World Sight Day 2012

World Sight Day

11 October 2012

 

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness, visual impairment and rehabilitation of the visually impaired held on the second Thursday in October.

World Sight Day is observed around the world by all partners involved in preventing visual impairment or restoring sight.  It is also the main advocacy event for the prevention of blindness and for “Vision 2020: The Right to Sight”, a global effort to prevent blindness created by WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

World Sight Day is a global event that focuses on bringing attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is observed on the second Thursday of October each year.

What do people do?

The World Health Organization (WHO), which is the UN’s directing and coordinating authority for health, and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) are actively involved in coordinating events and activities for World Sight Day. Associations such as Lions Clubs International have also been actively involved in promoting the day on an annual basis for many years. Many communities, associations, and non-government organizations work together with WHO and IAPB to promote the day for the following purposes:

• To raise public awareness of blindness and vision impairment as major international public health issues.
• To influence governments, particularly health ministers, to participate in and designate funds for national blindness prevention programs.
• To educate target audiences about blindness prevention, about VISION 2020 and its activities, and to generate support for VISION 2020 program activities.

Some people plant trees to commemorate World Sight Day and while others submit a photo for an international photo montage that focuses on the theme of blindness. Other activities include taking part in awareness-raising walks or distributing and displaying posters, bookmarks, booklets and other forms of information the raise awareness about preventable blindness.

Public life

World Sight Day is a global observance but it is not a nationwide public holiday.

Background

The world’s population is ageing and people are living longer but blindness from chronic conditions is also rising, according to WHO. About 80 percent of the world’s 45 million blind people are aged over 50 years. About 90 percent of blind people live in low-income countries, where older people, especially older women, face barriers to getting the necessary eye health care. Yet, many age-related conditions leading to blindness – such as cataract, refractive error and glaucoma – can be easily and cheaply treated or cured. Timely intervention can often delay or reduce their effects on vision.

Lions Clubs International partnered with blindness prevention organizations worldwide to commemorate the first World Sight Day on October 8, 1998. This event was later integrated into VISION 2020, a global initiative that the IAPB coordinates. This initiative is a joint program between WHO and the IAPB. It involves non-government organizations, and professional associations, as well as eye care institutions and corporations.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/world_sight_day/en/index.html

Did You Know? – Glaucoma

Did You Know?
Did you know that you could be going blind and not even know it? That’s what glaucoma does. It sneaks up on you gradually. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. It affects 60.5 million people today and is set to reach 79.6 million by 2020.

If you have a family history of glaucoma, you’re at high risk. Glaucoma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled and the risk of blindness reduced-if glaucoma is detected and treated in time.

Get your eyes examined. Don’t lose sight of glaucoma.

Five Common Glaucoma Tests…

Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma.

It is important to have your eyes examined regularly. Your eyes should be tested:

• before age 40, every two to four years
• from age 40 to age 54, every one to three years
• from age 55 to 64, every one to two years
• after age 65, every six to 12 months

Anyone with high risk factors, should be tested every year or two after age 35.

A Comprehensive Glaucoma Exam

To be safe and accurate, five factors should be checked before making a glaucoma diagnosis:

Examining…	Name of Test
The inner eye pressure	Tonometry
The shape and color of the optic nerve	Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam)
The complete field of vision	Perimetry (visual field test)
The angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea	Gonioscopy
Thickness of the cornea	Pachymetry

Regular glaucoma check-ups include two routine eye tests: tonometry and ophthalmoscopy.

Tonometry

Tonometry measures the pressure within your eye. There are 2 different types for this test, which is the contact- tonometry (Goldmann Tonometry) and the non contact (air-puff) tonometry.

During contact tonometry, eye drops are used to numb the eye. Then a doctor or technician uses a tool called a tonometer to measure the inner pressure of the eye. A small amount of pressure is applied to the eye by a tiny tool or by a warm puff of air.

As for non-contact or air puff tonometry uses a special intrument that puffs air to the eye, measuring the inner pressure of the eye.

The range for normal pressure is 12-22 mm Hg (“mm Hg” refers to millimeters of mercury, a scale used to record eye pressure). Most glaucoma cases are diagnosed with pressure exceeding 20mm Hg. However, some people can have glaucoma at pressures between 12 -22mm Hg. Eye pressure is unique to each person.

 Ophthalmoscopy

This diagnostic procedure helps the doctor examine your optic nerve for glaucoma damage. Eye drops are used to dilate the pupil so that the doctor can see through your eye to examine the shape and color of the optic nerve.

The doctor will then use a small tool with a light on the end to light and magnify the optic nerve. If your intraocular pressure is not within the normal range or if the optic nerve looks unusual, your doctor may ask you to have one or two more glaucoma exams: perimetry and gonioscopy.

Perimetry

Perimetry is a visual field test that produces a map of your complete field of vision. This test will help a doctor determine whether your vision has been affected by glaucoma. During this test, you will be asked to look straight ahead and then indicate when a moving light passes your peripheral (or side) vision. This helps draw a “map” of your vision.

Do not be concerned if there is a delay in seeing the light as it moves in or around your blind spot. This is perfectly normal and does not necessarily mean that your field of vision is damaged. Try to relax and respond as accurately as possible during the test. Your doctor may want you to repeat the test to see if the results are the same the next time you take it. After glaucoma has been diagnosed, visual field tests are usually done one to two times a year to check for any changes in your vision.

Gonioscopy

This diagnostic exam helps determine whether the angle where the iris meets the cornea is open and wide or narrow and closed. During the exam, eye drops are used to numb the eye. A hand-held contact lens is gently placed on the eye. This contact lens has a mirror that shows the doctor if the angle between the iris and cornea is closed and blocked (a possible sign of angle-closure or acute glaucoma) or wide and open (a possible sign of open-angle, chronic glaucoma).

Pachymetry

Pachymetry is a simple, painless test to measure the thickness of your cornea — the clear window at the front of the eye. A probe called a pachymeter is gently placed on the front of the eye (the cornea) to measure its thickness. Pachymetry can help your diagnosis, because corneal thickness has the potential to influence eye pressure readings. With this measurement, your doctor can better understand your IOP reading and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. The procedure takes only about a minute to measure both eyes.

Why Are There So Many Diagnostic Exams?

Diagnosing glaucoma is not always easy, and careful evaluation of the optic nerve continues to be essential to diagnosis and treatment. The most important concern is protecting your sight. Doctors look at many factors before making decisions about your treatment. If your condition is particularly difficult to diagnose or treat, you may be referred to a glaucoma specialist. A second opinion is always wise if you or your doctor become concerned about your diagnosis or your progress.

Source:

http://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/diagnostic-tests.php

World Glaucoma Week 2012

From March 7 to 13, the world was abuzz with activities planned to raise awareness of glaucoma during the first World Glaucoma Week, an expansion of the observance of World Glaucoma Day, launched in 2008 by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.

Hundreds of local initiatives took place in countries circling the globe. They all shared the same goals: raising awareness of glaucoma and the need to get tested, encouraging regular screenings for early detection and treatment, and managing the disease for a fulfilling and productive life.

 The rationale for the global focus of the observance is very clear. It is estimated that only one-half of those affected with glaucoma in developed nations are aware that they have the disease, and as many as 90 percent of people with glaucoma in underdeveloped countries are unaware of having the disease or have not even heard of glaucoma.

Quick Facts about Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive disease that degrades vision over time by increasing the intra ocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye. The odds of contracting glaucoma increase as one ages affecting only 1 in 200 people under 50 but 1 in 10 over eighty. The progression of the disease is slow and subtle and it is this factor that makes periodic screening for the disease a high priority in seniors and those over 55.

Glaucoma can be diagnosed during a standard eye exam and is quite manageable with surgery or medication with stopping the progression of the disease’s effects an achievable goal.

For more information, please view source below:

http://www.wgweek.net/

http://www.worldgpa.org/

https://hooptometrist.wordpress.com/ocular-disease/glaucoma/

http://www.glaucomal.org/about-glaucoma/

Glaucoma… Steals your Vision…. No Warning

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye(s) and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. Optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries images we see from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibres (like an electric cable containing numerous wires).

It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye (aqueous humour). The term ‘ocular hypertension’ is used for cases having constantly raised intraocular pressure (IOP) without any associated optic nerve damage. Conversely, the term ‘normal’ or ‘low tension glaucoma’ is suggested for the typical visual field defects when associated with a normal or low IOP.Glaucoma damages nerve fibres, which can cause blind spots in our vision and vision loss will develop.

The nerve damage involves loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern. There are many different subtypes of glaucoma, but they can all be considered a type of optic neuropathy. Raised intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma (above 21 mmHg or 2.8 kPa). One person may develop nerve damage at a relatively low pressure, while another person may have high eye pressure for years and yet never develop damage. Untreated glaucoma leads to permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which can progress to blindness.

Glaucoma can be divided roughly into two main categories,”open angle” and “closed angle” glaucoma. Closed angle glaucoma can appear suddenly and is often painful; visual loss can progress quickly, but the discomfort often leads patients to seek medical attention before permanent damage occurs. Open angle, chronic glaucoma tends to progress at a slower rate and patients may not notice they have lost vision until the disease has progressed significantly.

Signs and tests

A test called Tonometry is done to check eye pressure. However, eye pressure always changes. Eye pressure can be normal in some people with glaucoma. This is called normal-tension glaucoma. Your doctor will need to run other tests to confirm glaucoma.

Some of the tests your Opthalmologist may perform can include:

• Using a special lens to look at the eye (gonioscopy)
• Photographs or laser scanning images of the inside of the eye (optic nerve imaging)
• Examination of the retina in the back of the eye
• Slit lamp examination
• Visual acuity
• Visual field measurement

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure. Treatment depends on the type of glaucoma that you have.

If you have open-angle glaucoma, you will probably be given eye drops. You may need more than one type. Most people can be treated successfully with eye drops. Most of the eye drops used today have fewer side effects than those used in the past. You may also be given pills to lower pressure in the eye.

Other treatments may involve:

• Laser therapy called an iridotomy
• Eye surgery if other treatments do not work

Acute angle-closure attack is a medical emergency. Blindness will occur in a few days if it is not treated. If you have angle-closure glaucoma, you will receive:

• Eye drops
• Medicines to lower eye pressure, given by mouth and through a vein (by IV)

Some people also need an emergency operation, called an iridotomy. This procedure uses a laser to open a new pathway in the colored part of the eye. This relieves pressure and prevents another attack.

Congenital glaucoma is almost always treated with surgery. This is done using general anesthesia. This means the patient is asleep and feels no pain.

If you have secondary glaucoma, treatment of the underlying disease may help your symptoms go away. Other treatments may be needed.

Source:

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002587/
• http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/eye_health/open_angle_glaucoma/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucoma
• http://www.glaucoma.net/

Can I Use Eye Drops With My Contact Lenses?

Yes. There are certain eye drops that can be used with contact lenses.

Most over-the-counter eye drops are divided into three categories: “Dry Eye” eye drops, “Get The Red Out ” eye drops and “Contact Lens” eye drops.

“Dry eye” eye drops:

Dry eye drops come in a variety of formulations. Some are thicker than others and may actually cloud your vision or “gum up” your contact lenses. While some of them may be okay for use with contact lenses, they are designed to not only lubricate the eye, but to promote healing of the eye’s surface.

Systane® Lubricating Eye Drops from Alcon® Laboratories, are for sufferers of dry-feeling eyes.

Dry-feeling eyes is an increasingly common 21st century problem due to changes in the way we live, such as the increased use of computer screens, central heating and air conditioning.

Systane® offers unique protection for immediate comfort and long lasting relief from dry-feeling eyes – particularly morning and end of day dryness. The highly developed formulation gets to work as soon as the eye drop comes into contact with your eyes. It contains a unique polymer system which means that upon contact with your tears, the liquid eye drop turns into a thin protective gel layer. The gel-like barrier stays on the ocular surface longer than some conventional drops providing fast and long lasting relief.

Tears Naturale Free^® is preservative-free. 

 If your Eye Doctor or Opthalmologist or Optometrist has recommended a preservative-free product for you dry eye condition, then Tears Naturale Free^® would be an excellent choice.

 

“Get the red out” eye drops:

“Get the red out” drops have special ingredients called VASOCONSTRICTORS. These drops shrink the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that coats the white part of your eye. These eye drops could cause deposits to form of the surface of your contact lenses and if used repetitively to re-wet your contact lenses, could cause “rebound” redness. Rebound redness occurs when the vasoconstrictor wears off. The blood vessels dilate larger, causing the eyes to appear bloodshot. This may cause dependency or mask underlying infections or inflammations.

“Contact lens” eye drops:

Contact lens eye drops are often called re-wetting drops. Re-wetting drops lubricate your eye and hydrate the contact lens, making your eyes more comfortable while wearing your contact lenses. Theses eye drops are labeled “For use with soft contact lenses,” and are usually located next to contact lens cleaning solutions in the store. Eye care professionals usually encourage frequent use of re-wetting drops, as it improves comfort and helps clear out debris underneath your contact lenses.

Renu MultiPlus Lubricating & Rewetting Drops are the simple way to condition your lenses.

 Moisturise your soft contact lenses while wearing them with Renu MultiPlus Lubricating & Rewetting Drops. Renu MultiPlus Lubricating & Rewetting Drops contain Povidone, an effective lubricant that provides moisturising comfort for optimal lens wear.

 

COMPLETE Blink-N-Clean® Lens Drops is another eye drop product indicated for use to lubricate and rewet soft contact lenses, including disposable, daily wear, and extended wear lenses, and RGP contact lenses.

Talk to your eye doctor if you are taking any eye drops for medical eye problems, such as glaucoma. Ask your eye doctor for the best way to insert eye drops and whether or not contact lenses should be worn while taking your medication.

Sources:

http://vision.about.com/od/contactlenses/f/eyedrops.htm

http://www.systane.com/

http://www.renu.com.au/rewettingdrops

http://www.amo-inc.com/products/corneal/contact-lens-lubricating-and-rewetting-eye-drops/complete-blink-n-clean-lens-drops

Charity Health Screening in Shah Alam 7th August 2011

On a bright sunny Sunday morning, while others are still tucking in their bed, my wife and i started our journey from Ipoh to Shah Alam for a charity eye screening event co-organised by the Malaysian Glaucoma Society. It was the first screening for some years since my uni days and was quite excited about it. After nearly 3 hours drive, finally found the place….. DEWAN ORANG RAMAI, TAMAN GLENMARIE.

Both of us were surprise to find that there are so many volunteers that turn up that day. Looks like the world is full of love after all. There were different booths for different types of screenings. Some Medical Doctors were there to support as well as people from the hearing department and of course the Eye screening departments.

Its a small hall, but its good enough. Organisors are busy pin pointing the directions for the residents from one booth to another for Blood Pressure checks…… Hearing tests……. Fundus checks….. VA tests…… its like a station master game.

  Well, our team of Optometrist and Optometry Students from UiTM began our screening with no time to lose as more and more residents are coming for the eye test. We set up areas for Preliminary test which includes Cover Test, Hirschberg, Ocular Motility, with VA assesment and lastly Opthalmoscopy. It was busy, but it was worth it. Everybody gave all their best in that day’s service.

 Many of the residents that turn up that day are having their first eye test in years. We manage to handled some cases while detect several cases Cataracts, and DR and referred the residents accordingly.

 

It was a very meaningful day. Met some new friends, learned loads of new things, had a great time…. what more could one asked for. Till next time then…..