As we grow older, our eye health comes under increasing pressure, in particular — the macular. The macular is an oval-shaped pigment area near the central retina, which can be damaged.

The macula protects the light-sensitive cells in the back of the eyes. It is responsible for the clarity of the central vision. It allows us to see fine detail clearly and is essential for activities such as reading, writing, driving or even recognising faces.

The make-up of the macula

The macula pigment comprises of three carotenoids: Lutein, Meso-Zeaxanthin and Zeaxanthin. The body does not produce Lutein and Zeaxanthin. The macular pigment can, therefore, become severely depleted in those with a poor diet lacking the right foods.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are important nutrients that the body naturally deposits in the macula of the eye to create a protective layer known as macular pigment. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that work like internal sunglasses, protecting the macula from the damaging effects of blue light and oxidative stress.

The body does not produce Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

Supplements for eye health

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are present in some foods including leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach and fruits such as tangerines and oranges. Meso-Zeaxanthin — arguably the most powerful antioxidant of the three carotenoids — is not generally found in our everyday diet and has only been detected in a small number of marine organs including shrimp and certain fish organs (particularly in the skin).

Did you know?

10mg of Meso-Zeaxanthin is equivalent to 10,000g of trout, 10mg of Lutein is equivalent to 126g of spinach and 2mg of Zeaxanthin is equivalent to 400g of tangerine.

MACU-SAVE contains all three of these macular carotenoids, that are of the highest-quality grade, are harvested from the marigold plant Tagetes Erecta and are essential for macular health.

FloraGLO® Lutein is also the most clinically researched Lutein brand worldwide with over 90 human clinical trials published. It is clinically proven that its bioavailability is similar to that obtained from foods that naturally contain these nutrients. It sets the gold standard for the Lutein market, has proven efficacy, safety and credibility.

The post Why eye health requires more care than you might think appeared first on Health Awareness.

Up to 50% of sight loss is avoidable, and we believe that nobody should have to live with vision loss that could have been avoided.

This National Eye Health Week, we, at Specsavers, are encouraging everyone to have regular eye tests to keep on top of their eye health. We think the best eye care should be available to everyone, that’s why there are advanced eye scanners in our stores nationwide.

Getting your eyes checked

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners allow opticians to take a 3D image of the back of your eye to help spot serious eye conditions up to four years earlier.

Some of the conditions which can be picked up earlier with the scan include glaucoma — which is often symptomless — macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In rarer cases, signs of other serious health issues such as brain tumours have been found.

This is what happened to dad-of-two Matthew Voice, 40, who had been suffering from blackouts and dizzy spells for seven years when he first went for an eye test at his local Specsavers.

Detecting eye conditions

Matthew’s doctors had put his symptoms down to high blood pressure, but he was convinced something else was wrong.

He went for an eye test in 2020, during the first lockdown. He was seen by optometrist Denis Youngman who was concerned by the symptoms Matthew described.

Denis said: “He complained of a number of odd symptoms, which led to an A&E admission a few days earlier. A&E made a routine referral to neurology, which would have had him waiting for weeks. However, I felt his case warranted an urgent in-store examination.”

Doctors said if I hadn’t gone, I might not be here today.

Benefits of an OCT

As part of the examination, Matthew had an OCT eye scan which highlighted that his optic nerves were swollen. His vision was also reduced, so Denis referred him immediately to the ophthalmology department at Southlands Hospital.

Doctors at the hospital discovered Matthew had a brain tumour, and he was eventually diagnosed with brain cancer. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy mean the cancer is under control, but it isn’t cured.

“I very nearly didn’t go to the appointment because we were in the middle of lockdown, but I knew I had to go – something just wasn’t right,” recalls Matthew.

“Doctors said if I hadn’t gone, I might not be here today. I want everyone to know that eye appointments are about so much more than just checking your sight.”

Does an OCT hurt?

No, not at all. It is a quick, painless procedure. Just like having a photo taken.

Does it take long?

No, the scan itself will take a matter of seconds.

How much does it cost?

An OCT scan is in addition to your eye test and carries a small fee of £10.

What do I get from having this scan?

Even if your optician does not find any health concerns, we can use your OCT scans to see the change in your eye health over time, allowing your optician to identify concerns much faster.

Who should have an OCT scan?

Even if your vision and eye health are fine, an OCT scan is recommended for anyone aged 25 and over. Getting an OCT scan with your eye test helps to track your eye health over time.

The post Getting a routine eye check could save your life appeared first on Health Awareness.

Vision correction is too often deprioritised for other health issues. But this National Eye Health Week, we must recognise the importance of access to eyecare for all.

More than a year since all lockdown restrictions ended in the UK, we are only now fully coming to terms with the pandemic’s wider impact on the nation’s public health.

Overlooking eyecare

Not only have mental health and cancer treatments been severely disrupted, but so has our eye health. Delayed sight tests, referrals and surgeries resulted in almost 3,000 UK patients losing their sight, while myopia (short-sightedness) is drastically on the rise. An exponential increase in screen time has contributed to one in three children now being at risk of long-term eye damage. 

But the failure to account for eyecare costs us more than just clear vision. It is estimated that losses of productivity due to uncorrected myopia alone cost the world $244 billion annually.

Clear vision also underpins at least six of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals including good health, decent work, gender equality and the elimination of poverty.

It is estimated that losses of productivity
due to uncorrected myopia alone cost
the world $244 billion annually.

Solution at the end of our noses

The answer has been in – or on – our faces for 700 years. A simple pair of glasses possesses transformative powers to boost efficiency and economic progress. 

In a groundbreaking trial in India, the introduction of glasses increased productivity by 21% on average, equating to an entire extra working day per week. The study provided empirical evidence of the impact of glasses on productivity – an inexpensive solution to an expensive problem.

In pursuit of access to eyecare for all, I practice moonshot philanthropy: a philosophy that combines risk with the fearlessness of failure. By investing expertise as well as finance – 10 years in an issue, not just £10 million – moonshot philanthropists have a unique ability to achieve paradigm-shifting ambition: not least the UN’s resolution of Vision For Everyone by 2030. 

With a collective moonshot mindset, cross-industry leaders can help to revive the global economy, address inequalities and ultimately improve the quality of life for millions. Vision should be where they look first.

The post Vision needs more moonshot thinking appeared first on Health Awareness.

Many parents don’t know what myopia (shortsightedness) is or how it can affect their children. If it remains untreated, it may lead to serious vision problems.

A recent study of 2,000 parents — commissioned by spectacle lens manufacturer HOYA Lens UK — found that a quarter of children don’t have regular eye examinations, and one in 10 have never been to an optician.

Rising prevalence of myopia

The survey also found that 55% of parents have a school-aged child with eyesight problems — and myopia (or shortsightedness) was the most common issue. Myopia prevalence is doubling, with figures predicting that nearly 50% of the global population will be shortsighted by 2050, yet 81% of parents in the study didn’t know what myopia was. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious vision problems.

“Myopia usually occurs due to an elongation of the eyeball and generally starts between the ages of six and 13,” says Andrew Sanders, Professional Services Director at HOYA. “One key driver is believed to be an increase in indoor lifestyles. There is evidence that two hours of outdoor activity per day can reduce the onset of myopia by nearly 30%.”

Children should be encouraged to read at a distance of 30cm or more, and take breaks every 30 minutes.

Book a free eye appointment

Too much close reading can be a problem, with children glued to screens and smartphones. “The 30:30:OUT rule advocates that children should be encouraged to read at a distance of 30cm or more, and take breaks every 30 minutes,” says Sanders, who admits that genes are thought to be another driver. Evidence suggests that a child with myopic parents (either one or both) is more likely to develop myopia themselves.

If you suspect your child is struggling with myopia, you should book an appointment with an optometrist immediately (eye tests for children are funded by the NHS). If spectacles are prescribed, the optometrist will advise you on how often your child should wear them. Not doing so can potentially increase myopia progression.

Alternatives for shortsightedness

Latest treatments include new spectacle lenses that slow down the progression of myopia by 60% on average over two years. If your child doesn’t want to wear glasses, then contact lenses may be an option.

“It’s important that children are at the heart of all decisions regarding their myopia management,” says Sanders. “Vision correction shouldn’t be underestimated because it can make a huge difference to their quality of life.”

References
Chung et al. 2002;42(22):2555–9
Lam et al. 2018.
Sherwin et al. 2012.
Yazdani et al. 2021 Jan-Mar;14(1):11-19. doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2020.04.003. Epub 2020 Jun 2. PMID: 32507615; PMCID: PMC7752985.

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None of us look forward to medical examinations. When it comes to our sight, they are a vital step to finding out what’s wrong if your vision isn’t quite what it used to be.

Waiting for an appointment can be an anxious time but preparing for your visit can help ensure that time with your eye care professional is maximised.

Being prepared for appointments

This National Eye Health Week (September 19–26), RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) shares some top tips for patients. If your optometrist finds any signs in your eyes that they think need further investigation, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist at an outpatient clinic at your local hospital or a local specialist optometrist.

If you have an appointment coming up, we advise:

• Things to take with you:
  • A list of medicines you take even if they are not for your eyes.
  • Your current glasses as the clinical team will want to know what you use.
  • If you wear contact lenses, check whether you should come in wearing them.
  • Any letters or information that you may have about your eyes from previous hospital or optician appointments.

At the appointment, there is no such thing as a silly question, don’t be afraid to ask about what you are being told.

Transparency about eye health

Dr Louise Gow, RNIB’s specialist lead for eye health, says: “Before you go to the appointment, let them know if you have any special needs that will require adaptations. Also, check whether you are likely to have drops put into your eyes as this would mean you should not drive yourself home.”

At the appointment, there is no such thing as a silly question, don’t be afraid to ask about what you are being told. Making a note of any questions that you have and taking it with you can ensure nothing is missed.

Staying informed on your eyes

For questions that arise, RNIB also shares a series of booklets about many eye conditions which are available for free and written in conjunction with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, so it is information you can trust. You may also be referred to the Sight Loss Advice Service which can provide practical and emotional support on what a sight loss diagnosis will mean for you.

The post Check you’re ready before you next get your eyes checked appeared first on Health Awareness.

To mark National Eye Health Week (19–25 September), we take the chance to explain why we need to wise up when it comes to our vision and eye health.

One in three of us will suffer sight loss in our lifetime, yet half of this is avoidable. The findings of a new report commissioned by Eye Health UK and Thomas Pocklington Trust reveal many of us lack basic ‘know-how’ when it comes to caring for our eyes.

Essential health check

More than 17.5 million of us haven’t had an eye test in the last two years, as recommended. Men and minority ethnic groups are most likely to skip this essential health check. Routine eye tests are vital for everyone, in the same way that dental check-ups, smear tests and prostate screening are.

Not only can an eye test detect eye conditions, such as glaucoma, years before you notice a change in your vision, but they can also uncover signs of general health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, early signs of heart disease and even brain tumours.

Routine eye tests are vital for everyone

Red flag symptoms

The Eye Q Report also reveals a worrying lack of awareness when it comes to ‘red flag’ symptoms linked to sight-threatening eye conditions.

Despite being symptoms of retinal detachment — a condition requiring urgent treatment to avoid permanent sight loss — only one in five of us (19%) would seek same-day medical attention if we suddenly saw lots of flashes or floaters in our vision, and fewer than half of us (48%) would take urgent action if we saw a shadow, veil or curtain over our vision.

Lifestyle matters

Your lifestyle also matters when it comes to eye health. Yet, just four in ten Brits believe exposure to the sun’s UV can impact eye health, despite cumulative UV exposure increasing the risk of cataracts and many other sight-threatening conditions.

The report also found a meagre 8% of us link exercise and eye health even though evidence shows being physically active can slash your risk of visual impairment. Whereas, only 13% link smoking and sight loss despite it being directly responsible for around 120,000 cases of AMD – the UK’s leading cause of sight loss.

Give your eyes attention

With 60% of us worrying about our long-term vision, it’s vital we all learn about the simple ways we can care for our eyes and keep our vision healthy.

The post The nation’s eye IQ is missing the mark appeared first on Health Awareness.

Lucy Edwards shares how one can be an inspiration to people who have lost their sight at a young age and how to create change in a ‘sighted world.’

Q: How did you begin your rehabilitation journey?

I was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition Incontinentia Pigmenti when I was young. It got worse in my teens, and I started rehabilitation at 17. You re-evaluate everything and have to learn to eat, drink and everything all over again. You basically have to start your life as a reset.

Q: How do you navigate daily life?

I’m very independent. I didn’t want to sit around and not be equal to my partner. I cook, clean and look after our two dogs. When I first went blind, I thought I was a burden. But it was just about taking one step at a time to learn each skill — like pouring a glass of water, making cereal and doing makeup — again. Getting used to all those things, it’s just a new reality.

I don’t want people not understanding who they are because we’re not represented in the media.

Q: Is there anything that helps you the most?

I have a lot of tools. I have a talking microwave from RNIB. There’s system for everything: Liquid level indicators in my glass, labels on clothes. I love all-in-one outfits for ease. There are apps on my phone like Aira — a paid subscription where you ring mobility assistants.

Q: What impact do you hope to make?

I have big goals to change the beauty industry. I’m a Pantene ambassador, work with guide dogs and teach visually impaired 10 to 17-year-olds how to use iPads and social media because those weren’t there when I was that age. It’s about empowering young people, and I have exciting things in the pipeline.

Q: What inspired you to become a public figure?

I used to Google blindness as a young girl, and nothing would appear. I trained to be a BBC journalist. I was inspired by other people’s stories and wanted to tell mine. For me, it’s education first. We live in a sighted world where things aren’t made for people like me unless I fight and use my platform to influence big brands and hold them accountable. I don’t want people not understanding who they are because we’re not represented in the media.

Q: What would you say to your 17-year-old self?

That I know it’s tearing you apart but it’s a storm you can weather (quote from a song called O’ Sister). Getting up from your failures is what will define you.

The post Re-learning and re-navigating through life after sight loss appeared first on Health Awareness.

Researchers are helping to spearhead a major UK research drive to understand and treat a range of sight-threatening retinal diseases as part of a global fight.

Drawing on an intense collaborative approach, the Ophthalmology Programme at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) holds a distinctive place in UK eye research, building its success on a combination of basic and transitional science from local and international experts focused on delivering real results and impact through teamwork, commitment and innovation.

Prioritising eye health

The Eye and Vision Research Team based in the Centre for Public Health has a long-standing international reputation which has been built around high-quality epidemiological studies and clinical trials, with a high level of patient involvement.

It is led by a renowned Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at QUB, Tunde Peto, who specialises in chronic blinding diseases, ophthalmic image analysis, epidemiology and statistics. Professor Peto is acclaimed for setting up and managing diabetic retinopathy screening and training programmes and says “collaboration has been key to its success, which has helped in securing more than £20 million in funding in recent years and many leading industry partnerships.”

“Building expertise in delivering groundbreaking research into the cause and effect of retinal diseases and their causes has been and remains our focus,” Professor Peto adds.

Through extraordinary collaboration between clinicians, patients and a wider supportive team, we have been able to continually identify and improve our research.

Ophthalmology leaders

“Through extraordinary collaboration between clinicians, patients and a wider supportive team, we have been able to continually identify and improve our research to ensure our findings add significantly to determining eye health. It is increasingly relevant to several other major diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Down’s Syndrome. Working carefully through trials with patients, we have been able to better explore and advance the scientific paths towards better treatments and cures.”

Professor Peto’s team has been responsible for working with several countries in the Commonwealth to enable appropriate clinical pathways in diabetic eye care to reduce diabetes-related blindness.

“Our work spans five continents supported by a dedicated Reading Centre in Belfast which collates, reviews and digitally analyses detailed images taken from the eyes to advance our specialist work.”

Collaborative research

The excellence of the ophthalmology programme contributed to establishing endowed professorships and to the landmark success for QUB of the Wellcome-Wolfson Capital Award for ‘Translational Vision Science’ at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine with ophthalmology and diabetic microvascular disease among the pillars of excellence. “To advance the cause for eye care around the world, we proactively share our research and continually seek new collaborations,” Professor Peto says.

The post Spearheading eye care research to find better treatments and cures appeared first on Health Awareness.

Craig Wallace

General Manager, Santen UK and Ireland and EMEA Head Commercial Operations

Reviewed and Sponsored by Santen

Eye specialists are encouraging people of all ages to take preventive steps in reducing the risk of developing dry eye disease.

Ophthalmic specialists note a trend toward younger patients with dry eye disease (DED). They point out that if people notice symptoms, they can take steps to keep their eyes hydrated and prevent the condition from becoming more serious.

Disease spectrum

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Sajjad Ahmad explains that dry eye is a spectrum of conditions where symptoms include dryness and grittiness — through to the eyelid sticking to the surface of the eye — and has a range of causes.

“There are patients with very mild disease and those who have severe disease, but it is a condition to take seriously,” he says. “Some causes are from features related to patients, such as time in front of screens or wearing contact lenses for long periods or from environmental factors like sitting under air conditioning.”

There are patients with very mild disease and those who have severe disease, but it is a condition to take seriously.

Younger patients

The increasingly common condition no longer affects just older people, says Ahmad, primarily due to computer use.

“It is a condition that impacts the quality of life,” he says. “Some patients wake up in the morning — when the eyes are driest — and cannot open their eyes until they put lubricant drops in.”

If there is little improvement from eye drops, he says people should seek medical attention.

Dry eye can also trigger an immune response and lead to inflammation, which is a further indication of the condition worsening. Ahmad warns that untreated dry eye can affect vision and lead to infections of the cornea that can cause scarring. It can even cause a perforation on the surface of the eye in severe cases.

Dry eye can also trigger an immune response and lead to inflammation, which is a further indication of the condition worsening.

Proper eye care

If people are referred to an ophthalmologist, the first stage of treatment is lubricants, gels or ointments. If that does not resolve the issue, an anti-inflammatory may be prescribed.

Since there is no cure for dry eyes, using eye drops is an effective and convenient way to manage symptoms, particularly if they are mild. These contain moisturising ingredients to replenish the quantity and quality of tears.

He says people can self-manage dry eye in the early stages with eye drops, gels or ointments from a pharmacy. “The choice can be overwhelming, but the most important thing is to make sure you are not using anything that can be detrimental to the surface of the eye and the products are preservative-free.”

“It is important to take DED seriously, as once established, it is not something that just goes away; it tends to persist unless there is an intervention,” says Ahmad.

Day-to-day changes

The Covid-19 pandemic also has had an impact on eye health. Poorly fitting masks that misdirect ventilation may cause evaporative dry eye. Pandemic restrictions and NHS pressures have affected patient access to ophthalmic services.

With services still focusing on severe eye diseases, he encourages patients to take preventive steps, limit screen time, seek help from optometrists and pharmacists and be aware of their environment.

The recent ‘DED services in the era of Covid-19’ report from specialist ophthalmic pharmaceutical company Santen in collaboration with a panel of experts, examines how new approaches to supporting patients with dry eyes could be helpful and the importance of patient education in improving eye health. The report looked at virtual consultations as well as credible online resources as ways to support patients.

Stay informed on dry eye

The OcuWellness website gives patients fact-checked information and regular articles to support people in maintaining their eye health, and also allows them to purchase Cationorm^®, Santen’s new clinically proven treatment to help relieve symptoms of dry eye.

Craig Wallace, General Manager of Santen UK and Ireland says: “As a specialist ophthalmic company, we are always looking for ways to support patients living with eye disease and the healthcare professionals who treat them.”

Sajjad Ahmad does not endorse Cationorm or any other prescription/OTC products.

Job code: CATION-UK-220037
Date of preparation: September 2022

The post Simple steps in daily habits can help prevent rising cases of dry eye disease appeared first on Health Awareness.

A little discomfort from your contact lenses should not be perceived as normal. People should be able to wear them without any unusual dryness or discomfort.

We are all too familiar with this feeling: Coming home from a day of meetings, taking off our shoes and dashing to the mirror to remove our contact lenses. While they might help us look good, we all know too well the sigh of relief that comes with finally getting into something more comfortable.

Uncomfortable eyes

But the question remains — why are we so ready to turn a blind eye to feeling uncomfortable even when it affects our enjoyment, concentration and performance in daily life? And why do we so readily tolerate daily discomfort when we demand such high standards in every other area of our lives? Talk to any group of friends, and the chances are they’ll say the same.

They choose to tolerate discomfort because of the significant payoff. It’s a conscious comfort versus style and happiness equation. While some choose comfort, many opt for style knowing the sacrifices of discomfort, irritation and distraction involved because the happiness payoff tips the balance.

Why are we so ready to turn a blind eye to feeling uncomfortable even when it affects our enjoyment, concentration and performance in daily life?

Science in lenses

Hot on the heels of many innovative products focused on comfort, contact lenses are finally set to join the comfort revolution to enable millions more to swap daily discomfort and distraction for a blissful feeling of ‘nothing’ that brings new freedom. How is this possible? Tapping into one of the most advanced technologies in vision care today — TOTAL^® contact lenses are nearly 100% water at the surface, so nothing touches our eyes but a gentle cushion of moisture. It’s finally time, with science on our side, that the comfort versus style equation might no longer be one we have to take into account each time we step out of the door.

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