Gerhard van Staden asked:

Let us start with some basic anatomy….. no there is no tests at the end and I am not going to ask any questions. I just feel that for you to understand the effect of Diabetes on the eye, you need to know what the eye looks like and how it functions.

The eye consist mainly of a ball of jellylike substance (vitreous humour), which is securely fit in the eye case in the skull. Most part of the body of the eye is hidden with only a small percentage of the eye that is visible. In the front, there is a lens, which can change shape and length in order for the eye to focus, and behind the lens is an opening where the light is allowed to pass through. This opening is called the pupil.

Inside the eye, at the back of the eye, there is a network of capillaries and light sensitive tissue, pretty much the same idea as an old camera….. the life before we went digital.

At the centre of the retina, we find the Macula. This is a very small area, almost like the size of a pinhead, and is the most specialized part of the eye. In order for us to see, we need to have the light focus perfectly on the macula which also enables us to see very small and fine detail. The rest of the retina gives us peripheral vision, enabling us to see on the side.

Diabetes is a very non sympathetic condition and does not spare anything, including your most valuable asset….. sight!!

Diabetic eye diseases may include:

Cataract

Cataracts develops early in the life of diabetes sufferers which causes clouding of the lens of the eye.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an increase in fluid pressure in the eye that leads to damage of the optic nerve and eventually loss of vision. A sufferer of diabetes, is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma as other adults.

Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the worst visual impairment conditions that can occur from Diabetes is most probably Diabetic Retinopathy. This is damage to the blood vessels in the retina which supply the eye with blood, nutrients and oxygen.

Diabetic Retinopathy causes hanges in the blood vessels in the retina and is the most common eye disease in adult diabetics. It is also the major cause of blindness in American adults.

Diabetic retinopathy can have different effects on different sufferers as everyone is unique and does not respond to the disease the same way. In some people, the capillaries may swell and leak fluid, while in other people abnormal new blood vessels will grow on the surface of the retina. This will either cover the retina and the macula or allow parts of the eye to die, thus permanent irreparable damage. To have perfect vision, we need a healthy retina.

In the first stage of diabetic retinopathy, the sufferer may not notice any changes in vision, but after a while it can get worse and cause complete loss of vision and this always affects both eyes.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

We discern four stages in diabetic retinopathy:

Stage 1: Mild nonproliferative retinopathy

Small balloon-like swellings appear in the blood vessels in the retina. This is known as microaneurysms.

Stage 2: Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy

During this stage some of the blood vessels that supplies the retina with blood, nutrients and oxygen gets blocked off completely, causing ischemia (lack of oxygen) to certain parts of the retina. As we all know, oxygen is much needed to sustain life and keep organs functioning.

Stage 3: Severe nonproliferative retinopathy

As the disease progress, many more blood vessels gets blocked off which is now depriving the retina of a great deal of nutrients and oxygen. The body in response will send a signal to the brain that it is in need of more oxygen, which the body will then grow more blood vessels on the retina to rectify the ischemia.

Stage 4: Proliferative retinopathy

At this stage the new blood vessels are growing on the retina in order to restore blood supply to the affected areas of the retina. This is a very advanced stage of the disease and the blood vessels are abnormal and fragile. These blood vessels grow along the retina and the clear gel inside the eye. This blood vessels are very thin and do not cause any visual impairment, but if they leak blood, severe vision loss and blindness will be the result.

When bleeding in the eye occurs, it can either bleed into the vitreous humour or onto the macula, causing macular edema. Macular edema can happen at any time during the disease.

If the bleeding is inside the vitreous humour, the sufferer can have total vision loss and the retina may even become detached from the surface. This is known as retinal detachment.

With treatment most sight-threatening diabetic problems can be prevented if diagnosed early enough.

It is vital to go for an annual visual acuity tests and dilated eye exams. It is also vital to have the pressure inside your eye tested to make sure that there is not an increase in eye pressure. Even if there is no sign of retinopathy, it is still imperative to have your eyes tested as changes can occur without the sufferer experiencing any symptoms.

Your optometrist will check your eyes for early signs of:

Leaking blood vessels Damaged nerve tissue Any changes to blood vessels Retinal edema (swelling)

Prevention is better than cure, so take care of your eyes…. It is your most priced possession.

Status Eye Care asked:


Eye care for computer users

Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.

Which is why these tips should come in handy.

Source: www.statuseyecare.com

i. Know your eyes

Tears: The first line of defence, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.

Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.

Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.

Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.

Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.

Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.

Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.

ii. Exercise your eyes

Regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: “First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work.” It serves as a good workout for the eyes.

iii. Look away

While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.

iv. Palming

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.

v. Splash water on your face

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

Source: www.statuseyecare.com

vi. Take a walk

After you’re done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.

vii. Use tea bags

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

viii. Drink water

Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.

ix. Eat healthy

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

x. Know your contact lenses

“Ideally, a person who uses lenses should wear it for not more than 10-12 hours a day and occasionally for 14 hours a day,”

Never wear your contact lenses while swimming. The pool water houses various micro-organisms as there are several people using it. This may lead to fungal infections in the eyes. In addition, the chlorine in the water can damage your contact lenses.

“Lenses are like sponge, making them susceptible to attracting dirt,”

xi. Eye dos and don’ts

~ Visit your doctor

“One should ideally visit their Optician / ophthalmologist once a year, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner,”

In addition, before buying an eye-care product such as eye drops, always check the expiry date and don’t forget to check the prescription.

~ Wear antiglare glasses while driving or at work

“Antiglare glasses are mainly used for focused light such as full beam car headlights and serve well for night driving. These can also be used while working on the computer,”

Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes to a certain extent. If you wear contact lenses, wear a pair of zero powered antiglare glasses for the same purpose.

~ Use re-wetting eye drops

An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.

In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes. Why? “When dry eyes occur, the aim is to get the tears back into our eyes whether it is naturally (by simple blinking exercises), or artificially (if the problem aggravates),”

“Re-wetting eye drops have a similar in composition to natural tears. One should go for eye drops that do not have any preservatives. Eye drops with preservatives are toxic to the eyes in the long run. You can use re-wetting eye drops as and when required, but preferably span it to a minimum of four to six times a day. If the problem persists, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.”

The two most commonly used preservatives in all eye drops are Benz Alkonium Chloride and Chlorbutol. Read the contents of the bottle carefully and avoid eye drops with these preservatives.

~ Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake

“Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight,” warns Dr Belvi.

~ Never rub your eyes

If dirt enters your eyes, do not rub as this may cause the dirt to stick inside. “Blink several times to start your tears flowing; this will help flush out the dirt,” advises Dr Belvi. “If you rub your eyes, the dirt particle will keep disturbing your vision and irritate your eyes. In such cases, seek your ophthalmologist’s help immediately.”

Quick tips

~ Shelf life

Preservative-free re-wetting eye drops have a shelf life of about a year, if the seal is unopened. Those with preservatives last around two years, if unopened.

~ Discard

All eye drops should be discarded within a month after opening their seals. Once opened, the medicinal properties tend to deteriorate due to exposure to the external atmosphere, making it unsuitable for your eyes.

~ Protective eye gear

While driving, wear protective eye gear especially if you are wearing contact lenses (for night driving) or sunglasses with UV protection (for day driving). Make sure the gear covers the sides of your eyes as well.

Being healthy is a personal choice and one has to work hard at it. A balanced diet, regular sleep habits, a balance between work and rest, ad exercises all play a vital role in restoring our health and helping us maintain our eyesight

Source: www.statuseyecare.com

Jenny Black asked:


Supplemental eye care insurance just like any other supplemental medical insurance is meant to cover the cost that your primary eye care insurance does not cover. Many expensive treatments and surgeries may not be covered under your normal eye care insurance. Here, it is important for you to purchase a supplemental eye care insurance policy for yourself and your family members.

The concept of eye care insurance though sounds fantastic; the reality may altogether be different. Many insurance providers will not provide an extensive coverage to your eye care medical insurance and even they will put innumerable restrictions on what they will and will not be covering. Supplemental eye care insurance will fill up these gaps of normal eye care insurance and will give you an extensive coverage. A supplemental insurance will make sure that you receive coverage even for disabilities and serious accidents.

Many people suffer from weak eye sights because of various reasons like sitting in front of the computers for long hours; watching televisions for long, pollution etc. But because of the inconvenience of wearing and maintaining glasses and contact lenses, today many people are turning to laser eye surgeries known as LASIK eye surgery to improve their vision. But because of its high cost and its failure to meet the conservative therapy test., many insurance companies do not provide cover for this type of treatment.

Apart from that, many companies do not provide eye insurance cover to serious accidents and disabilities arising out of these accidents. Again many insurance companies fix up a limit to the number of visits that a person can undertake during a time period to an eye specialist. But old people who have a very weak eye sights and who have to depend all the time on eye treatments, may need more visits to an eye specialist. All these can be covered by supplemental eye care insurance.

To find for the perfect quote, you need to do some research. Since supplemental eye care insurance is not so easy to locate, a thorough study of all the companies that provide you with supplemental eye care insurance is a must. Nowadays, with internet facilities, you can easily search supplemental eye care insurance policy for your eyes. Many companies offer discounts, if you buy supplemental eye care insurance through the internet.