Category: Optometry

UV EYE SAFETY

UV EYE SAFETY

We protect our skin with sunscreen, but what about our eyes? Most of us are aware of the dangerous effects ultraviolet (UV) rays have on our skin but few of us realize the danger imposed on our eyes. UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or artificial UV rays can damage the eyes surface tissues as well as the cornea, lens and retina. Also, UV radiation can burn the front surface of the eye, much like a sunburn on the skin.

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years may increase the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, which is the nerve rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. This damage to the retina is usually not reversible. Cumulative damage of repeated exposure to UV rays may contribute to chronic eye disease, as well as increasing the risk of cancer around the eyelids.

Long term exposure to UV light is also a risk factor in the development of pterygium (a growth that invades the corner of the eye) and pinguecula (a yellowish, slightly raised lesion that forms on the surface tissue of the white part of your eye).

Each time we are out in the sun without protection, we are increasing the risk of UV damage which contributes to our risks for these serious disorders. People of all ages should take precaution whenever they are outdoors. UV blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats are highly recommended outdoors.

Uche Agenmonmen (O .D)

Optometrist.

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Tips for your Eye Health -The Do's

Tips for your Eye Health -The Do's

It goes without saying that the eye is an important part of the body and how we care for it determines the length of time both pairs will last us during our life time.

Here are a few simple tips to maintain good eye health: “THE DOS”

  • Do eat balanced diets and food high in antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins A, C, E. These nutrients help in reducing cataracts, macular degeneration and other age-related vision problems. Green vegetables, beans, nuts, green vegetables and fruits like carrots, oranges etc are good sources of these nutrients.
  • Do maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercising helps the heart, maintains healthy weight reducing the risk of conditions like hypertension, obesity and diabetes which are leading causes of blindness. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake also predisposes you to vision problems.
  • Do apply only medications and use spectacles/contact lenses that are prescribed by your eye doctor.
  • Do protect your eye with safety eye wears such as protective goggles when handling potentially hazardous objects and engaging in certain sporting activities.
  • Do protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays of sunlight by wearing UV blocking sunglasses to prevent cataract, pterygium and retinal damage.
  • Do wash your hands always especially after using the toilet and direct your children to wash their hands also after playing because dangerous germs can be transferred to the eyes from the environment.
  • Do a rough eye test for yourself by closing one eye after the other and compare how the two eyes see as one eye may not be seeing well and so may go unnoticed.
  • Do apply only clean water as first Aid to your eyes when you feel a foreign body sensation and go to the nearest eye hospital for medical attention.
  • Do regular eyes check annually even if you do not have any complains. This is important to detect certain eye conditions (like glaucoma) that are hereditary and may even be asymptomatic. Also people that are 40 years and above should note that many eye problems such as presbyopia, cataract etc manifests around this time.

In our next edition, we shall consider the “DON’TS’’ in maintaining good eye health.

It is possible to enjoy good vision during your lifetime, so do the needful by doing an annual check with your eye doctor.

Dr Ukachukwu F. U

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that lead to irreversible damage of the optic nerve (nerve of the eye that carries visual information to the brain) resulting to permanent loss of vision in the affected eye(s). In many cases, this damage occurs when eye fluid (aqueous) builds up, raising the eye pressure (intraocular pressure). Normally this fluid flows out of the eye through a mesh-like channel called the anterior chamber angle. An imbalance in the production and drainage of this fluid arising from over production or channel blockage, builds up fluid, causing glaucoma. In other cases, some people may have ‘normal’ or ‘low’ tension glaucoma in which optic nerve damage and vision loss have occurred despite a normal eye pressure . Also, the term ‘ocular hypertension’ is used for cases having constantly raised eye pressure without any associated optic nerve damage and they are referred to as glaucoma suspects. Worldwide, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness and is sometimes referred to as the “silent thief of sight”.

Two main classification are Open angle and Closed angle glaucoma.

Open angle (chronic) Glaucoma: the commonest type is painless progressing slowly and unnoticed until side vision has drastically reduced as a result of eye pressure build up despite an open drainage channel.

Closed angle (acute) Glaucoma: a sudden and painful build up of eye pressure occurs from blockage of the drainage channel. An ocular emergency, the other eye is often at risk of an attack if one eye is affected. Symptoms may come and go at first, or steadily become worse.

Sometimes glaucoma is present at birth (congenital) while at other times it is due to secondary causes such as agents like corticosteroids, eye diseases such as uveitis, systemic diseases etc.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS: Apart from a raised IOP, other predisposing factors include:

1) Heredity/Family history: a higher risk of having glaucoma exists if a member of your family has it. 2) Age: most often occurs in adults over age 40, but it can also occur in young adults, children, and even infants. 3) Race: Africans and African-Americans are at an increased risk compared to Caucasians. 4) Medical conditions: like diabetes and hypothyroidism. A number of studies also suggest a possible correlation between hypertension and the development of glaucoma. 5) Refractive error(s): like shortsightedness (myopia). 6) Prolonged steroid use (steroid-induced glaucoma) especially if eye drops. 7) Other eye conditions: including severe eye (blunt or chemical) injury, retinal detachment, eye tumors, some eye infections and inflammations, certain eye surgeries, conditions that severely restrict blood flow to the eye, such as severe diabetic retinopathy and central retinal vein occlusion (neovascular glaucoma); and uveitis.

SYMPTOMS: include one or more of these including loss of peripheral or side vision, sudden eye pain, headache, decreased/cloudy vision, appearance of rainbow-like halos around lights, redness, feeling of swollen eyes and a fixed, mid-dilated pupil, eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants), nausea or vomiting, and sudden onset of poor vision especially in low light.

TESTS: usually painless and take very little time, includes measurement of the intraocular pressure via tonometry (often the first line of screening for people with glaucoma), fundoscopy (examination of the optic nerve to look for any visible damage), drainage angle examination (gonioscopy), visual field measurement and a whole lot of others.

MANAGEMENT: Glaucoma has no cure. The key is early diagnosis and management to lower eye pressure, prevent/minimize damage to the optic nerve, preserve visual field and enhance the total quality of life for patients. Regular eye examinations with an eye doctor including glaucoma screening can save your sight.

Dr Ukachukwu F.U

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Digital Retinal Examination-2

Digital Retinal Examination-2

It is no longer news that the sectors operating on analogue technology have been encouraged to upgrade to digital technology. This is for obvious advantages of greater efficiency and to guarantee best results.

Imagine the marked difference seen between photographs taken by an analogue versus a digital camera! It is most likely the digital one would be preferred.

Eye care has advanced in instrumentation with sophistication in diagnostic tools. One of such advancement is in the novel introduction of digital retinal examination! This simple, painless and non invasive procedure gives a photo documentation of the retina (back of the eye that makes you see) reflecting a wider view of certain landmarks in the interior of the eye that is not possible with conventional methods.

The photo documentation of the retina can be used to screen and diagnose conditions like retinal tear/detachment, or even eye diseases like glaucoma, hypertensive retinopathy, and diabetic retinopathy amongst others. Furthermore, it can be referred to in subsequent examinations to compare, monitor progression of an eye disease and manage your eye health effectively to ensure that no condition goes undetected. Additionally, it aid patients in understanding the condition of the eye when reviewed with their eye doctor and can be made available to a specialist at another location anytime (even electronically) should the need arise.

It is therefore pertinent to note that digital retinal exam is an essential part of your comprehensive eye exam and is recommended for all patients at least once per year.

So when next you make that visit to your eye doctor, request for a digital retinal exam!

DR FAITH UKACHUKWU

OPTOMETRIST

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Computer Vision Syndrome Part 2

Computer Vision Syndrome Part 2

Tired looking office worker
Tired looking office worker

In our previous write-up, we discussed the meaning of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and the symptoms that accompany the condition. In this concluding part, we look at practical ways to manage computer vision syndrome.

SIMPLE WAYS TO MANAGE COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

  • POSITION OF COMPUTER/SMART DEVICE SCREEN: Place monitor directly in front of you, not off to one side. It should be about 20 – 28 inches away from you, placed not too high or blow preferably 15 – 20 degrees below eye level
  • CONTRAST: Adjust contrast between the background and characters on the screen and even brightness
  • REFERENCE MATERIALS: Place materials above the keyboard and below the monitor/screen so you do not move your head to look from document to screen. Get a document holder that is well lit beside the monitor
  • LIGHTING: Use fewer bulbs, fluorescent bulbs or bulbs of lower wattage in addition to window blinds or drapes to reduce glare from overhead lighting or windows
  • ANTIGLARE: Use antiglare screens for monitors that are compatible or special lenses from eye doctor. Sunglasses not ideal!
  • SEATING POSITION: Good seating position with back straight and shoulders back. Right chair height and adjusted so that your arms are parallel to the floor when you type. Feet should also be flat on the floor or on footstool.
  • REST BREAKS: Rest eyes for 15 minutes after 2hours of continuous computer use. Alternatively, for every 20minutes of computer viewing, focus on an object 20feet away for 20seconds (the 20-20-20 rule)
  • BLINKING: Blink regularly to avoid dry eyes
  • Regular visits with an eye doctor for your eye and visual needs: Even if you don’t need glasses or contact lenses for daily activities, you may need them for computer or device use. An eye checkup to get the right prescription can help prevent pain in the neck, shoulders or back that results from contorting your body to see the screen.

In conclusion, aside from the physical discomfort you may experience from the symptoms, computer vision syndrome (CVS) can have a lasting effect on your vision even after stopping work at a computer. The time to act is now!!!!!!!!

Dr Ukachukwu F.U

Optometrist

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