Look Out for Healthy Eyes.

[Doc Alan]

This is an issue which is likely to get worse with an ageing population – although most global blindness and impaired vision can be prevented or cured, given the resources. Failure to invest in early detection and treatment means increased spending later on health, social care, education, training and support … or blindness. Individuals – and governments – can surely see that coming.

• Everyone should have their eyes tested at least once every two years. An eye examination can not only pick up treatable local conditions but also detect changes such as high blood pressure – before there are any symptoms. In the UK eye tests are free for many ( under 16, under 19 in full-time education, over 60, diabetic, eye conditions in your family ). You may otherwise have to pay for a private sight test in UK or Philippines – the cost varies.
• It’s worth noting that glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses should have built-in UV protection. Also, a healthy diet ( including foods containing sufficient vitamins A and C, lutein, and omega 3 ) is not only good for general health - it reduces the chances of eye disease.
• There are both similarities and differences in causes of impaired vision between UK and Philippines.
• Childhood blindness is commoner in Philippines, yet many are treatable or preventable. Poor nutrition ( Vitamin A deficiency ), and measles may cause corneal scarring or cataracts, if supplements or vaccination are not available ; prematurity may cause abnormal blood vessels and scarring in the retina.
• Trachoma ( caused by a chlamydia ) is a worldwide problem, transmitted through dirty hands, towels and flies, which affects eyelids and corneas. It exists in Philippines but is commoner elsewhere, being preventable and treatable ( “ SAFE “ = lid Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental changes ).
• Cataracts ( clouding of the lens ) are important causes of poor vision, and over half of world blindness – significant in both UK and Philippines. Cases are increasing as people live longer. Risk factors include smoking, UV light, diabetes and obesity. Treatment is by surgery – for as little as £ 20, but shamefully unavailable to millions of people who could be cured - or laser.
• Glaucoma is also common in both countries – it’s genetic, with no early symptoms, due to high pressure within the eyes damaging the optic nerve, and treatable medically or surgically if diagnosed early.
• Diabetic eye disease – retinopathy – can be partly prevented and treated. Diabetes is common in both countries. Risk factors include duration of diabetes and high blood pressure. Eye screening at least once a year is recommended.
• Age Related Macular Degeneration - since it involves the central part of the retina, the central field of vision is affected. Risk factors include smoking, poor diet and old age. Major worldwide cause of blindness, relatively commoner in UK. Treatment may include drugs, lasers, and surgery.
• Myopia ( short sightedness ) – and other “ refractive errors “ – could be treated with spectacles or contact lenses, sadly not available to many in the Philippines and elsewhere. It has emerged as a major health issue in east Asian cities – it’s been suggested that the increasing frequency is due to life-style changes such as educational pressures, and spending less time out of doors.
• There are other emerging eye problems such as “ dry eye syndrome “ from prolonged close work such as gazing at computer screens, central heating or air conditioning, wind, smoke, hay fever, and medical side effects. Safety goggles, humidifiers, and antihistamines may help.

[lastlid]

Mrs Lastlid had her eyes checked only last week. Free.

She needs glasses as she is short sighted. Taking advantage of the normal Specsavers offer. BOGOF. And she will be collecting her glasses in a few days.

She enjoyed the experience.

PS. I think they are having to adjust the frames to suit her dinky pinay nose.

[Steve.r]

Interesting post Alan. I know i need my eyes tested for sure.

[imagine]

good post Doc Alan, and reminds me to check when my next appointment is, now where did i put my glasses

[stevewool]

yes a good post, and yes i need my eyes testing too,

[andy222]

Mrs Lastlid had her eyes checked only last week. Free.

She needs glasses as she is short sighted. Taking advantage of the normal Specsavers offer. BOGOF. And she will be collecting her glasses in a few days.

She enjoyed the experience.

PS. I think they are having to adjust the frames to suit her dinky pinay nose.

Watch it Laslid she might see you in a different light.

[lastlid]

Watch it Laslid she might see you in a different light.

You mean she sees me through rose tinted glasses right now...

[joebloggs]

what about floaters DocAlan, something i have in my right eye, not sure thats the correct name, sometimes it looks like a gnat flying in front of my eye.

[juvyjones28]

Thanks for the info Doc Alan, I get blurry vision sometimes and definitely need an eye glasses especially when I start driving.

[Doc Alan]

what about floaters DocAlan, something i have in my right eye, not sure thats the correct name, sometimes it looks like a gnat flying in front of my eye.

" Floaters " are the commonly used name, Joebloggs. They're tiny pieces of opaque " debris " in the normally clear vitreous jelly ( humour ), and cast shadows on the retina which are what you notice. No offence, but they're part of natural ageing - I have them !
Usually they don't require treatment and may only be recognised when having an eye test because the brain has " learned " to ignore them.
The only time floaters may indicate something serious is if they suddenly appear, or short flashes of light are seen in one eye. These could be warning signs of retinal detachment - a rare condition but an emergency. Injury can also cause retinal detachment ( at any age ). If this does happen, don't delay - get to hospital A and E ( Casualty ) immediately. A detached retina needs surgical reattachment to prevent blindness in that eye.

[joebloggs]

i'm not that old yet
normally i can only see it in day light out side, 95% of the time i cant see it, maybe my brain is just ignoring it as i've not seen it for a week or so after a few months of seeing it.

[lastlid]

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/39521-Oh-sorry-!

[Doc Alan]

• It’s good that a few members appreciate this serious health issue. The state of the world’s eye health is not good and likely to get worse. The increasing population, with a higher proportion of older and obese people, more diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts are the main factors. Until recently “ neglected “ tropical diseases such as trachoma, and paradoxically also malnutrition, are others. It’s been estimated that up to 100 children lose their sight every week in the Philippines, at least half being treatable or preventable. Few if any will go blind from cataracts in the UK – not so in the Philippines.
• The World Health Organization ( WHO ) estimates that 285 million people in the world are blind or have a severely disabling visual impairment, and many of these simply cannot access a pair of spectacles, no laughing matter.
• The point of this thread is to draw attention to a health issue that should be a major concern to all. Those who can afford eye tests and treatment if needed should be grateful and think about how we may help others.

[mickcant]

Thank you for the information Doc Alan

I have worn glasses for at least 30 years and do have the test every 2 years.
Our eyes are very important to us.
Mick.

[raynaputi]

great post Doc! good thing a have a 25-25 vision!

[lastlid]

Mrs Lastlid had her eyes checked only last week. Free.

She needs glasses as she is short sighted. Taking advantage of the normal Specsavers offer. BOGOF. And she will be collecting her glasses in a few days.

She enjoyed the experience.

PS. I think they are having to adjust the frames to suit her dinky pinay nose.

The point of this thread is to draw attention to a health issue that should be a major concern to all. Those who can afford eye tests and treatment if needed should be grateful and think about how we may help others.

Mrs Lastlid is pretty thankful for so little in life and thus realises how lucky she is that she has access to a free eye test and now can afford not just a pair of spectacles but some with a half decent style to them. Back in the Philippines she wouldn't normally have been able to afford the specs or benefit from a free test.

[Jack1969_uk]

Doc I have been told I have Miopia is this to do with Cataracts they say I will need a Operation within the next 5yrs. I wore glasses for 50yrs now since I was 3yrs old yes inclusing the wire NHS ones as a kid.

[Doc Alan]

• " Doc I have been told I have Miopia is this to do with Cataracts they say I will need a Operation within the next 5yrs. I wore glasses for 50yrs now since I was 3yrs old yes inclusing the wire NHS ones as a kid. ( Jack_1969uk ). "
• Myopia simply means short-sightedness – you can clearly see objects and read close up but not at a distance. Hyperopia means long-sightedness – you can see distant objects and read by holding the book or newspaper at arm’s length. In theory as your eye muscles weaken with age, the lens becomes thinner and myopia changes to hyperopia. Unfortunately other defects such as astigmatism ( blurred vision because of irregular shaped cornea or lens ) tend to develop. All of these are “ refractive errors “.
• Cataracts – clouding of the lens – are the major cause of impaired vision ( possibly leading to blindness ) throughout the world, although they don’t normally cause short-sightedness. Usually one eye is affected more than the other, and most are age-related. If your specialist has diagnosed cataract(s) and said an operation is needed, this involves removal of the involved lens and replacement by an artificial ( plastic ) lens. It’s done under local anaesthesia, takes around 20 minutes, and vision should improve within 2 or 3 days.
• Of course any member, partner, family or friends having an eye test should have a full explanation of any abnormality found – by the optician, doctor ( GP ) or specialist ( ophthalmic ) surgeon.
• We are so lucky having the NHS in the UK, but at least we should be aware of how common eye problems are. Simple measures – eye testing, screening for diabetes, good diet, wearing sunglasses – would help, and not smoking would also save money !
• At least 1/10 in the UK, and fewer in the Philippines, have never had an eye test. Even if the estimate of 100 children losing sight each week in the Philippines is exaggerated, a tenth of that number is still too many.

[lordna]

Sorry Doc...cant read it as my eyes need testing!....Just joking! a good post and a reminderr to me to get my eyes tested.

[messi121lion]

good information to keep safe your eyes, very useful information is shared, keep posting i am listening.