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Glaucoma: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Unveiling the World of Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a complex eye condition, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," can gradually diminish vision without noticeable symptoms. This article delves into the intricacies of glaucoma, offering insights into its various aspects, from its overview to treatment options and prevention strategies.
Glaucoma Overview: What You Need to Know
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This damage is usually caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a result of inadequate drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that maintains eye pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. The condition often develops slowly and painlessly, making regular eye examinations crucial for early detection.
Glaucoma Causes: Uncovering the Triggers
The primary cause of most glaucoma cases is elevated IOP. However, the exact mechanisms leading to increased pressure and optic nerve damage remain complex and multifaceted. While elevated IOP is a common factor, other contributors include genetics, age, ethnicity, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes. Understanding these causes can aid in the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Glaucoma Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs
In its early stages, glaucoma typically presents no noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, peripheral vision loss may occur, often unnoticed until advanced stages. This highlights the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for individuals at higher risk. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, a rarer form, can cause sudden and severe symptoms, including eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, and nausea.
Glaucoma Treatment Options: Preserving Vision
Managing glaucoma involves reducing IOP to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options range from medications that lower eye pressure to surgical interventions like laser therapy and traditional surgery. Medications, such as eye drops, beta-blockers, and prostaglandin analogs, aim to decrease fluid production or enhance drainage. Laser therapy, including selective laser trabeculoplasty, helps improve drainage efficiency.
Glaucoma Prevention: Safeguarding Your Vision
While some risk factors for glaucoma, such as genetics and age, are beyond control, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing the condition. Regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, managing diabetes and blood pressure, and avoiding smoking are all beneficial steps in preserving eye health.
Types of Glaucoma: Exploring Varieties
Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually and is often asymptomatic until advanced stages.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Also known as angle-closure glaucoma, this form is characterized by sudden and severe symptoms due to blocked drainage angles.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: IOP remains within the normal range, yet optic nerve damage occurs, suggesting other contributing factors.
Congenital Glaucoma: Present at birth, this rare condition occurs due to improper development of the eye's drainage system.
Primary and Secondary Glaucoma: Primary glaucoma has no identifiable cause, while secondary glaucoma is a result of other eye conditions or diseases.
Chronic and Acute Glaucoma: Chronic glaucoma develops gradually, while acute glaucoma presents sudden and severe symptoms.
Pediatric Glaucoma: Affecting children, this condition requires specialized care and early intervention.
Glaucoma Risk Factors: Understanding Vulnerabilities
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma. Age is a significant risk factor, as the condition becomes more prevalent with advancing years. Genetics also play a role; if someone in your family has glaucoma, you may be at a higher risk. Ethnicity, particularly African, Hispanic, and Asian descent, is associated with a higher risk. Other factors include high IOP, thin corneas, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
Glaucoma Diagnosis: Navigating the Process
Diagnosing glaucoma involves a comprehensive eye examination that includes measuring IOP, assessing the optic nerve, and evaluating peripheral vision. Newer technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), provide detailed images of the optic nerve and help with early detection. Regular eye exams are vital, especially if you're at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Glaucoma Statistics: Grasping the Numbers
Glaucoma's impact is significant, affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally. In the United States alone, over three million people have glaucoma, but around half are unaware of their condition due to its gradual onset and lack of symptoms.
Glaucoma Research: Advancing Understanding
Ongoing research aims to unravel the complexities of glaucoma and improve its diagnosis and treatment. Researchers are investigating genetic factors, new medications, innovative surgical techniques, and advanced imaging technologies to enhance early detection and management.
Glaucoma Surgery: Exploring Interventions
When medications and laser therapy fail to manage IOP effectively, surgery may be necessary. Trabeculectomy and tube-shunt surgery are common procedures that create new drainage channels to lower IOP. Minimally invasive options, such as microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), offer less invasive alternatives with quicker recovery times.
Medications for Glaucoma: Lowering Eye Pressure
Medications are a cornerstone of glaucoma management. These include:
Prostaglandin Analogues: Increase drainage and reduce fluid production.
Beta-Blockers: Decrease fluid production.
Alpha Agonists: Enhance drainage and reduce fluid production.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Reduce fluid production.
Rho Kinase Inhibitors: Enhance drainage.
Laser Therapy for Glaucoma: Innovative Approaches
Laser therapy is a non-invasive option for lowering IOP. Types of laser therapy include:
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): Targets the drainage angles to improve fluid outflow.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Creates a small hole in the iris to relieve pressure in angle-closure glaucoma.
Laser Cyclophotocoagulation: Reduces fluid production by treating the ciliary body.
FAQs About Glaucoma
Q: Can glaucoma be cured? A: While there's no cure, early detection and treatment can effectively manage the condition and slow its progression.
Q: Is glaucoma hereditary? A: Genetics play a role, so a family history of glaucoma increases your risk.
Q: Are there lifestyle changes that can help prevent glaucoma? A: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying conditions, and avoiding smoking can reduce your risk.
Q: Can children have glaucoma? A: Yes, pediatric glaucoma is a rare but serious condition that requires specialized care.
Q: Can laser therapy completely replace medications? A: In some cases, laser therapy can effectively manage glaucoma without the need for medications.
Q: Is vision loss from glaucoma reversible? A: Unfortunately, vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible, making early detection and treatment crucial.
Nurturing Eye Health
Understanding glaucoma's intricacies, from its various types to its potential complications, empowers individuals to take proactive steps in preserving their vision. By staying informed, undergoing regular eye exams, and following recommended treatments, you can significantly mitigate the impact of this condition on your eyesight.
When you choose Tatum EyeCare for you vision health and fashion needs, you are choosing optometrists in North Phoenix who are invested in our clients and community. We’ve proudly served the Valley of the Sun for over 20 years. We are here to answer any questions about our services you might have. Come see for yourself how Tatum EyeCare reframes customer service and optical expertise for everyone!
#Glaucoma overview#Glaucoma causes#Glaucoma symptoms#Glaucoma treatment options#Glaucoma prevention#Types of glaucoma#Glaucoma risk factors#Glaucoma diagnosis#Chronic glaucoma#Glaucoma surgery phoenix
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How To Prevent Common Eye Problems
The Eye: A Vital Organ for Vision
The eye is a complex sensory organ that allows us to perceive the world around us. It functions like a camera, capturing light and converting it into electrical signals that the brain processes into images. This seamless coordination makes vision possible, enabling us to navigate and enjoy life’s beauty.
Why Is the Eye Important for Vision?
The eye is essential for recognizing objects, perceiving colors, and sensing depth. Vision plays a crucial role in learning, communication, and maintaining balance and safety. Without proper eye function, daily tasks become more challenging, emphasizing the importance of eye health.
Parts of the Eye and Their Roles
1. Cornea: The clear, outer layer that focuses light onto the retina.
2. Iris and Pupil: Regulate the amount of light entering the eye.
3. Lens: Adjusts to focus on objects at varying distances.
4. Retina: Contains photoreceptors that convert light into signals.
5. Optic Nerve: Transmits signals from the retina to the brain.
Common Eye Problems
Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve.Light Sensitivity: Discomfort caused by bright light.Cataracts: Clouding of the lens that affects vision clarity.Blurry EyesEye Infection (Conjunctivitis)
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes
Eat a diet rich in vitamin A, omega-3s, and antioxidants.Protect your eyes with sunglasses and reduce screen time.Schedule regular eye checkups.
Solutions and Benefits of NeoLife Wheat Germ Oil
NeoLife Wheat Germ Oil Wheat germ oil is extracted from wheat germ and is rich in naturally occurring vitamin E as well as the essential unsaturated fatty acids linoleic and linolenic. Vitamin E is essential for maintaining good eye health. It is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and other environmental factors. It can also help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.Vitamins A B C and E are essential for maintaining good eye health.
By prioritizing eye care, you can enjoy clearer vision and a healthier life.
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#Eye Health#Vision Care#Prevent Eye Problems#Healthy Eyes#Common Eye Issues#Eye Protection#Eye Safety Tips#Vision Problems#Eye Health Tips#Eye Wellness#Vision Improvement#Preventing Blindness#Healthy Vision Habits#Eye Care Solutions#Screen Time and Eyes#Digital Eye Strain#Blue Light Protection#Eye Strain Remedies#Dry Eyes Solutions#Eye Health Nutrition#Eye Vitamins#Natural Eye Care#Eye Health Supplements#Vision Preservation#Cataract Prevention#Glaucoma Awareness#Eye Checkup Importance#Healthy Eye Practices#Tips for Clear Vision#Prevent Vision Loss
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Ayurvedic Treatments for Common Disease
The Ayurvedic system of medicine was born in India. Well, Ayurveda is believed to have existed since about 3000 years ago. In fact, Ayurvedic medicines were available for many ailments as early as 3000 BC, before modern medicine and medical technology were so advanced. As hard as it may be to believe, it is true. Many of those treatments are still in use today. That is, Ayurveda is a solution to many health problems, even today. They will be explained in detail in this blog.
According to Ayurveda, when the three doshas of the body, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are in balance, a person is healthy. Thus, Ayurveda focuses on balancing these three. Ayurveda includes herbal medicines, changes in diet and lifestyle, other natural treatments, therapy, yoga, and exercises. So, let’s know one by one what kind of remedies are there for all diseases, especially in Ayurveda at Vedicmed, which offers the best disease treatment options available.
Eye (Opthalmology): Vedicmed is an excellent Ayurvedic center where 100% Ayurvedic solutions are available for various health problems. At Vedicmed, the eye department treats problems like diabetic retinopathy, glucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration etc. The doctors here prescribe you various therapies, Ayurvedic herbal medicine, and some lifestyle changes.
Respiratory Diseases: Respiratory Diseases this section provides Ayurvedic treatments for respiratory problems like asthma, Lung Infection,Tuberculosis (TB), Chronic Cough, and the common cold.
Skin Diseases: Skin conditions like Vitiligo, psoriasis, and fungal infections can be managed through Ayurvedic treatments.
Joint and muscle pain: Vedicmed also relieves joint and muscle pain. Special therapies are available for arthritis, muscle pain, and other joint related problems.
Stress and Mental Health: Stress and mental health related health problems like depression and insomnia also have a solution in Ayurveda. Visit Vedicmed for the best solution.
#Ayurvedic herbal medicine#best disease treatment#disease#health tips#healthcare#ayurvedictreatment#ayurvedic products#glaucoma eye treatment#health and wellness#retina specialist#disease prevention#vedicmed#eye care#eye treatment
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The Role of Genetics in Glaucoma: Unraveling the Connection
Genetics plays a pivotal role in glaucoma, an eye genetic disorder. Inheriting certain genetic variations can increase susceptibility. Understanding these genetic factors helps tailor preventive measures and treatment strategies.
#Eye genetic disorders#genetic eye disease#is glaucoma hereditary#cause of blindness in India#Glaucoma genetic inheritance#Glaucoma genetic testing#How to prevent glaucoma#Glaucoma inheritance pattern#average age for glaucoma
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oh yeah, i had an eye doctor appointment today, and i asked them just what it is my eye's got
official diagnosis: glaucoma and degenerative myopia
#he said something about my eyes extending in length and becoming oblong and eyesight getting worse for it#my eyes are becoming jellybeans#actually thinking about it maybe everyone's eyes do that and that's why older people tend to have worse eyesight#but if so then mine seem to be doing that faster than usual#a c c e l e r a t e d j e l l y b e a n#zombie talks#clarification: the glaucoma's in my right eye#left eye still sucks but it doesn't need to be fed drops to prevent temper tantrums
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Writing Notes: Color Blindness
Color blindness, also called color vision deficiency (CVD), is a group of conditions that affect the perception of color, characterized by the inability to clearly distinguish different colors of the spectrum.
The difficulties range from mild to severe.
Color blindness is a misleading term because people with color blindness are not blind. Rather, they tend to see colors in a limited range of hues; a rare few may not see colors at all.
There is no treatment or cure, and cannot be prevented.
Most color vision deficient persons compensate well for their abnormality and usually rely on color cues and details that are not consciously evident to persons with typical color vision.
Risk Factors
A family history of color blindness increases the risk since most color vision problems are inherited.
Another risk factor for color vision deficiency is aging:
The eye’s lens can darken and yellow over time, which can impair the ability of older adults to see dark colors.
Certain medications can also increase risk:
For example, the drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can cause color blindness.
Causes
Mutations in the CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, OPN1LW, OPN1MW, and OPN1SW genes are known to cause color vision deficiency.
Color blindness is sometimes acquired.
Chronic illnesses that can lead to color blindness include Alzheimer disease, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, leukemia, liver disease, chronic alcoholism etc.
Some medications such as antibiotics, barbiturates, anti– tuberculosis drugs, high blood pressure medications, and several medications used to treat nervous disorders and psychological problems may cause color blindness.
Industrial or environmental chemicals such as carbon monoxide, carbon disulfide, fertilizers, styrene, and some containing lead can cause loss of color vision.
Occasionally, changes can occur in the affected person’s capacity to see colors after age 60.
Symptoms
The inability to correctly identify colors is the only sign of color blindness.
It is important to note that people with red/green or blue varieties of color blindness use other cues such as color saturation and object shape or location to distinguish colors. They can often distinguish red or green if they can visually compare the colors. However, most have difficulty accurately identifying colors without any other references.
Most people with any impairment in color vision learn colors, as do other young children. These individuals often reach adolescence before their visual deficiency is identified.
Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References
#writing notes#color blindness#writeblr#dark academia#spilled ink#literature#writers on tumblr#writing reference#poets on tumblr#writing prompt#poetry#creative writing#writing inspiration#writing ideas#light academia#winslow homer#writing resources
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Alright, Google was unhelpful so I'm asking here: what can you guys tell me about what happens to an eye after it's burned, as in, directly exposed to fire?
There's a character in a major fandom I'm in who wears an eyepatch following a fight with his (pyrokinetic) brother, and I'd like to depict him with the kind of facial difference that would actually cause: burn scars, and... whatever would happen to the eye.
It seems like a reasonably straightforward thing to look up, but everything I got was related to either chemical burns (and much more about emergency care than the aftermath) or a burning sensation in the eyes, which is... not what I was hoping to find, haha.
So anyway, my question is, what would happen to an eye that was severely burned? Blindness seems obvious, but it feels like the kind of situation where they might lose the eye completely, is that a possibility? If not, what would the eye end up looking like? Sorry if this is an annoying question, I just had a really hard time finding anything online.
Hey!
To put it simply, there's a lot of variation here - and to answer your question, losing the eye is very much a possibility if the damage is that extensive, or if there's a severe infection happening.
An important part of any eye burn injury is that there are eyelids in the way of the fire, so they're going to be damaged. Skin grafts are extremely common for that; without them, the eyelids will contract and not really serve their function. Having the eyelids removed and replaced with grafts will also help with preventing secondary infection and corneal complications. If the whole burn is on the milder side, and he keeps his eyelids he could have ptosis; i.e. an eyelid that doesn't fully open all the way.
When we get to the eye itself, you're essentially looking at a hundred different kinds of infections that could occur. Corneal damage will be the most obvious due to where it is, but it could go deeper if the burn is severe. E.g., keratitis and/or corneal ulcers can very much happen due to a burn injury, and if untreated they can cause corneal scarring (can look like white spots and/or lines on the eye), cataracts (can cause the pupils to appear lighter), glaucoma, and any further issues if that spreads - including the possibility of blindness in the other eye, as sympathetic ophthalmia exists.
After that, there's retinal detachment (which isn't visible) and actual globe injuries, which often tend to end up in the eye being removed (very much visible). We have a post about options following that.
Sometimes an injured eye can also be slightly discolored on the sclera part. Redness is the most common, but mine were mostly yellow-brownish on the sides after I had surgery (and still are, but not as much). So if he still has the eye, it could look like that as well, either due to the actual burn or the procedures that he could have.
I hope this helps,
mod Sasza
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Monthly Holidays: January
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6 Most Common Cat Health Problems - Tumblr
Cats are good at self-care, but even your finicky feline can't prevent some of the more common cat diseases and health issues. To help you care for kitty, here's a brief outline of six of the most common cat health problems.
Common Cat Health Problem:
Vomiting: Vomiting is a very common cat health problem, with causes ranging from eating something poisonous or inedible (like string, or wool), to infection, urinary tract disease, or diabetes. Symptoms are usually obvious and include drooling and abdominal heaving. Vomiting can quickly leave your cat dehydrated, so if the kitty continues vomiting or acts ill, call your vet right away. Since it is hard for a pet owner to tell the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, collect a sample of your cat's vomit and take it with you to the vet.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD)
About 10% of cats brought to the vet have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is actually a group of feline diseases with multiple causes.
Female and male cats can get FLUTD, and it often occurs in cats that are overweight, unfit, or who eat dry food. Stress, a multi-cat household, and sudden changes can all raise a cat's risk of FLUTD, and treatment depends on the type of FLUTD your cat has. FLUTD symptoms include:
Straining to urinate
Bloody urine
Urinating in unusual places
Crying when urinating
Licking around the urinary area (often because of pain)
Depression
Dehydration
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
It's always an emergency if your cat can't urinate. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has a urinary tract problem.
Fleas: Fleas are a very common external feline health problem, but they can be treated easily. Signs your cat has fleas include: Flea dirt on their skin (they look like tiny black dots) Constant scratching Frequent licking Red or irritated skin Hair loss Skin infections or hot spots. Fleas can live for more than a year, and your pet risks anemia if the problem becomes serious, so make sure to treat your cat's flea problem and prevent future infestations. Talk to your vet about which flea control would be best for your cat. Treatments include oral medication, powders, foams, and topical medication.
Tapeworms: One of the most common feline health problems inside your cat, tapeworms, live in your kitty's small intestine, sometimes growing as long as two feet. Symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be subtle, but may include vomiting and weight loss. The easiest way to tell if your cat has tapeworms is to look at its feces and around its anus. If you see small white worms, or what look like grains of rice or sesame seeds, your cat likely has tapeworms. Treatment options include injection or oral medication, but because cats almost always get tapeworms as a result of swallowing a flea, make sure to handle any flea problems your cat has before tackling tapeworms.
Diarrhea: Many things can cause diarrhea in cats, including hairballs, eating spoiled food, allergies, infection, liver disease, cancer, and more. Diarrhea symptoms include loose, watery, or liquid stool. Depending on its cause, Diarrhea can last a day, a week, or even months. If your cat has diarrhea, offer your pet plenty of fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration, then remove the kitty's food for no more than 12-24 hours. Take your cat to the vet if he or she still has diarrhea after a day, or immediately if you notice vomiting, dark, or bloody stools, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or if your cat is straining to defecate.
Eye Problems: Eye problems in cats can be caused by a number of things, including cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, trauma, viruses, inflammation, and retinal disease. A few symptoms that may mean your cat has eye problems include watery eyes, tear-stained fur, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, goo in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a visible third eyelid. Unless you know what's causing your cat's eye problems, there isn't much you can do other than wipe away any gunk with a damp cotton ball. After that, call your vet.
Conclusion Understanding these common cat health problems can help you stay proactive and ensure your feline friend gets the care they deserve. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and a clean, stress-free environment are essential for preventing many of these issues. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in your cat's health and happiness. For more tips
[1] and high-quality products to support your pet’s well-being, visit Venttura Bioceuticals.
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Once the drop is on the eye, do not blink your eye or move it around to spread the drop. Instead, gently close your eyes just once, place the pad of your most sensitive finger at the inside corner of the eyelid by the nose and press gently.
Leave the eyelids closed and the finger pressing gently for 2 full minutes. Studies have shown that it takes 2 full minutes for the drop to completely penetrate the surface of the eye to get inside. Put the cap back on the bottle, with eyes still closed. The closed eyelids and pressure on the tear drainage duct avoids unwanted systemic side effects from the potent eyedrop drugs by preventing the drop from getting inside the nose where it could enter the bloodstream rapidly.
After two minutes, the drop is fully absorbed into the eye. You can now put a different drop in, if you use more than one drop.
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I use allergy drops and lubricating drops, and I definitely learned something from this article.
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Cannabigerol (CBG) Kief
Discover the Benefits of Black Tie’s Cannabigerol (CBG) Kief
If you're exploring natural remedies or looking to enhance your wellness routine, Black Tie’s Cannabigerol (CBG) Kief may be the perfect addition.
Priced at just $14.99, this high-quality hemp-derived product is rich in CBG—a cannabinoid gaining recognition for its potential health benefits.
What is CBG Kief?
CBG, often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids," is derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the precursor to other well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Black Tie's CBG Kief is solventlessly extracted from their premium CBG-rich Lemon Cream Diesel hemp flower, ensuring a pure and potent product.
Key Details:
CBGa: 18.79%CBG: 22.98%Total Cannabinoids: 41.83%Total THC: 0%Price: $14.99 for 1 gram
Why Choose CBG Kief?
CBG has been the focus of promising studies and anecdotal reports, highlighting its potential to support various health conditions:
Eye Health: CBG’s vasodilatory and neuroprotective properties may help reduce intraocular pressure, making it a potential aid for glaucoma.
Inflammation: Research on mice indicates that CBG may decrease inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Neuroprotection: A 2015 study found CBG may protect neurons in cases of Huntington's disease.
Antibacterial Properties: European studies suggest CBG may combat drug-resistant staph infections (MRSA).
Appetite Stimulation: A 2017 study shows purified CBG may stimulate appetite, a potential benefit for those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
Bladder Health: Studies indicate CBG may help prevent bladder dysfunction by reducing muscle contractions.
Additionally, Black Tie CBD customers have shared positive experiences, noting relief from chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more.
Why Choose Black Tie CBD?Black Tie ensures transparency and quality with third-party lab-tested products.
Their CBG Kief is free of solvents and THC, offering a natural way to explore the benefits of cannabinoids without psychoactive effects.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking to support your health naturally or seeking a new addition to your wellness routine, Black Tie’s CBG Kief is a great option. Backed by research and positive customer feedback, it’s a product that stands out in the growing world of hemp-derived cannabinoids.
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#hemp#thca#420life#weed#cannacommunity#cannabiscommunity#marketing#Black Tie#hempflower#gift ideas#christmas gift#unique gifts#gift#holiday gifts#holiday shopping
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my body: board meeting edition
immune system: we’re already killing it (ha!) with this lupus thing, but we have even more exciting news: we've teamed up with the eyes to give this bitch- drum roll, please- glaucoma! 🎉
eyes: in honor of our partnership with lupus, we're thrilled to announce that we've decided to make her allergic to the eye drops meant to prevent her from going blind!!
*applause erupts*
#at least i know why i've been feeling like trash (in atypical ways)#(& i've been prescribed other eye drops- don't tell my eyes)#lupus#glaucoma#chronic illness#mor rambles
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Donate for the Blind: Empower Lives with Your Contribution
Blindness and vision impairment affect millions of people worldwide, severely limiting their access to education, employment, and a better quality of life. In India alone, approximately 12 million people are visually impaired, representing the largest blind population globally. These individuals face significant challenges, including social isolation, limited access to healthcare, and financial instability. Your contribution can make a world of difference to help empower the blind community and enhance their lives.
At Go India Charity, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of the visually impaired. Through our initiatives, we strive to provide essential resources such as education, medical support, assistive devices, and livelihood opportunities. By choosing to donate for the blind, you are helping to bridge the gap and offer hope to those who need it most.
Why Support the Blind?
Supporting the visually impaired isn't just about offering immediate relief but about creating long-term sustainable changes that can significantly improve their quality of life. Here are some key reasons why your donation can make a substantial difference:
1. Access to Education
Many visually impaired individuals in India lack access to proper education due to the scarcity of specialized schools, learning materials in braille, and assistive technology. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence. By donating, you help provide access to quality education, enabling blind students to develop essential skills that open up new career opportunities.
2. Employment Opportunities
Employment plays a vital role in empowering the blind and helping them lead independent lives. Many blind individuals are capable of working and contributing to society, but they face discrimination and limited job opportunities. With your support, organizations like Go India Charity can offer vocational training programs, job placement services, and skill development initiatives, giving the blind a chance to be financially independent and empowered.
3. Healthcare and Eye Surgeries
In many cases, blindness can be prevented or treated if proper medical care is provided at the right time. Cataracts, glaucoma, and other preventable eye conditions are common causes of blindness in India. Donations can fund eye surgeries, eye care camps, and access to specialized medical care for those who cannot afford it. By supporting healthcare initiatives, you are giving someone the chance to regain their vision or prevent further deterioration.
4. Assistive Devices and Technology
Technology has revolutionized the way visually impaired individuals can interact with the world. Screen readers, braille devices, audio books, and mobility aids like white canes and guide dogs are all crucial tools that can help the blind lead independent lives. However, these devices are often expensive and out of reach for many. By donating, you can help provide the blind with these life-changing tools, enabling them to navigate their surroundings and access information more easily.
5. Social Inclusion and Advocacy
One of the most significant challenges faced by the blind is social exclusion. Many blind individuals suffer from isolation, stigmatization, and marginalization, preventing them from participating fully in society. Your donation supports advocacy programs that aim to change societal attitudes towards the blind, promote their rights, and ensure they are included in all aspects of life. With greater awareness and support, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.
How Go India Charity Makes a Difference
At Go India Charity, we work diligently to uplift the blind community through various programs and services. Some of the ways we make a difference include:
Educational Support: We sponsor blind students' education, provide braille books, and offer scholarships for higher education.
Medical Aid: We organize free eye care camps, fund eye surgeries, and offer routine eye check-ups to prevent blindness.
Skill Development Programs: We offer vocational training programs tailored to the visually impaired, helping them acquire valuable skills and find meaningful employment.
Distribution of Assistive Devices: We provide mobility aids, screen readers, and other essential devices to help the blind live more independent lives.
Awareness Campaigns: We run campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the blind and promote greater inclusion in society.
How You Can Help
Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a tangible impact in the life of a blind person. Here’s how you can contribute:
One-Time Donation: A single donation can go a long way in supporting educational programs, medical camps, or assistive devices for the blind.
Monthly Contributions: A recurring monthly donation provides ongoing support to various programs, ensuring that visually impaired individuals receive continuous assistance.
Sponsor a Child’s Education: You can choose to sponsor the education of a blind child, helping them access quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.
Support Eye Surgeries: Donate towards funding eye surgeries, giving someone the gift of sight and hope for a better tomorrow.
Conclusion
Your decision to donate for the blind can transform lives by providing access to education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion. By supporting Go India Charity, you are helping to create a more just and equitable society where visually impaired individuals can thrive and achieve their full potential. Your kindness and generosity can light up the lives of those living in darkness.
Help us make a difference. Donate today and be a part of the journey towards empowerment and change for the blind community in India. VisitGo India Charity to learn more and make your contribution.
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⚪️ What I Have?
Narrow Angle Glaucoma:
A rare type of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked.
⚪️ If completely blocked, this can cause a rapid increase in eye pressure (IOP, intraocular pressure) .......which can lead to sudden & permanent vision loss !
⚪️ There are ways to prevent the buildup of liquid/ fluid inside the eye and one way in particular ..... is through a procedure known as a laser iridotomy. (I had this procedure done on both eyes in 2022). Although it helped and is still helping, my glaucoma specialist feels it just isn't enough & we need to do more . 
⚪️ On Tuesday 9/24/24, I will be having cataract surgery since my cataracts are just now beginning to grow/form and push on my narrowing angles we are desperately trying to keep open for proper drainage !
(I know, it sounds scary🙏🏼).
⚪️ But ...... everything is going to be fine and my specialist has done this procedure hundreds of times and I feel I am in great hands.
Once the procedure is completed on both eyes, approximately two weeks apart, (not on the same day)....... and if my pressure falls into the normal range ...... I may possiblybe able to stop using daily drops 🏆🎉🙏🏼.
⚪️ 
⚪️ As of this moment ..... I don't feel I have experienced much/ if any vision loss ....... that's why I'm going through with the surgery ...... to make sure I never have any real vision loss, other than what would typically be considered age-related vision loss.
⚪️ thoughts & prayers please. ❤️
▫️ ▫️ ▫️ ▫️ ▫️ ▫️ ▫️
⚪️ UPDATE : today- 9/24/24
made it home from my procedure and just relaxing and staying hydrated.......... ❤️ Thank you everyone for reaching out and checking up on me, that means more to me than you'll ever know . 
▫️
I will update tomorrow after my follow-up visit----------
✅ (update, all went well on my follow up office visit today, my eye pressures were 17 & 19....... and expecting those to go down ultimately ). 
⚪️The right eye cataract surgery & new lens is...... Oct. 8th.
Not looking forward to it but....... it'll be over soon enough!!
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Medical/optometry-related discussion under the cut.
I can't sleep tonight thinking about a patient. They came to see me recently for poor vision in one eye, thinking they just needed glasses, and it turned out they have severe glaucoma that's made one eye effectively blind and has put the other eye very, very close. They hadn't had an eye exam since at least 2015 and likely earlier than that, because they'd seen well all their life except for needing reading glasses and didn't have any ocular discomfort, and they assumed that meant their eyes were healthy.
Now, all of a sudden, we're facing a real possibility of irreversible total blindness. The eyedrop I put this person on didn't have nearly the effectiveness I'd hoped, and when we got the results of the visual field test at this week's follow-up it was much worse than I'd expected. Instead of having a few months to play with medications and treatment options and taking our time finding the right regimen best-suited for this patient's schedule and insurance and preferences, we're looking down the barrel of needing major surgery ASAP to get the pressure back into a safe range, and even still, given how long they've likely been sitting on this high pressure, they may still lose some of their little remaining vision. It's a horrible situation for this relatively young person (less than 70 years old) and I can't stop thinking about how completely avoidable this whole situation was.
I hate these apps that keep popping up advertising how they can give you a prescription at home. I hate them. Good vision has nothing to do with healthy eyes (in fact, people with good natural vision are often some of my worst patients because they don't need to get glasses and they forget about me), and this is a perfect case of a person who saw great right up until the moment they went blind from a condition we could have stopped in its tracks two, three, five, eight years ago. I don't know this person's life story; I don't know what major life events or struggles they were going through over the last decade that kept them from coming in. I'm sure there were reasons that seemed good at the time. I just know that by the time they came to me for help it was too late for me to do anything meaningful at all, and I get a knot in the pit of my stomach every time I think about the test results. It's crushing for the patient and for me, absolutely crushing.
Glaucoma is so treatable these days, and so easy to catch with the right testing, but it requires people to get that testing in an office with the equipment to test it. It has basically no symptoms until the very end stages of the disease--no pain, no sense of pressure, no visual changes, no redness, no blurry vision, no anything until the last possible moment. The only way to pick it up is to take an external measurement of the pressure inside the eye. But it's slow! It's a slow disease that takes years--sometimes decades!--to do real damage, and if patients are getting regular eye care during this time we can catch it and stop it! Apps will never be able to do this. Never, and this casual acceptance of at-home vision checks replacing actual health care, this uninformed conflation of thinking good vision means good eye health, of letting the desire for convenient online glasses shopping overrule the importance of getting dilated, terrifies me.
This patient didn't use apps, didn't get glasses online. But they made the same mistake that people who do use these apps make, which is that they assume seeing well means that nothing is wrong with their eyes. It breaks my heart that I'm going to be having these conversations more and more with patients who get these slow, preventable diseases because an app got them seeing well out of their glasses, and they used that instead of a dilated eye exam to decide they were in good shape.
I don't really know where I'm going with all this. I've just been thinking about it constantly since the patient's most recent visit, and I'm worrying about kids growing up with everything so accessible online that they forget some things--important things--still require in-person human touch. It's just--stuff like this doesn't have to happen. So many diseases like glaucoma take so long to show up, and there are so many ways to intervene and stop progression before the patient loses an iota of vision, and I just--I want to be having those conversations instead, where I'm telling people that it's great we caught something early and now with treatment they should be in good shape for the rest of their lives. I want to do that instead of what I had to do this week, which was tell this patient that this vision was never coming back, and then have nothing, nothing, nothing I could do to help besides sit with them in their pain and watch them go through all the horrible stages of new grief and say I'm so sorry, hopefully the surgery will preserve everything you have left, hopefully, I'm so sorry.
I don't know how to make that happen, though, that shift. Advocation and education, I guess, which is what they're always harping on at continuing education courses, but those are big things, sweeping things, and I work best in the one-on-one, in the personal. I don't know. It's just a hard thing. A hard day, I guess.
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🍃🕊🍃 Fasting 🍃🕊🍃
A Body/Mind/Spirit Healing.
Allah the Almighty says in the Quran:
“And seek (Allah’s) assistance with Patience and Prayer; and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for those with full submission. Who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord and that unto Him they are going to return.”
🍃🕊🍃 Holy Quran 🍃🕊🍃
(2:45-46)
Numerous Prophetic traditions interpreted the ‘Patience’ in the Ayah as ‘fasting,’ which means fasting is the very first element of the spiritual journey to God. All the prophets in their spiritual journey have been seeking assistance with fasting.
1. Prophet Moses
“I had gone up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant which He had made with you; and I remained on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights without eating bread or drinking water. Then the Lord gave me the two stone tablets..”1
2. Prophet Jesus
In his spiritual journey was aided by fasting against the devil: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil, and after fasting 40 days and 40 nights he was hungry…”2
It also appears from chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke that the disciples would frequently fast and pray.
3. Prophet of Islam
The entire Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet of Islam in the holiest night of the holiest month of Ramadhan; the month of fasting.
“The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an is revealed.” 2:185
“Indeed, We revealed it (the entire Qur’an) in the night of Measure.” 97:1
According to many Hadiths, the Torah was revealed to Moses on the 6th of Ramadhan, Injil was revealed to Jesus on the 12th of Ramadhan, Psalms of David revealed to him on the 18th of Ramadhan and the Holy Qur’an in the Night of Qadr (most probably 23rd of Ramadhan).3
In other words, all revelations occurred during the fasting month of Ramadhan. Could it be any reason more important than the spirituality of fasting?
🍃 Benefits of Fasting
1) Physical Healing
It is quoted from the Prophet of Islam to have said: “Fast, you’ll be healthy”. An Egyptian pyramid inscription in 3800B.C also reads: “Humans live on one-quarter of what they eat; on the three-quarters live their doctor!”
The three fathers of Western Medicine; (Hippocrates, Galen & Paracelsus) prescribed fasting as the greatest remedy and the physician within. Life Magazine in its September 1996 issue considered fasting: the healing revolution.There are more than 500 medical journal articles available on therapeutic fasting on the internet.
The outstanding physicians named fasting as being; the medicine for the 21st century. They believe the human body is designed to heal itself, if only given the opportunity. Dr. Otto Buchinger; Germany’s great fasting therapist after more than 100,000 fasting cures says: “Fasting is, without doubt, the most effective biological method of treatment.. it is the operation without surgery… it is a cure involving exudation, redirection, loosening up and purified relaxation.”
He furthers therapeutically; fasting cures many of our modern illnesses, including the following: allergies, cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases of the digestive system, degenerative and painfully inflammatory illnesses of the joints, myriad disturbances in one’s eating behavior, glaucoma, initial malfunction of the kidneys, tension and migraine headaches, as well as skin diseases. Preventively, it’s designed to cleanse, and to regenerate, rejuvenate and restore a person’s sense of well-being, in body, mind and soul. As Doctor Buchinger would conclude: "When the body fasts, the soul is hungry; when the body becomes lighter, the soul also craves relief."
Dr. Joel Fuhrman in Fasting and Eating for Health notes: “Fasting has been repeatedly observed to alleviate neuroses, anxiety and depression.”4
Fasting marvelously decomposes and burns all the cells and tissue that are aged, damaged, diseased, weakened or dead, a process called in medicine autolyze or self-digest or detoxification.
Michael Rosenbaum, M.D., Director of the California-based Orthomolecular Health Medicine Medical Society, notes on the significance of fasting as a detoxification program: "The hidden cause of many chronic pains, diseases and illnesses may be invisible toxins, chemicals, heavy metals and parasites that invade our bodies . . .Chances are slim that your doctor will tell you that toxins may be the root cause of your health problems. He or she may not even know about how these toxins are affecting your body . . . As your cells go, so goes your health. If your cells have been invaded by toxins and dangerous chemicals, your resistance to disease is diminished. Clean and nourish your cells, and you’re on the road to better health."
When by fasting you stop the input of nutrition for a while, then a flurry of cleansing starts up, the rugs are lifted and the dirty dishes are brought out of the cabinet where they were stashed. Cleansing begins in earnest. U.S Congress approved $20 million in 1998 for funding of the National Institutes of Health’s fledging office of Alternative Medicine. This went up to $50 million in 1999 and to $68.7 million in 2000 which shows the growing interest of the Congress.
🍃 Healing Crises
Those fasting sometimes experience side effects during the first days. The side effects may vary from fatigue, malaise, headaches, vomiting to the symptoms of cold and flu. These reactions are sometimes called in medicine healing crises, which are temporary and caused due to elimination and cleansing of toxins. A fasting person should be patient and let this period pass.
I should however stress that there are circumstances, which exempt people from fasting as mentioned in detail in the books of Islamic Jurisprudence, e.g. a diabetic who not only needs to take regular medication but their diet is very strict through out the day, hence should not fast, or else not only his/her fasting is void, it is even considered sinful. Similarly, a pregnant woman is exempt from fasting if it is going to either harm her or the baby. In general, the rule is that fasting is forbidden, if the person is confident that fasting will be physically harmful to them.
2) Social Healing
“Truly! Allah wrongs not mankind in aught; but mankind wrong themselves.”10:44
A man wrote a letter to Imam Askari (a.s) asking him: “For what reason did Allah make fasting compulsory?”
The Imam (a.s) wrote in reply: “God has made fasting compulsory so that the rich shall find the pain of hunger so they have a mercy upon the poor.”5
Starvation and its related diseases causes one person per second to die on this planet, 75% of them being infants and children under the age of 5.
Typically, stories involving deaths in Africa receive lesser coverage than those, which occur elsewhere. Nonetheless, let us read the following news.
Exodus newsmagazine in its July 22, 2001 issue reported: Starvation In Ethiopia, Help Slowly Arriving, Death Toll Cannot Be Determined By Howard A. Gutman
“A massive tragedy is unfolding in Ethiopia as thousands of starving people are expected to die. Without help, many expect the death toll to be in the millions. Yet little is being done in the U.S.”
According to the same newsmagazine in the last famine, there were approximately one million deaths.
Now compare the above news with the following:
‘More than half of U.S adults (20+) are overweight. Nearly one-quarter of U.S adults are obese.’ And the figures are drastically increasing. This is despite all weight-loss programs in these countries.
According to Wolf & Colditz in ‘Current estimates of the Economic Cost of Obesity in the US 1998’: “Economic cost in the U.S related to the overweight in 1995 was the total of $99.2 billion. And according to the same source Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services. This includes low calorie foods, artificially sweetened products; such as sodas and memberships to commercial weight-loss centres.
And if you want to know whether you are among those over-weight people in a time when starvation causes one person per second to die, here is your scale.
The biggest problem facing the world today is not people dying in the streets of Mumbai, Zimbabwe or Ethiopia; it is rather the lack of a sense of caring for those disadvantaged people whose rights have been usurped by others. Fasting provides the opportunity for the faster to feel and find for himself or herself the pain and agony that a poor person is going through. A fasting person can also keep his or her money, usually spent on lunch, away to feed a group of poor people with. Thus, Zakatul-fitreh is compulsory and is regarded as the compilation of fasting.
Nonetheless, some fasters sleep during the day as much as they can to avoid the so-called pains of fasting, and upon sunset enjoy a feast greedily and hence lose the entire medical, social and spiritual benefits of it.
Reduction of crimes during the month of Ramadhan is another social benefit of fasting.
3) Spiritual Healing
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may gain self-restraint.” 2:183
Despite all the abovementioned benefits of fasting, we believe the main benefits of religious fasting are its spiritual rejuvenation and healing.
Fasting is prevention from certain things most of which are not only normally permissible but also even quite essential in our lives. By fasting we avoid food and drink which are the main nutritional sources for our body. This challenge against permissible and normally useful inputs is to give us the strength to avoid taking things that are harmful, including toxins, for our body and soul. In other words, I am able to fast against Halal food and soft drink over a month, should I not be able, by far, to fast against intoxicants and Haram foods over a year?
This is in spite of the fact that the first are my essential needs and the latter are not. A religious fasting is not just a physical diet program. When we fast from food we are expected to also fast from all harmful and forbidden actions and intentions. I may call this process a spiritual detoxification.
Fasting, if made with the intention of closeness to God, ascends one from the kingdom of animals to the realm of angels. You therefore, close your physical mouth to open your spiritual mouth. You fast your body to let your spirit feast with mysterious morsels. When you fast, you empty your stomach from the bread to fill it up with Unique Glorious Pearls.
🍃 Fasting is the Heart of Servitude
Fasting is prevention and prevention is separation and detachment and detachment is the heart and the reality of servitude to God.
🍃 Other benefits of Fasting
Fasting has many other benefits such as punctuality, patience, contentment and many others that unless one fasts cannot really realize them.
🍃 Degrees of Fasting
A Natural Diet
people at this level fast solely for medical purposes. This is certainly not a religious fasting.
Religious Fasting
Religious fasting may be observed in three different levels:
1. Fasting of Al-Shari’ah (Jurisprudential Fasting)
Fasting for many Muslims is mainly to refrain from what they must jurisprudentially refrain from such as eating, drinking, sexual intercourse etc. Although this is the lowest and the least level of religious fasting, once it is offered for the sake of God, the faster is religiously considered fasting. To give you an idea of how low the level of this stage is, let me share some examples with you. A Muslim girl may fast without practicing her Islamic dress code at school and her fasting is valid on this level. A Muslim may observe fasting and yet listens to rock and roll and his/her fasting is jurisprudentially valid.
No doubt, the purpose of fasting is not just to avoid food and drink and hence this is the very lowest level of fasting for the very beginners to start their journey towards perfection and promotion. Thus, it is quoted from the Prophet of Islam (S) that: “Many people gain nothing from their fasting save hunger and thirst.”6
The Shari’ah fasting is prescribed for beginners as a form of training to help them become acquainted to waking up at dawn with the excuse of eating and drinking lest they feel hungry and thirsty during the day, in order for them to experience the pleasant breeze at dawn, to be awake at a time when the divine cups of spirituality are served.
The least he is expected, therefore, to gain by the end of Ramadhan is to have gotten used to offering his/her morning prayers on time.
A faster at this level is expected to think why he or she is told to refrain from eating and drinking which are essential nutrition for his or her body? Could it be that by refraining from consuming the essentials I learn to more easily refrain from unnecessary and even harmful inputs to my body and soul? Once he or she successfully finishes a month of Shari’ah fasting by refraining from soft drinks and Halal food and even finds him/herself healthier than before, the faster should find it easier by far to avoid intoxicants or Haram foods which are even harmful for his or her body and does not really require.
Once the faster is aware of such facts, they will be ready to enter the higher level of fasting, which I have called the fasting of Al-Tariqat.
2. Fasting of Al-Tariqat (Ethical Fasting)
This is the fasting of noble people. People in this degree not only fast from what is jurisprudentially mentioned, but they also observe an ethical fasting too. Such noble fasters let their eyes, ears and all other body parts fast against whatever which is regarded in religion as Haram. Gossiping is always Haram, but for them it is more Haram during the fasting period. Non-Islamic dress is always Haram but for them is an essence during Ramadhan. This is called the fasting of Tariqat. Imam As-Sadiq (a.s) is quoted from his ancestors from the Prophet of Islam (S):
“When you fast, let your ears, your eyes, your hair, your skin and all your body fast too. Do not let your fasting day be the same as non-fasting ones.”7
It is quoted from Prophet Jesus to have said: “Renew yourselves and fast, for I tell you truly, except you fast, you shall never be freed from the power of Satan, and from all disease that come from Satan.”8
A lady whilst fasting was swearing at her maid in the presence of the Prophet of Islam (S). The Prophet (S) offered her some food to eat. She said: “I’m fasting O Messenger of God!” the Prophet replied: “How are you fasting and you swear at your maid. Fasting is not only from food and drink. Indeed God made it that way so that food and drink are used as a veil against other sins, verbal or action. How few are fasting and how many are just hungry.”9
3. Fasting of Al-Haqiqat (Mystical Fasting)
This is the highest level of fasting, which belongs solely to the special nobles. Fasters- who are not many- at this degree believe you are what you think and hence they fast from all other than God including, Paradise. They make sure that during the month of Ramadhan they detach themselves from whatever which is other than God. This state of absolute detachment (Al-Enqeta’) is the reality of servitude to God. This is why I named this stage the fasting of Al-Haqiqat (Reality).
They believe as physical fasting burns the fat and removes the toxins, such mental fasting also does the same to the mind. The reward of fasting in this degree is none other than God Himself, the Almighty. This is the meaning of the Holy Hadith that Allah the Almighty says: “I will reward all rituals of mankind from ten times to seven hundred times save Patience, for it is for Me and I am its reward, and Patience is fasting.”10
A faster at this stage, since he or she is fasting from other than God, deserves to be His guest in His month. This status is called in Islamic mysticism Assimilation in God, (Al-Fana’ Fil-Lah) which is the ultimate purpose of servitude to God. To this end, Muslim mystics consider fasting even greater than prayers, in that, the devotee during his prayers needs to engage his organs, which in a sense means engagement within the self, whereas fasting is equal to refraining and detachment and requires no engagement. This is the stage where one can gain the Visit of God as described in the Ayah, in the beginning of this article, as the ultimate purpose of servitude to God.
🍃🕊🍃 al-Islam.org 🍃🕊🍃
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