countries. Pakistan is the fifth largest beneficiary of its aid and humanitarian activities and has greatly benefited from its assistance since the 2022 monsoon floods.
National Post
2 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Bausch + Lomb Announces Pricing of Upsized Senior Secured Notes Offering
Article content VAUGHAN, Ontario — Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO) ('Bausch + Lomb' or the 'company'), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, today announced that its subsidiaries, Bausch+Lomb Netherlands B.V. and Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (collectively, the 'Issuers'), have priced the offering of €675 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured floating rate notes due 2031 ('Notes'). The size of the offering was increased from the previously announced €600 million aggregate principal amount of Notes. The Notes will be sold to investors at a price of 99.500% of the principal amount thereof. Article content As previously announced, the company is also seeking to partially refinance its credit agreement, whereby the company intends to obtain a $2.325 billion new term B loan facility (the 'New Term B Loan Facility') and a new $800 million revolving credit facility (the 'New Revolving Credit Facility'). The New Term B Loan is expected to accrue interest at a rate of Term SOFR + 4.25% per annum. The allocated size of the New Term B Loan Facility was increased from the previously announced $2.2 billion. The company intends to use the net proceeds from the Notes offering and the New Term B Loan Facility to repay in full the outstanding borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility, to refinance in full its outstanding term A loans due 2027 and term B loans due 2027 and to pay related fees and expenses. Article content The closing of the Notes offering is not contingent upon the closing of the New Term B Loan Facility or the New Revolving Credit Facility. Article content The Notes will be guaranteed by the company and each of the company's subsidiaries (other than the Issuers) that are guarantors under the company's credit agreement and will be secured on a first priority basis by liens on the same assets that secure the obligations under the company's credit agreement and the company's outstanding senior secured notes. Article content Closing of the Notes offering is expected to occur on June 26, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Article content The Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ('Securities Act'), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes are being offered in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been and will not be qualified for sale to the public by prospectus under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any offer and sale of the Notes in Canada will be made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. Article content The New Term B Loan Facility and New Revolving Credit Facility are also expected to close on June 26, 2025; however, there can be no assurances that the company will be able to complete the New Term B Loan Facility and/or New Revolving Credit Facility transactions on the terms described above or at all. Article content This news release is being issued pursuant to Rule 135c under the Securities Act and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Article content About Bausch + Lomb Article content Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world – from birth through every phase of life. Its comprehensive portfolio of approximately 400 products includes contact lenses, lens care products, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb has a significant global research and development, manufacturing and commercial footprint with approximately 13,500 employees and a presence in approximately 100 countries. Bausch + Lomb is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, with corporate offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Article content Forward-looking Statements Article content This news release may contain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, 'forward-looking statements'), including, but not limited to, our refinancing plans and the details thereof, including the Notes offering, the New Term B Loan Facility and the New Revolving Credit Facility, the proposed use of proceeds therefrom and the details thereof, our ability to complete the transactions described in this press release, and the other expected effects thereof. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words 'anticipates,' 'seeks,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'should,' 'could,' 'would,' 'may,' 'will,' 'believes,' 'potential,' 'pending' or 'proposed' and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch + Lomb's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators (including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 and its most recent quarterly filings). In addition, certain material factors and assumptions have been applied in making these forward-looking statements, including the assumption that the risks and uncertainties discussed in such filings will not cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch + Lomb undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contacts Article content : Article content Article content T.J. Crawford Article content Article content Article content Article content (908) 705-2851 Article content Investor Contacts Article content : Article content Article content George Gadkowski Article content Article content Article content Article content
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors can notice cancer and diabetes in your eyes... are you overlooking the clues?
The eyes are the window to the soul, but they may also be the key to spotting deadly diseases, doctors warn. Dark specks on the iris could just be a sign of too much summertime sunshine. But in rare cases, they could be the first clue to spotting deadly eye cancers. Your browser does not support iframes.
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Early Eye Exams Are Essential for New Patients With Diabetes
For patients, a new diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming. It means not only managing blood sugar but also preventing serious future health complications such as diabetic retinal disease, a leading cause of vision loss when diabetes goes untreated. Early, comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting subtle changes long before symptoms appear. Primary care doctors play a vital role in emphasizing the importance of these underutilized exams and ensuring patients are referred promptly — steps that can significantly impact long-term eye health and quality of life. The Hidden Threat: Early Eye Changes in Diabetes Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly. Thomas Gardner, MD 'It's a slow process — people gain weight and progress from prediabetes to diabetes,' said Thomas Gardner, MD, an ophthalmologist and diabetic retinal disease researcher at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 'It's not like breaking your arm, where you know exactly when it happens.' He noted that some patients may have had mild, undiagnosed diabetes for years before diagnosis. This prolonged, subclinical phase can still affect the eyes: Some 7% of people with prediabetes already show signs of retinopathy. Diabetic retinal disease remains the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults globally. Yet vision loss is largely preventable. 'Early detection is key because it allows us to identify patients at higher risk for rapid progression of their retinopathy,' said Jennifer Sun, MD, chief of the Center for Clinical Eye Research and Trials at the Beetham Eye Institute at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. Timely detection also allows clinicians to tailor monitoring and management plans, opening the door to proactive patient education aimed at preserving vision. Practical Challenges and Risk Stratification in Screening Current guidelines recommend a comprehensive, dilated eye exam as soon as possible after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, given that many patients have experienced years of undiagnosed hyperglycemia, putting them at risk for retinal damage before symptoms appear. For patients with type 1 diabetes, screening should begin within 5 years of diagnosis. Annual eye exams are crucial for monitoring disease progression, with more frequent follow-ups recommended for people with advanced retinopathy or a higher risk for complications. Jennifer Sun, MD 'Patients can develop very advanced vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy without any symptoms at all,' said Sun. She emphasized that poor glycemic control and pregnancy are two factors that can accelerate progression and warrant closer monitoring. Despite recommendations, fewer than half of patients with diabetes receive timely, comprehensive eye exams. 'In places like the UK, national screening policies ensure everyone is screened — the government pays for it. In the US, it's hard to get patients to see ophthalmologists for screening,' said Gardner. Primary care physicians face competing demands in busy clinics, Gardner noted, and may not prioritize eye exams unless symptoms are present. He said patients with peripheral neuropathy or kidney disease are at significantly higher risk for diabetic retinal disease and should be prioritized for prompt ophthalmologic evaluation. The Role of Primary Care: Early Detection, Intervention, and Communication Regular eye exams are essential for detecting diabetic retinal disease before symptoms appear and preventing vision loss. 'Early detection helps us manage diabetes to reduce the risk of retinopathy worsening,' said Sun. Discovering early complications also drives better diabetes management. 'Patients might feel fine with mildly elevated blood sugar, and physicians might be less aggressive, but if early nerve, kidney, or eye problems are found, physicians can be more proactive with medications and urging lifestyle changes,' said Gardner. Primary care providers play an important role in discussing eye health and facilitating timely referrals. Sun recommends the DRCR Retina Network, which offers a searchable directory of clinics by state. Thanks to large medical trials, treatment options for diabetic retinal disease are well-established. And while emerging technologies, such as smartphone-based retinal imaging and artificial intelligence, show promise, Sun cautioned that providers should assess the strength of the evidence before incorporating them into routine screening workflows. As for communicating with patients, vision loss can be a powerful motivator. Studies show patients fear vision loss more than cancer, stroke, heart disease, or limb amputation. 'We don't want to scare our patients, but it can be a very powerful motivator to improve blood sugar control,' said Sun. 'I always emphasize that the foundation of caring for your eyes is systemic control — blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.' She encouraged providers to offer patients hope as well: Many patients maintain excellent vision for years — even decades — thanks to early detection and modern treatments. 'The goal is lifelong preservation of vision without impairment from diabetes,' she said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Is cataract surgery really that bad? 4 biggest questions answered by an ophthalmologist, plus signs and symptoms not to ignore
While it's not as sunny an experience as retirement, grandkids or cruising, cataracts are, unfortunately, in the cards for many of us as we age. However, despite the anxiety-provoking nature of eye surgery, cataract surgery is nothing to be feared, according to an ophthalmologist. This Cataract Awareness Month, we decided to delve into the common medical procedure and answer all of your burning questions. What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts and what should patients know about the procedure? Scroll down to find out. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. This article was originally published in 2024. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye (behind the iris and the pupil) that gradually leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts can vary in size and are extremely common, impacting almost everyone as they age. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, cataracts may develop slowly over several years or form rapidly in a matter of months. If you get regular eye exams, your eye doctor may diagnose you with a cataract before you experience any vision loss. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the cataract. Because cataracts can develop over several years, someone with an early-stage cataract may not experience any symptoms. However, as the severity and size of the cataract grow, symptoms may include: Blurry, foggy or double vision Decreased night vision Seeing halos around lights Seeing dull or muted colours, or having difficulty identifying certain colours Sensitivity to bright lights Consider cataracts the grey hairs of eye health, as they impact almost everyone as they age. "It's one of those things that if you live long enough, [you] will develop cataracts," says Dr. Ken Roberts, a consultant ophthalmologist at Horizon Health Network in New Brunswick. More than 3.5 million Canadians live with cataracts, which is more than double the next leading cause of vision loss (age-related macular degeneration). Because it's so common, cataract surgery has become the number one most-performed surgery in Canada. It's in the "same category as wisdom teeth," says Roberts. "We all get them. It's just that common." While sunglasses and antioxidant-rich foods may help slow the growth of cataracts, with every candle on your birthday cake, your risk of developing them increases. In Canada, more than 80 per cent of cases are diagnosed in populations aged 60 and over. In groups younger than 60, early-onset cataracts may be linked to diabetes, trauma, or inherited genetic conditions. Cataracts, in almost all cases, are completely treatable. Modern cataract surgery is a safe, routine procedure typically done in less than 30 minutes. While the setting may differ depending on local healthcare resources, the surgery is commonly done in an outpatient setting. During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will remove the cloudy crystalline lens from the eye and replace it with a clear implant known as an intraocular lens. Despite its surgical nature, Roberts says most patients don't require needles or stitches. To simplify, "the procedure is done by ultrasound," he says. "We freeze the eye with a gel that works extremely well," so while you may feel subtle pressure or your doctor touching your face, "nothing is painful." While cataract treatment is not a "spa day," it's not anything "you have to bear," Roberts tells Yahoo Canada. Post-procedure, most patients comment that it "wasn't so bad." Because "we've done so many cataracts over the last 20-30 years," eye surgeons know what to expect and are "very good at predicting the cases that we're going to have trouble with." While some people may recall cataracts used to have to be "ripe" (i.e. dense) to be operated on, surgeons no longer have to wait until patients are legally blind to perform the procedure. "Generally, we look at pulling the trigger for cataract surgery once [patients] have complaints," Roberts says. "If they can't see well at night, are changing their glasses prescriptions every six months, or no longer meet the driving standards, "then we look at removing cataracts. We [no longer] have to wait until they're severe." The "nice thing" about cataract surgery is that it's "normally a one-and-done per eye," he says. The surgery "will last a lifetime," so pending complications, you're free to go and live your life.
