Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #5

Optometrists and Ophthalmologists: What is the difference?

Optometrists conduct eye and vision examinations, prescribe spectacles and contact lenses, and carry out treatment for eye disorders, diseases and injuries. They also give out visual appliances, such as glasses and contact lenses. For most eye problems, you would see an optometrist.

Ophthalmologists specialize in the treatment of eye diseases and surgery. For serious eye problems, an optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist who is qualified to perform major eye surgery and prescribe advanced treatment for serious eye diseases.

UV Burns Eyes

Most people know that ultraviolet (UV) rays damage skin. In fact, UV rays are even more damaging to eyes. Accumulated UV exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea).

The best way of protecting your eyes is by wearing appropriate sunglasses and limiting your exposure between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s effects are the strongest. Although some contact lenses provide some UV protection, best is to wear wrap-around sunglasses that screen more than 95 percent of both UVA and UVB light, or those labeled as Category 2, 3, or 4. Also, be sure to have your eyes checked regularly; the earlier UV-related conditions are detected, the better the chance of treatment.

Centre for Eye Health

The Centre for Eye Health, located on UNSW campus, exists to detect, investigate, and monitor eye disease at no charge to referred patients. With over 20 state-of-the-art instruments, it is a vital resource for all eye-care practitioners.

For more information see cfeh.com.au

Vitality Health Services

Vitality Health Services is a rehabilitation network that specializes in mobile Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Allied Health treatment for individuals, businesses, and sports clubs in Sydney. Vitality Health Services is currently treating patients suffering from a range of chronic conditions such as arthritis osteoporosis, injuries, fractures, diabetes, and many more. They conduct comprehensive sessions where they prescribe mobility aids and self-management strategies aimed at improving the independence of those with mobility problems. Vitality Health Services work in both in private and public rehabilitation hospitals and also assisted care facilities. In addition to mobile services, they also have a rehabilitation gym in Naremburn.

For more information see www.vitalityrehab.com

Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #4

Transition Lenses

Transition Optical was the first company to successfully commercialise a plastic photochromic lens (a type of transition lens) in 1990 and is now a world leader in photochromic lenses.

What is a photochromic lens?

Photochromic lenses change colour in response to a chemical reaction triggered by UV rays. If you are wearing photochromic lenses, they will darken when they come into contact with sunlight and fade back into their original colour when you move out of the sun.

What are photochromic lenses made of?

Photochromic lenses can be made from two types of material: glass or plastic. Although glass lenses are scratch resistant, they are heavier and breakable. Plastic lenses, on the other hand, are impact resistant, light-weight, and better at filtering UV rays so they are much more popular.

What different types of transition lenses are available?

Transition VI: perfect for everyday wear, Transition VI are clear indoors and quickly change from dark to light and light to dark

Transition XTRActive Lenses: Transition XTRActive have a slight tint indoors, and provide extra darkness at all temperatures

Transition SOLFX: Transition SOLFX are polarised sunwear specifically designed for outdoor activities; they adjust from dark to darker, depending on light (mivision iss. 52).

Research on Glaucoma Gene

A recent study, involving eye-tests of over 2,000 Australians, has helped to identify people at high risk of developing glaucoma. Thanks to the research conducted by deCODE genetics Inc, Iceland and Dr. Jamie Craig from Flinders University, South Australia, scientists have been able to identify genes contributing to risk for glaucoma. The findings represent an important step toward a better understanding of glaucoma and will likely lead to better diagnostic and predictive tests, as well as new treatments (mivision iss. 52).

Alcohol and Cataracts

A Sydney study has found that moderate consumption of alcohol may be associated with a reduced need for cataract surgery. The long-term study found that subjects who drank two or more alcoholic drinks a day, as well as those who did not drink at all, showed a higher incidence of cataract surgery than those who drank one or two alcoholic drinks a day (mivision iss. 52).

Cataract Surgery Rebate

The Australian senate passed a motion in November 2009 to disallow Medicare rebates for cataract surgery items. No longer can patients receive rebates for having cataract surgery.

Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #3

Helping Eyes through Allergies

Do you have watery, red, itchy eyes that are sometimes swollen, sore or stinging? If this sounds like a description of you, chances are that you have allergic conjunctivitis, one of the most common forms of eye disease in the world.

Symptoms

People suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, or ‘Allergy Eyes’ will often:

• Have itching in both eyes, with stringy, ropy discharge

• Have a personal or family history of other allergic disorders such as asthma, hayfever, or eczema

• Notice a cyclical nature to their symptoms

Types

Allergic conjunctivitis can be:

• Perennial: occurring all year round in response to household allergens such as dust, mould, or animal hair

• Seasonal: occurring during spring or early summer in response to pollens

Treatment

1. Avoid allergens

• Vacuum regularly

• Avoid outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn

• Keep pets outside

2. Soothe irritated eyes

• Wash them in saline

• Apply a cold compress

3. Use Medication

• You can use antihistamines, decongestants, or anti-inflammatory agents

• Ask your doctor of pharmacist to recommend appropriate eye drops

Although allergic conjunctivitis does not usually have any long-term impact on sight, it is helpful to receive treatment so do not hesitate to ask your optometrist for advice.

Navigating the Visual Field Test

Visual Field Tests allow optometrists to test patient’s overall vision and check if they have eye diseases such as glaucoma. Optometrists use a machine to test a patient’s visual field.

Visual Field: The total area a person can see when looking straight ahead, including side (or peripheral) vision.

Procedure

1. Patient looks at the central target while lights are presented in different parts of their side vision.

2. By pressing a button patients indicate when a light is seen.

3. The computer collects patients’ responses and creates a graphical plot of their visual field.

4. Visual fields tests are particularly important for those with family histories of glaucoma, diabetes, or those who have brain injuries.

How to use Eye Drops

Although eye drops are often used to treat eyes, they can be difficult to use correctly. Here are some tips on how to use them.

1. Turn your head towards the ceiling by standing or sitting and tilting head backwards

2. Gently pull the skin of the lower eyelid with index finger to create a ‘pocket’ for the drop

3. Look up and release eye drops into the eye pocket ensuring that the bottle does not touch any part of the eye

4. Close your eye and gently press on the lower inside corner of the eye for about two minutes to ensure the drops do not go into your tear duct (use thumb and index finger for both eyes at once)

5. Gently blot closed eyes with a tissue to wipe away any excess drops

   
   

   
   

Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #2

Vision and Depression

Since sight is arguably our most important sense, it is no surprise that many people experience low moods when faced with vision loss. When these low moods become intense and persist for long periods of time, this may signify clinical depression. In fact, an estimated one third of older visually impaired adults show clinically significant depressive symptoms.

For the vision impaired who suffer from depression, low vision rehabilitation can help them adjust to their circumstances. Research shows that rehabilitation services lead to improvements in quality of life, self esteem, and adjustment to vision loss.

Despite the effectiveness of rehabilitation, one study found that only 20 percent of visually impaired patients with depression are receiving treatment. Often, patients feel uncertain about asking for physiological therapy.

To address this issue, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has awarded the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) with a grant to train eye practitioners in how to manage depression. The hope is that eye practitioners can eliminate unnecessary depression by linking patients with much-needed treatment.

Introducing Fitover Sunglasses

Mobile Eye Clinic now stocks Fitover sunglasses that can be worn over glasses. Complete wrap styling provides maximum UV protection from any angle.

Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #1

Fall prevention
Poor vision can result in falls, one of the main reasons for admissions into hospital for over-75s. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from falls:

• Avoid clutter on your floors and ensure adequate lighting



• Be aware of your eye health and notice changes, and talk about these changes with family and friends



• Have your eyes examined regularly by an optometrist so that they can detect problems early.

If you think you have a problem, consult an optometrist immediately so that they can detect, diagnose, and manage/treat your eye problems, and update your lenses (Optometrists Association Australia 2009)

Macular Degeneration

The macula is the central part of the retina, at the back of the eye, that allows you to read, recognise faces, watch television, and drive a car. Macular degeneration (MD) happens when this part of the eye breaks down. MD affects one in seven people over the age of 50, and one in three over the age of 75. Early detection of MD is crucial, as lost vision cannot be regained.

Symptoms of MD include difficulty reading, seeing straight lines as bent, poor central vision, poor night vision, and intolerance of glare. Although there is no cure for MD, there are treatment options that can slow down its progression. The earlier the disease is detected, the more vision you are likely to retain, so please ensure you have your eyes examined regularly, even before symptoms appear. (Optometrists Association Australia 2005)

WebLens product

Nikon’s new WebLens is a specially designed reading lens for people who need to focus on a wide range of distances at the same time. With its innovative design, the WebLens allows you to read documents, computer keyboards, computer screens, and blackboards without strain.