Mobile Eye Clinic Newsltter #14

Understanding Dry Eyes Here at Mobile Eye Clinic we want to ensure everyone's eyes are the healthiest they can be. One significant problem that is often overlooked is Dry Eye. Caused by a loss of water in the tear film, it is followed with dehydration and inflammation of the ocular surface. The role of Tear Film The tear film is the cover over the ocular surface. It is made up of three components - the outer lipid layer, the middle aqueous layer and the inner mucous layer. When all three layers are properly balanced, the tear film assists in the maintenaince of eye health and comfort. Tear film functions include moisture retention, provision of a smooth ocular surface, protection against foreign contaminants and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the corneal cells. Two major classes There are two major classes of dry eye - aqueous-deficient and evaporative/lipid deficient - which correspond to a problem in either the Aqueous or Lipid layer of the tear film respectively. When the chemical balance between the layers is disrupted, the tear film becomes unstable. This can decrease tear film breakup time, giving rise to local drying and exposure of the ocular surface. Products Available SYSTANE® has a variety of products to increase moisture to the tear film. This ensures the exposed ocular surface does not get damaged, and also stimulated the rebuilding of the proper chemical balance in each of the tear film layers. Videos View the videos below which give a detailed look at the role of the tear film and the damage that Dry Eye can cause. http://youtu.be/1F4W1XUqIgM http://youtu.be/Gcmapcytwwc

Mobile Eye Clinic Newsltter #13

Australian Government called to help The Macular Degeneration Foundation wants elderly people with severe vision loss or who are legally blind to be clearly on the agenda in the overhaul of Australia's aged-care systems.

Steps to Stop Falls 40% of seniors fall at least once a year, with falls the leading cause of injury-related deaths among those aged 65 and older. However, with the right steps, falls can be prevented. These steps include: -installing handrails - securing all rugs - removing soap buildup in tubs and showers - using night lights around hallways - removing clutter from well used pathways Read more recommendations here

Do you have a DVA gold card? If your resident's have DVA gold card please notify us for subsidized glassess and low vision aids treatments over the year. The vouchers need to be signed so please ensure that either a power of attorney or the residents is able to do so. If you have any questions, please call 1300 393 392

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Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #12

Eyes: The Window to your Health Checking your eyes regularly has become even more important because now, by looking at your eye, eye doctors can see more than just your eye health. It has become evident that eye doctors can now spot cancer, dementia, arthritis and diabetes, all by looking closely at the retina. Scientist are continuing to discover new links between eye health and health of other parts of the body. Continue reading at http://tinyurl.com/8ltbwqa

An App a Day Keeps Loneliness Away Elderly people can reduce loneliness by sharing photos online using iPads, a study by Melbourne University has found. An app was been created to tackle the issue of social isolation among elderly people, producing promising results with some participants forming relationships in the real world. Read more at http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/appy-days-are-here-again-for-seniors-who-plug-in-to-social-media-20120702-21dcl.html

Private Health Fund Cover Low Vision Aids A new document released by the Macular Degeneration Foundation lists all Private Health Funds and the benefits they can provide for visually impaired patients. MDF has represented those with visual problems continually and has only recently succeeded in ensuring Health Funds provide for those with visual impairment. A summary of the benefits include: Teachers Health Fund - 85% of the cost, up to $100 NIB - 75% of the cost for 'Hand-held Macular Degeneration Device'. BUPA - $45 to $90 depending on level of cover. Australian Unity - 80% to 100% of the cost, depending on cover. HCF - Up to $75 for 'Low Vision Magnifying Glass', Up to $500 for electronic desktop magnifier Medibank Private and HBF have yet to provide benefits for low vision assistive technologies. See the full document here : http://www.mobile-eye-clinic.com/support-files/private_health_fund_benefits.pdf

Useful Low Vision Aids!