• Dr. Benjamin Ticho

    MD Ophthalmology
  • Image-3
  • About

    Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Benjamin Ticho practices in Southwest Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. He has educated scores of ophthalmology residents and fellows and worked as a principal investigator in some of the most important ophthalmic clinical research studies of the last two decades as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at The University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Ticho is also the founder and owner of Ticho Eye Associates, which has locations in Chicago Ridge, Tinley Park, and Munster, Indiana.

    Dr. Ticho's main focus is on direct patient care, which includes cataract surgery, strabismus correction, and oculoplastic disorders. He believes in taking the time to explain findings and treatment choices to patients.

    Dr. Ben Ticho is a general and pediatric ophthalmologist who has been practicing for over 30 years in the Chicago Metropolitan region. He is the lead physician of Ticho Eye Associates and has been recognized in Top Doctor Chicago Magazine 2020 and 2021, as well as West Suburban Living magazine in 2014. He is board-certified in ophthalmology and has been re-certified three times by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Ticho has lectured hundreds of medical students about the newest in ophthalmic treatment at conferences, symposia, and board review courses across the country.

  • What exactly does oculoplastic disease refer to?

    published on: 08-23-2022
  • Oculoplastic illnesses are a group of eye conditions affecting the eyes and the tissues surrounding them. Eye problems like these might range from dry eyes to puffy eyes. In some cases, patients afflicted with these disorders may benefit from oculoplastic surgery. This surgical technique has the potential to cure the ailment and significantly enhance one's quality of life. In addition, patients who suffer from other symptoms related to the condition can also benefit from the surgery. Ptosis, dysphagia, and external ophthalmoplegia are a few examples of these conditions.

    A surgical method that restores the natural appearance and function of the eyelids is the therapy for stasis. This process is performed during the surgical treatment for stasis. This treatment is often done on an outpatient basis and takes between thirty and sixty minutes, on average, to complete. After surgery, patients can return to work and their regular activities, although they should refrain from physically taxing activities for at least three weeks. In addition, patients should refrain from drinking alcohol and engaging in other activities that could worsen their illness during this period.

    The evaluation of the patient's ocular motility, which may involve an x-ray, is the standard procedure for diagnosing a toss. In addition, ptosis may be associated with drooping of the eyelid and a reduction in the visual field. People with ptosis could also complain of a painful sensation or experience wet eyes. It's possible that reading some of the entries could give you a case of crossed eyes. The viability of treatment is contingent on the degree to which the illness has progressed.

    The condition makes it such that the eyelids cannot move in any way. People with progressive external ophthalmoplegia will experience a general weakening of the muscles in their arms and legs as the condition progresses. This weakness becomes more apparent with physical activity and makes swallowing difficult. Hearing loss and a lack of sensation are two more symptoms of this condition. Patients can seek support in various ways, even though there is currently no specific treatment available for this condition.

    Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that several medical diseases can bring on. The lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that governs swallowing, can become dysfunctional due to certain diseases. Radiation therapy is one of the conditions, in addition to other conditions that might cause a person to have difficulties swallowing. Additionally, certain disorders may cause the back of the esophagus to become more constricted. As a consequence of this, the patient may have trouble swallowing as a result. Weak muscles in the throat can also bring on a condition known as dysphagia.

    There is still a lot of mystery about what causes progressive external ophthalmoplegia. However, it has been discovered that abnormalities in mitochondrial DNA are the most common cause of this condition. Despite the poor progress that has been made in understanding the etiology of the disease, scientists are already identifying novel mutations that may contribute to the beginning of the disease. Ultimately, working on developing a treatment for this illness is essential. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to determine what causes external ophthalmoplegia, but the very first signs of the disease are ptosis and a lifting of the chin. In addition to destroying eye muscles, this disease can make it impossible for a person to turn their head in specific directions.

    Someone who suffers from dysphagia is unable to swallow their food or liquids. This illness can have various root causes, including intrinsic and extrinsic abnormalities of the esophagus. Some of these conditions make the esophagus more constricted, making it difficult to successfully swallow both liquids and solids. In addition, after suffering a stroke or other trauma, some individuals can have trouble swallowing. Finally, the presence of a tracheostomy tube is another potential reason for the condition.

    In addition, people may suffer from dysphagia due to a co-occurring condition like malignancy. For example, cancer patients who suffer from dysphagia are typically directed to oncologists who specialize in removing tumors to undergo surgical treatment for their condition. A person with this illness has a slight chance of developing malnutrition, but it does happen. In a scenario like this, it is essential to keep a close eye on the patient's vital signs and conduct a neurological examination.

    An autoimmune attack on the eye tissues brought on by an overactive thyroid gland is the primary symptom of oculoplastic disease, which is a condition. The symptoms might range from simple dryness of the eyes to more severe issues, including bulging eyes. Oculoplastic surgery is one method that may be considered for treatment. Patients experiencing thyroid eye disease symptoms should make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist so that the appropriate treatment can be determined. Dr. Marx is responsible for starting the TED program at the University of Utah, which is now the only program of its kind in the Mountain West.

    Women are more likely to be affected by thyroid eye disease than males, but men are more likely to have severe forms of the condition. This condition is passed down through generations and affects women more frequently than men. In most cases, symptoms won't appear until the middle years. Even though the precise prevalence is unclear, it is believed that 16 per 100,000 women and 2.9 per 100,000 males are affected by it. There is a possibility that some women will not experience any symptoms until the eye illness has developed into a more advanced state.

  • Direct Patient Care: Some Illustrations

    Published on: 08/11/2022
  • The jobs listed below are examples of those that fall under the category of direct patient care. These positions include patient transporter, pharmacy technician, emergency medical technician, certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, physical therapy assistant, dental hygienist, and paramedic. These roles may be more closely connected with providing direct patient care than other positions in the healthcare industry because of their direct interaction with patients. These workers engage in a wide variety of duties, all of which can be grouped together under the umbrella term of "direct patient care."

    There is a wide variety of accessible choices when it comes to patient treatment. Visits to the doctor, prescription reminders, assistance with ambulation, bathing, meal preparation, and the use of communication devices are all examples of direct patient care that can be provided in the patient's home. Some patients have adapted equipment or prosthetic devices, while others need assistance with activities of daily living such as cooking, obtaining food, and other normal duties. Adaptive equipment and prosthetic devices can be found in the medical field. In recent years, these choices have become increasingly prevalent, and several states have begun creating programs to address the demands brought on by this trend.

    It is possible that the standard state Medicaid plan will pay for the in-home care services that you need, but this will depend on the sort of Medicaid program that you have. Assistance with personal care, adult day care, and temporary relief from regular caregiving responsibilities are all provided by some programs. Medicaid's reimbursement rate for consumer-directed caregivers can vary from state to state, but it's almost always far lower than the going rate on the market. The policies and procedures that govern Medicaid in your state could determine whether or not you have access to this kind of medical treatment in your location.

    There are numerous advantages associated with the expanding trend of concierge medicine. The services that are provided by concierge physicians are often superior to those that are provided by standard doctors, as there is less paperwork involved and wait times are significantly reduced. Patients who have diseases that are chronic or who have large deductibles can also benefit greatly from the program. However, the advantages of concierge treatment are not limited to just better health outcomes and shorter wait times. Patients can gain a better understanding of their own health as well as the health of their loved ones with the assistance of concierge physicians.

    The idea of providing medical care through a concierge service is not novel, and there are many distinct iterations of this practice. One Medical, for instance, provides its clients with virtual treatment around the clock and bills their health insurance directly. Retainer medicine and boutique medicine are two more terms for concierge medicine. A single doctor or a small group of doctors may offer these services. Many suppliers offer a la carte service provision, allowing you to pick and select the coverage you require from a single provider.

    The Affiliate Network business model is used by medical institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center to increase their reach. The affiliate network places its primary emphasis on delivering straightforward obstetric care, however it also acknowledge the value contributed by partner physicians. Affiliates in their service areas can access the specialized care for complicated illnesses offered by Vanderbilt, including hematology and oncology. These affiliates frequently have relationships with local hospitals, which contribute to the expansion of the company's network of hospitals.

    An affiliate will work with a variety of different marketing channels in order to advertise a product. In some cases, a consumer may be persuaded to make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate's link to a product or service. An affiliate program typically pays a commission on each sale made through its link. Affiliates typically focus on a specific demographic or personal brand in order to generate the most income possible from their efforts. Commercials are a frequent method of doing this. Affiliate marketing can also be done through online retailers, which is another version of the practice.

    Hospitalists are general practitioners who focus their practice on delivering patient care inside an inpatient setting. These doctors are able to speed up the process of going from ER patient to inpatient. These doctors provide all-around care, communicating with patients and their loved ones and coordinating the efforts of specialists and general practitioners. Hospitalists work around the clock, every day of the week. Their abilities are absolutely necessary in order to provide care of a high standard. But there is a limit to what they can accomplish.

    Hospitalists typically hold board certification and have prior experience providing medical attention to critically ill patients. They collaborate closely with a variety of other medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, among other doctors and advanced practice experts. They usually have a full schedule every day because they see so many patients. A visit to the primary care physician is often necessary after hospitalization for many individuals. As a result of the fact that many patients do not have a primary care physician prior to their hospital stay, hospitalists are able to assist these patients in finding one.

    Millions of people in the United States of America turn to nurse practitioners as their primary healthcare providers. They have the ability to oversee a patient's health, administer medication, coordinate care, and promote a treatment plan that is centered on the individual needs of the patient. Typically, NPs are required to obtain a license from the state in which they operate and might choose to specialize in either primary care or acute care. The scope of a nurse practitioner's practice has been expanded in various states. As a consequence of this, the nurse practitioner is able to carry out a number of tasks, such as evaluating the state of health of patients and providing patients with advice regarding the prevention of disease and the maintenance of their own health.

    Scientific basis, leadership, technology, quality, health delivery system, ethics, and autonomous practice are the nine competency categories that have been identified for direct nursing by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. You will work toward obtaining these competencies if you choose a career as a nurse practitioner. Providers of health care services would be hard pressed to function without these skills. In addition to clinical expertise, nurse practitioners also need technical know-how and familiarity with nursing information systems. In addition, nurse specialists need to be able to demonstrate core thinking skills in order to put their knowledge into effective practice. Integrity in clinical practice and adherence to the ethical standards set forth by the specialty's governing body are prerequisites for nurse specialists.

    You will have the ability to make a direct impact on the lives of patients if you choose to become a registered nurse. Your responsibilities could include everything from dispensing drugs to conducting diagnostic tests, depending on the area of expertise and the department you work in. It's possible that part of your job include advising patients on how to manage the potential negative effects of their medical conditions and treatments. There is a wide variety of specializations available for registered nurses. Many individuals will be affected by your work, no matter what field you enter. In a hospital, the following are some of the most common occupations.

    Registered nurses have options to choose from in terms of the types of nursing occupations they can pursue. The speed of work in these professions can range from quick and furious to quiet and relaxed, with ample opportunity to develop relationships with patients. It is possible for registered nurses to work with patients of all ages, from very preterm infants to old persons who are getting close to the end of their lives. They are also able to work with school-aged youngsters and individuals who are voluntarily receiving cosmetic surgery. No matter what path you take, there is a subfield that is tailor-made for you.

  • How Can You Determine Whether Your Eyes Are Unhealthy?

    Published On: 07/25/2022
  • If your eyes are unhealthy, you will observe a gray line in them. The focal point is a collection of fat deposits on the cornea, the transparent, curved surface of the eye. Typically harmless, these deposits allow your eye to focus. However, if your concentration grows to a full ring, you may have dangerously high cholesterol.

    The presence of a crust on your eyes indicates that your eyes are dry and suffering from high blood pressure. This can be a sign of serious eye conditions, such as a stroke. In addition, if you observe sudden flashes of light, this may indicate that your retina is detached or tearing. If you observe this, you should consult an ophthalmologist.

    Some vision problems are painless, while others can result in permanent blindness. A recent CDC study revealed that 21 million Americans suffer from some form of vision impairment. Numerous of these vision issues can be treated with contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, severe eye problems can result in sudden eye damage or even blindness. How then can you determine if your eyes are healthy?

    Those with normal vision should have healthy eyes. If your eyes are healthy, you can clearly read printed material. If you are unable to see, you should visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. If you have poor vision, myopia may be the cause. Myopia typically begins during childhood and worsens with age. It occurs when the light entering the eye is not properly focused, resulting in distorted images.

    Diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of developing eye diseases. For instance, diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss and blindness. Although there are no cures for eye diseases, you can take steps to reduce your risk. Start immediately if you want to safeguard your eyes and prevent their deterioration. Your vision is more significant than you may realize. Examining your eyes by a doctor is crucial to your eye health.

    Your vision is valuable, and a skilled ophthalmologist can save it. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult an eye doctor. Your symptoms may be early warning signs of serious eye diseases, and early detection of eye diseases can save your eyesight. Once these issues are detected early, they are treatable. In addition, you will have peace of mind knowing that your eyes are in good health.

    Experiencing sudden flashes of light in your vision may indicate eye problems. Some of these symptoms, like those that occur after watching a movie or waking up in the morning, may be harmless. The appearance of blind spots in the center of your field of vision is an additional indication of an eye problem. This can be a sign of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, or trauma.

    Eye redness is indicative of a wide variety of conditions. It could lead to swelling and vision loss if left untreated. Some eye conditions are even life-threatening. If you observe redness in your eyes, you should visit an optometrist. They can also determine if you have night vision problems. Consult a physician if you notice that your eyes are red and swollen.

    Additionally, many people suffer from dry eyes. It is a common and persistent problem. Your eye's surface is covered with tears that prevent infection, remove debris, and keep the front of your eye clear. Excess tears drain through tiny drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids and out the back of the nose. An imbalance between these two processes can result in symptoms of dry eye.

  • Should be Empty: