Miniature Poodles might be a tiny breed but they pack a lot of energy into their toy bodies. While they aren’t necessarily prone to more health issues than other dogs, because of their small size, there are some issues that are unique to them. Read the steps below to become informed about his breed’s health issues before you add the pup to your family.

Step 1: Before you adopt your Miniature Poodle, be aware that this toy breed can be plagued with eye health issues. Perhaps the most predominant eye health issue affecting the breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA is defined as the bilateral degeneration of the retina. Because there is no treatment or cure for this progressive disease, affected dogs will experience vision loss that can result in total blindness. If you adopt your Poodle as a pup you won’t know whether or not PRA will affect her, as it shows up later in a dog’s life. Another eye issue you may face with your Poodle involves the atrophy of her iris; like PRA, it is progressive and there is no cure for it. Poodles have also been known to have cataracts, glaucoma, excessive tearing and abnormalities involving their eyelashes. A Poodle owner should be aware that eye health issues are probably the most common health concern afflicting this breed.

Step 2: When preparing to care for your Poodle, know that you will need to be vigilant about her skin health as well. Poodles are commonly affected by allergies and the toy breed is no exception. Keep an eye out for signs of allergies such as redness and irritation and try to avoid foods that appear to induce the allergy symptoms. Also, plan to give your Poodle preventative flea medications and keep her environment free of pollens and molds.

Step 3: Before your adoption becomes final, find out as much information from the breeder as possible. Because Miniature Poodles have been known to suffer from deafness, you’ll want to find out the hereditary history of the dog’s lineage. That’s not to say you shouldn’t adopt a dog that is suffering from hearing loss, but you will need to make extra preparations and precautions should you choose to do so; having all of the information available to you will help with that.

Step 4: Another reason to have as much lineage information as possible is a common bleeding disorder called von Willebrands Disease. This is an inherited blood disorder that is found in Poodles and is passed on through the genes. When this condition exists in a dog, the dog has the inability to make blood clot and therefore can bleed excessively if injured, or during a surgical procedure.

Step 5: Be aware that those little legs aren’t free from concern either; Miniature poodles have a higher incidence of luxating patella than some other breeds. Being prone to this condition means that the poodle could experience her knee cap becoming dislocated or moving out of place. It is common in very small breeds and generally occurs before one year of age. Surgery can typically be preformed to correct this issue.

Step 6: Be alert to the fact that the other leg condition affecting Miniature Poodles is called Achondroplasia, a hardening of the cartilage due to their abnormally short legs. It can be mild to severe, in which case you would want to explore surgical options to relieve your pet of any pain he or she may be feeling.

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When it comes to treating eye diseases like dry eyes or red eye, patients generally prefer eye drops to get relief from the discomfort. Whether it is itchiness or soreness in the eyes, one does not think twice to buy these over the counter eye drops. Although these conventional eye drops contain medicated saline solutions, they also have preservatives and other synthetic chemicals that can irritate the eye. People have actually developed an allergic reaction from eye drops containing preservatives. A better option would be to use natural eye drops as they are free from these chemicals. Read more on eye care.

Natural Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Many people are looking for natural eye drops for red eyes or dry eyes. The use of herbs can contribute to relieve eye problems. There are quite a few herbal formulations that can act as natural eye drops for cataracts. However, before purchasing any of these herbal products, it would be wise to consult a doctor, to know whether it is useful for specific eye problem.

How To Make Natural Eye Drops
In order to improve eye health safely, the use of natural eye drops is often recommended. One can always make natural eye drops at home. However, one should be very careful in making these natural eye drops as incorrectly prepared eye solutions are not only ineffective but may trigger an eye infection. Following are the steps to prepare this natural remedy to common eye problems such as itching or soreness in the eyes.

• First of all, you will need distilled organic water that is available at various grocery stores. Tap water or drinking water should not be used for making this natural home remedy. Many people argue that if drinking water is fit for consumption, then why not for the eyes- Well, drinking water does contain microbes that may not harm the body but can affect the eye. So, to be on the safer side, using distilled organic water is essential.
• Next, another ingredient essential to make these natural eye drops is baking soda. Buy a brand new box of baking soda. Small amount of iodized salt is also required. As prescribed quantity of ingredients are required to make it effective, you will require a measuring spoon and a measuring cup. The quantity can be easily measured, using a measuring spoon.
• You will also require an eye dropper, which is available at various health stores. The eye dropper is not at all costly and is available at just $1.

Preparation

• Take a container filled with water and put the eyedropper in it. Now, heat the water, until it starts boiling. This is essential to kill all the bacteria in the eyedropper. It is the best way best way to sterilize the eye dropper.
• In a cup of distilled organic water, add a pinch of baking soda. In this solution, mix ¼ teaspoon of salt. Now, boil this mixture in a container for a minute. Switch off the gas, and let the solution cool down. Using the sterilized eye dropper, take 2 drops of this solution and put them into the affected eye. The solution will definitely help to reduce the discomfort associated with the eye.

Caution
Although this home remedy for common eye issues works to alleviate the discomfort, this homemade recipe for eye drops has to be prepared in the right way. Incorrect measurements of ingredients will defeat the purpose of using these natural eye drops and may harm the eye. Also, this homemade eye drops can be used for not more than two days, as they do not contain any natural preservatives. Hence, there is a possibility of bacterial growth invading the solution after a few days.

To know more about eye drops, read:

• Prescription Eye Drops
• Instilling Eye Drops

Remember, the eyes are very precious and delicate, and so if you are not very sure about making these natural eye drops properly, it would be wise to consult a doctor and go for prescription eye drops that suit your eyes.

The figures say that about 20 percent of Americans over the age of 65 years have some kind of eye problem, which are usually likely to increase with age. Problems relating to senior eye health and care range from low vision to blindness causing eye disease. Common senior eye care concerns are cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Many of these conditions are debilitating, and emphasize the importance of preventative eye care, which in turn plays a crucial role in correcting, stalling, or preventing serious senior eye concerns altogether.

The onset of most vision problems happen with telltale warning signs. If you are 60 years or older, and experience such symptoms, you should immediately visit your physician or optometrist. Some of them are:

• Increasing dryness or tearing
• A drooping eyelid
• A film over the colored portion of the eye or fading of the colored part of your eye.
• Diminished peripheral vision
• If one begins to see spots or shapes that float in one’s field of vision
• Blurred or distorted vision
• If one fails to tear or has blocked eye ducts
• Reduced ability to discern colors, especially shades of blue, beige and brown
• If one develops an eye infection, even a mild one, or suffers swelling around the eyes
• If the eyes are troubled by light or glare, and aren’t able to adjust to it

Many elderly people avoid check ups for one, or both, of two reasons: cost and inconvenience. While the cost of medical treatment can be significant, there exist programs that provide eye care for seniors without medical insurance, almost free of cost. One such program, called the Seniors EyeCare Program, formerly known as National Eye Care Project (NECP), provides free treatment for any condition that the ophthalmologist diagnoses during that first visit. If the condition requires ongoing care, then treatment will be provided free through the program for one year. To avail of this facility one needs to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident 65 years and older, who has not visited an ophthalmologist in the last three years or more, and does not belong to an HMO or have veteran’s vision care. Another volunteer organization that assists those who cannot afford senior eye care, or do not have transportation, is EyeCare America.

Now to address the problem of inconvenience. Pick an ophthalmologist who practices close to your home. His/her office should be easily accessible, and convenient parking would be an added benefit. Ideally, the office should be equipped with handicapped facilities and equipment. The waiting areas should be comfortable and easy to navigate. Helpful and friendly staff would definitely make you more willing to visit, as would a simple registration and check-in process. It is also very important to pick a physician or optometrist who is patient, kind, understanding, and a good listener. Once you decide to visit an ophthalmologist, there are a few points you must keep in mind to get the best treatment. The first is to form a plan with your eye care provider, that schedules your appointments and medical eye exams (those that include dilatation of your pupils). Every time you experience any problem, write it down, so you will have a list of symptoms ready when you visit your doctor, which ensures that you don’t forget any, and your doctor is able to correctly diagnose your condition. It is a good practice to ask your provider to prescribe nutritional supplements that can improve eye health. However, also clarify that they wont interfere with any other medication you may be taking.

Senior eye care is very important in preventing and managing eye problems that develop with age. According to the American Association of Optometrists, if you are less than 70 years of age, you should get your eyes checked at least every two years, and annually thereafter. However, those who suffer from diabetes or other eye illnesses, must have frequent check ups.

The ability to see the world through our eyes is one of the biggest blessing God has given us. However, most of us take our eyesight for granted and continue to ignore common eye problems. It is not until the problem manifests into a major eye defect, that we wake up to the need for an eye exam. A regular eye exam by a qualified optometrist or an ophthalmologist can detect any eye problems at an early stage. This will eliminate any chances of a major problem or worse a permanent vision defect. Most people sure know the importance of eye testing but shy away from it owing to the high eye exam cost. However, cost of an eye exam should not be a constraint if you indeed wish to take proper eye care.

Factors Influencing Cost of an Eye Exam

Just like any other medical exam cost, eye exam cost is also dependent upon several factors. The place where you get yourself examined mainly determines the cost of your exam. Incidentally, there are many places where you can get an eye exam done. A private office of an ophthalmologist or an eye department of a multi facility hospital are some of the most reliable places to get an eye exam done. Besides, optical stores also offer eye exam through their affiliated optometrist. Famous supermarket chains like Walmart, Costco, Target also have their own optometrist who can do an eye exam for you for a very small fee. Privately practicing ophthalmologist and eye hospitals are by far the most expensive options for eye exams. However, they are equipped with qualified staff and advance infrastructure that facilitates diagnosis of certain rare eye disorders. Optical stores and supermarkets offer the cheapest options for eye exam. Low cost eye exam can also be available at certain ophthalmologist groups or associations.

Average Eye Exam Cost

It is very difficult to estimate the correct eye exam cost, as it is dependent on certain variables. A typical eye exam at a private office of an ophthalmologist may cost you somewhere around USD 150. Same is the case with an eye department of an eye hospital. Supermarkets or optical chain stores may charge you about USD 50 – USD 60. Routine eye exam includes checking for the possibilities of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia etc. If the test also includes contact lens fitting or updation of prescription eyeglasses, then expect to pay more. A comprehensive eye exam includes revaluation of your medical history as well as review of personal and family health. A test to check the performance of each eye as well as both of them as a team is also performed. Eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration are also checked for, by doing extensive pressure testing and examination of optic nerve. Such comprehensive eye exam is likely to cost you several hundred dollars.

Factors to be Considered While Eye Exam

Low cost should not be your only determinant for getting an eye exam. You also look at various intangible factors such as expertise of the optometrist or ophthalmologist, skill of the staff, cleanliness of the clinic along with other factors. You may ask your friends for a referral. It is always best to shop around before you settle for a clinic. These factors play a vital role if you are planning to go for a comprehensive eye exam.

It is important that you routinely get your eyes examined no matter if you experience any symptoms or not. The frequency of the eye exam should be more if you suffer from any eye defects or have certain risks associated with it. People who have visually demanding occupations should also make it a point to test their eyes frequently. Children of school age should be tested for eye problems at least once a year. More so, if they wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

If high eye exam cost is a problem for you, then you may look for eye exam coupons available online which enable you to get free eye tests for a span of 3 to 5 years. You can also avail huge discounts on eyeglasses and contact lenses. You may also seek insurance coverage under Medicare or other such plan.

In underdeveloped countries, inadequate nutrition is the main cause of blindness. Vitamins are antioxidants that keep our body including our eyes healthy. Vitamins A, C, and E have all been shown to be important in eyehealth. There is increasing evidence that many fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables and fish contains components which are important for eye health.

Vitamin A
Most mothers will tell their children to finish their carrots as it is good for the eyes. Carrots are loaded with Vitamin A. One carrot contains double the USA. recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. This vitamin is critical in preventing many diseases connected with eyesight. Most importantly it prevents night blindness. Vitamin A deficiency also leads to xerophthalmia, dryness in the eyes, corneal ulcers and swollen eyelids. All these can lead to blindness. Vitamin A is also important as people age, as it prevents cataracts from forming and helps in preventing blindness from macular degeneration. The recommended intake for males is 1000 retinal equivalents (RE) while females need about 800 RE per day, if you feel you are not meeting this with your diet then you may wish to consider an eye health supplement. It is important to read labels if taking Vitamin A eye health supplements as is can be toxic if large amounts area taken. This is also particularly important when you are pregnant as excess Vitamins A can cause birth defects.

Most red, yellow or orange foods contain beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A. Along with carrots, fruits like cantaloupe, mango, vegetables like pumpkin, red pepper, papaya and mango are excellent sources of beta-carotene. Vitamin A is also found in spinach and other green leafy vegetables, sweet potato, fish, especially cod liver oil and chicken or meat liver.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often called a superhero and is certainly a key ingredient in any eye health supplement. It helps in preventing many age-related vision problems such as cataract. This occurs when there is a buildup of protein which eventually clouds the vision. Vitamins C may also help in delaying age-related macular degeneration which has no cure. A survey showed that if the onset of cataracts could be delayed by ten years, then related operations could be avoided. This is because most cataracts set in as people get older and surgeries are usually done above the age of 65 or 70 meaning that if they are delayed by ten years, cataract will not develop in the person’s lifetime.

Vitamin C is found in all citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, raspberries, tomatoes, plums, green leafy vegetables, red and green peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, grapes, potatoes, spinach kiwifruit and cranberries. In fact most fruit and vegetable sources contain some Vitamin C. It can also be found in some animal sources but cooking destroys Vitamin C. The USA recommended allowance for Vitamin C in both males and females is 60 milligrams per day. The human body cannot synthesize this vitamin nor does it stay in the body for long. Factors like smoking, pollution, diabetes and other problems affect its absorption. Processing destroys Vitamin C so it is best to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to get the maximum benefits.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also helps in preventing cataracts and macular degeneration and optimizing eye health. The USA recommended daily allowance is 10 mg for males and 8 mg for females. This is found in all nuts, legumes and some fruits like mango, again if dietary intake is not adequate then an eye health supplement may be a good idea.

Research has shown that bioflavonoids also act as important antioxidants and they help us to absorb Vitamin C better. These are the compounds that give fruits their color. Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two other antioxidants found naturally in vegetables and fruits also help in eye health. It is also important to consume foods rich in essential fatty acids and minerals for better eyesight. All in all, it would be best to increase the daily fruit and vegetable intake to keep those peepers in good shape, if this kind of food doesn’t tickle you fancy then it may be worth considering an eye health supplement.

Author Bio:
Mitamins team
bd@mitamins.net

Mitamins’ aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.