Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #19

UV rays and your eyes UV rays are accumulated over a lifetime, and the current senior population typically has not known that protecting their eyes is essential. Although only about 1% of UV rays reach the retina, the effects are accumulated over a lifetime and can become an issue for every part of the eye. The Cornea can become sunburnt just like normal skin, as light is reflected off surfaces like water, snow or even concrete. This heals with time, but recurring sunburn may result in longer-term problems. The lens of the eye, in absorbing most of the UV rays reduces the amount of light passing through over time, leading to cataracts or a need to replace the lens. The retina is most sensitive to the toxic effects of UV rays, and although protected by the lens and the cornea, excess contact with the sun leads to an increase likelihood and severity of AMD. To prevent UV related damage of the eyes it is very beneficial to invest in good quality 100% UV absorbing / reflecting sun wear in which the lenses provide complete coverage both from the front as well as the top and sides. Protection from the sun is critical for healthy eyes especially under the harsh Australian sun. At Mobile Eye Clinic we source only the top quality sun glasses, including the revolutionary Fitovers™ to wear over your ordinary prescription glasses. Call us on 1300 393 392 or email clinic@mobile-eye-clinic.com to find out more about our range and prices. Blindness and life expectancy Blindness can decrease life expectancy by as much as 67%, says Dr David Chang, keynote speaker at the International Opthalmology Session. He stresses the need to develop more efficient systems of treatment for the mass number of patients around the world who will suffer from blindness.

Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #18

Apps for Low Vision With the technological revolution in full swing, it's time low vision sufferers also benefited from the millions of apps that are available to smartphone and tablet users. We have reviewed 5 apps that make life easier for patients with low vision. 1. Accessibility This is an inbuilt feature for all Apple products (iPod, iPhone, iPad & Mac). It includes VoiceOver (speaks items on the screen), Zoom (magnifies the entire screen), Invert Colours, Larger Type, and options to increase contrast. All these options are designed to create a smoother user experience for low vision patients. Read more here. 2. Vision Assist This makes your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into a handheld electronic magnifier that you can use to easily read small print. With options to increase contrast and use your phone's flash to increase brightness, it is a must for low vision patients. Available here. 3. Voice Dream Reader This app converts text into speech so that you do not have to strain your eyes reading books but can have them read to you. It works with many file types and you can even get it to read text from webpages. There is a lite version to test the app, but it limits the reading to just 300 characters. Available here. 4. Talking Calculator Evident from the name, this app is a calculator that speaks the answer to you. It also has colourful, high contrast buttons for easy input, and the ability to record your own voice to speak the answers. Available here. 5. AidColors This is another simple but useful application that tells you what colour the item in front of you is. Hold the iPhone/iPad/iTouch camera 10-15cm away from the surface of the coloured item, and it will tell you what colour that item is. It can be useful for wardrobe choices to know what colour shirt you are putting on. Available here.

Remember the Retina Scan Optimel Eye Drops: The power of Manuka Honey to improve eye health. Visiolux: The ultimate stand magnifier Our Aged Care Facilities Partners: