Faqs

Allergies that affect the eyes can be really uncomfortable. And for some people, they can diminish quality of life quite drastically.

Allergies are the result of a hypersensitive immune system  which often affect our eyes.

Symptoms of eye allergies include itching, watering, burning,  and redness .  A diagnosis with an eye doctor is important to rule out infection or other causes. The eye doctor will prescribe eye drops specific to your condition.  Remember: never use anyone else’s eye medication.

It may not be obvious, or even noticeable to see if some-one has a vision problem. . Nine out of ten people living with vision loss have some remaining vision, and many do not require a mobility device, such as a guide dog or white cane, to get around. Which means it may not be apparent that they actually have vision loss, even though they do. Some people with vision loss can see people, shapes and objects very close to them or can read words and signs if they are very large.

If you do happen to encounter someone who has vision loss, don’t assume that he or she needs help. A lot of people have an understanding of vision loss that is based on inaccurate stereotypes of helplessness and dependency. These assumptions can cause people to think that their help is always required. Although their intentions are good, it may inadvertently cause an embarrassing situation for themselves and the person they are trying to assist.

Signs of vision problems in your child are usually first noticed by a parent. We know what healthy eyes look like…bright, clear, focused.  If you notice that your child’s eyes  do not focus, wander, or one drifts in or out…then that may be an indication of a vision problem.

Pay attention how your child uses their vision. Be alert if your child has little interest in his surroundings. A young baby should be especially interested in your face, and should make you feel special by smiling at you frequently. Any eye problem can cause a child to lose interest in his environment, but extreme near or far-sightedness (refractive error) is a possible reason that this happens. This problem can be present at any age.  If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your child for an eye examination.  No child is too young.

Some vision problems in children begin to occur mid-childhood – about the same time they begin elementary school. You may notice that your child squints or she may tell you that she has trouble focusing on the words in her textbook.

Other noticeable signs include:

1. One eye keeps drifting out of alignment with the other.
2. Closing one eye to see objects better.
3. Frequent eye rubbing.
4. Constant complaint of headaches.
5. Tilting head.

All of these symptoms suggest a focusing problem and should be examined by an eye doctor.

All diabetics may eventually have some degree of retinopathy. Fortunately, not all patients with retinopathy will experience vision loss. We know from scientific studies that patients with very good diabetic control compared with 'average' control will have less overall retinopathy, slower progression, and less risk of vision loss. Control of high blood pressure and high lipid (fat) levels has also been shown to reduce the risk of vision loss in diabetics. Stopping smoking can also reduce the risk of vision loss.

The most common symptoms of retinopathy are blurred or distorted vision. This is due to swelling in the centre of the retina (macula) associated with blood vessel damage. Laser surgical treatment and injections of various medications can help reduce the swelling, but usually are not able to fully reverse the loss of vision.

Sore eyes and headaches are just two symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS is a relatively common problem occurring in an estimated 70-75 per cent of computer users.

Computer vision problems are preventable and solvable.

• Get regular eye examinations to determine if you need corrective or specialized lenses.
• Ensure your monitor is located directly in front of you, approximately arm's length away. For most workstations a 17-inch to 19-inch monitor is appropriate. Remember, the further away the monitor is, the bigger it should be.
• Consider a flat screen monitor. This will eliminate flicker and help minimize glare.
• Increase the font size. Use at least 12 point, or larger, if you continue to experience sore eyes.
• Evaluate your lighting. When reading from the computer you require a lower level of room light because the computer monitor emits its own light.
• Control outside light with blinds to prevent glare.
• Ensure that humidity in your office is at 40 per cent or consider using a humidifier. Your eyes require moisture and we tend to blink less frequently when looking at a computer monitor.

Individuals whose parents have glaucoma have a much greater risk for getting the disease. Currently, there are no genetic tests for adult-onset glaucoma and diagnosis must be made through a comprehensive eye examination. In general, individuals who are more likely to be at risk for glaucoma are:

• over age fifty
• related to someone who has glaucoma
• of African descent
• very short-sighted

As a rule, regular testing for glaucoma in at-risk individuals is crucial in detecting the onset of the disease, since it can become very advanced without the patient noticing any symptoms at all. Early detection and prompt treatment are key.