Eye Health

Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, all requiring different treatments. Damage to the sensitive nerve fibres leading from the eye to the brain, caused by loss of nutrients to the nerves usually associated with increased pressure of the fluids of the eyes causes a loss in sensitivity to objects in the mid-periphery of our vision. Without treatment, this gets worse until a person is left with tunnel vision or near total blindness. With treatment, useful vision can be retained for most of a person's natural life. There is no cure for glaucoma, but treatment manages the condition very effectively. It is essential for glaucoma to be detected as early as possible. Regular eye examinations for all people over the age of 40 are essential.

Diabetes For many people, diabetes is an unexpected result of genetic risk factors and lifestyle choices. It is the fastest growing disease in the western world, commonly associated with being overweight. Without good care, haemorrhages in the eyes cause small areas of blindness and the development of new and fragile blood vessels. Further haemorrhage can result in massive vision loss, commonly associated with kidney failure and gangrene requiring limb amputation. Blood sugar level MUST be controlled to avoid these complications. Follow the diet recommended by your dietician or doctor, take any medication prescribed, get plenty of exercise, and reduce your weight. It seems prudent to follow a balanced diet from teenage years, with a low intake of animal fats, and reduced amounts of refined carbohydrate. Remember that one can of your favourite non-diet cola or lemonade contains 6 teaspoons of sugar! We want your vision to be as good in 20 years time as it is today.

One of an optometrist's primary tasks is regular checking of eye health. Though most often healthy, some eye conditions are insidious, developing in a subtle, stealthy manner and a person may not be aware of impending trouble. These conditions need to be detected at an early stage to ensure the best possible outcome.
Children have few eye health problems, but those that do occur are often serious. As age increases, genetics, general health, environment and lifestyle play an important part in the development of eye disease, some of which can lead to permanent loss of sight.

During an examination, we check your eye health very carefully.
Some common eye conditions are:

Cataract
The natural lens inside the eye becomes less clear as age increases, until vision is affected in later life. It's like looking through a dirty window, and then a very dirty window. Though much research is being done on preventing or reversing cataract development, there is no effective treatment available. The good thing is that surgery to replace the eye's natural lens with a clear artificial lens is extremely effective and safe, restoring crystal clear vision and vibrant colour vision. Current research suggests that lenses which remove ultraviolet light should be worn during periods of high UV light, a the beach, in the mountains, and on particularly bright yet cloudy days. Most of the spectacle lenses that we use cut UV light effectively, and sunglasses that meet the NZ or Australian standards are ideal. We advise that if glasses are required for distant vision, prescription sunglasses should be worn in bright conditions.

Retinal detachment
A serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Any sudden loss of vision, particularly in the periphery and with flashing lights must be investigated urgently. Effective treatment will recover the lost vision in most cases.

Dry eyes
Surprisingly common, especially in older women. Though there may be plenty of tear flow, you can still have dry eyes because some of the important components in the tear film are missing. Stinging, smarting eyes, discomfort in the morning when waking, and red eyes without much discharge are common symptoms. Various eye drops are available to help mange this problem, and recent research has shown that increasing omega 3 fatty acids in the diet (tuna, salmon, flax seed oil) also helps significantly..

Many other eye conditions exist, and are discussed fully when they are found. Some are closely related to your general health, and some are secondary to medication taken for other health problems. If necessary, you will be referred to your general practitioner or an ophthalmologist for the best medical care.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD)
is a common problem for many people over 70 years of age. Though there are now some partially effective, and expensive treatments, for the 'wet' form of this condition, 90% of AMD sufferers will slowly lose their central vision. Detail of people's faces is lost, TV is blurred, and reading becomes difficult. Recent research has shown conclusively that taking vitamins C and E in combination with beta carotene and zinc can help slow down the progression of macular degeneration. Your pharmacist will advise you of suitable combinations of dietary supplements.

Research suggests increasing lutein and zeaxanthin, obtained from eating dark green vegetables (spinach, cabbage, kale etc) and dark purple red fruits such as blueberries, will also.slow down the progression of macular degeneration.
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