Diabetic Disease Awareness Month aims to increase the awareness of diabetes, and diabetic eye disease.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, therefore it is important to seek treatment for vision impairment that are related to diabetes.

As the number of people living with diabetes grows, so does the number of people with impaired vision.

High blood sugar levels damages the blood vessels of the retina, and can cause permanent vision loss.  Vision impairment caused by Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) may be prevented by regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well as regular eye examinations at your local Smart Vision Optometry.

Jacquie Gattengo, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the four stages of DR and what preventable measures can be taken to reduce the disease from advancing, and causing permanent vision loss.

There are two types of DR; Non proliferative retinopathy – which refers to the bleeding of the retina or leakage of blood – and proliferative retinopathy whereby abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina. The blood may bleed in the centre of the eye, causing vision problems.

Micro aneurysms (MA) occurs in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) when the capillary walls leak fluid due to the haemorrhage of blood vessels.

Stage one: Mild NPDR

The first stage consists of mild non-proliferative retinopathy, which is an early stage of DR. In this stage, “small areas of swelling or bulges occurs in the blood vessels of the retina,” says Jacquie.

Vision may not be affected yet during this stage.

Mild NPDR has at least one MA. Such findings are elusive, therefore close monitoring and inspection are crucial.  Patients should have an extensive eye examination once a year.

It is also essential that “patients diagnosed with diabetes monitor their blood sugar level and diet,” says Jacquie.

Stage 2: Moderate NPDR

As the disease progresses, it results in moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, where some of “the blood vessels that nourish the retina becomes blocked and damage the retina,” says Jacquie.

Blood and other fluids build up in the small central part of the retina causing diabetic macular edema. Vision may be affected in this stage.

Patients with moderate NPDR should have an eye examination at least twice a year.

Stage 3: Severe NPDR

The third stage consists of an additional blockage of the blood vessels, “this disrupts the blood supply to the retina,” says Jacquie. The damaged retina signals the body to produce new blood vessels. The development of new blood vessels grows in the retina and fills the interior of the eye. “The obstructed blood vessels may lead to blurred vision with dark spots visible,” says Jacquie.

Multiple haemorrhages occur in the retinal quadrants. During this stage, retinal detachment may occur.

“Patients with severe NPDR should have a dilated fungus examination three or four times a year,” advises Jacquie. These patients are at high risk of disease progression and permanent vision loss

Stage 4: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

During this stage, “the new blood vessels are abnormal and rupture causing a flow of blood to the retina,” says Jacquie.

The growth of abnormal and fragile new blood vessels advance during this stage. “These blood vessels have fragile walls and can leak blood in the retina, causing severe vision loss and blindness,” says Jacquie.

Patients exhibit either neovascularisation of the eye or pre-retinal haemorrhage. Until the disease stabilises, it is required that they visit a retinal speciality once a month.

Eye examinations

There are usually no warning signs of Diabetic retinopathy (DR), however early signs of DR can be detected up regular eye examinations. The procedure of such examination includes near and distant eye tests, a dilated eye exam (which allows the examiner to see through the pupil to the retina), and a tonometry test to measure the fluid pressure in the eye.

Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are at risk of developing neurovascular complications that can lead to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). It is advised that “patients with diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination,” says Jacquie.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News, YDMA Group

Chronic conditions can cause eye symptoms, such as dry eye, damaged blood vessels and blindness. Many eye problems are preventable and treatable.

Jacqueline Gattengo, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains common illnesses that cause many eye problems.

Diabetes

People with diabetes often have problems with the blood vessels in their body, and the eye is no exception. Diabetes causes many complications, including Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).

DR is caused by the onset of diabetes. “High blood sugar and high blood pressure levels can damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye, that supply blood to the retina,” says Jacquie. A lack of blood supply can affect vision and cause permanent blindness. DR can be prevented by regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

High blood sugar levels increase the risk of dry eyes. “Dry eye causes significant eye discomfort and impaired vision,” says Jacquie. The symptoms include redness, a scratchy sensation of the eye, and blurry vision. The cause of dry eye is typically a lack of tears to keep the eye moist and healthy.

People with diabetes are also at higher risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

Nutritional deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency can cause severe dry eye and lead to ulcers of the cornea. A lack of vitamins can increase the risk of developing cataracts.  

“Cataracts are caused by the build-up of protein which clouds the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision and blindness,” says Jacquie. If left untreated, this condition will worsen and lead to blindness.

Jacquie says, “cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and a history of cataracts in blood relatives.” 

“Many people are not aware of the effects of smoking on their vision,” says Jacquie. Smoking is associated with many health problems, including eye health. Smoking contributes to cataracts by “altering the cell of the lens through oxidation,” says Jacquie, and the “heavy metal like cadmium accumulates in the lens.”

Regular eye examinations are important to “test, diagnose and treat eye deficiency before they become progressively worse,” says Jacquie. Cataracts are more prominent in people who are diabetic. Therefore, it is important to “maintain high and low blood sugar levels,” says Jacquie.

Corneal Ulcer

A cornea ulcer is a common eye condition that is often caused by bacterial infections. This causes an ulcer to form in the front part of the eye.  People with “vitamin A deficiency and those who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk of cornea ulcers,” says Jacquie, as infectious agents are trapped behind the lens.

Jacquie identifies symptoms of cornea ulcer that include, “pain, intense redness, a scratchy sensation of the eye, light sensitivity and blurred vision.”

If you suspect you have a cornea ulcer, visit your local Smart Vision Optometry for an eye examination.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause a change in the retina as it damages the blood vessels that supply the eye.

Controlling high blood pressure levels is fundamental for the vision of the eyes. “The longer the blood pressure levels remain high, the more an individual is at risk of having permanent eye damage,” says Jacquie.

High blood pressure may be diagnosed during a regular eye examination.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease is a condition whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells of the body. The autoimmune attack causes inflammation of the optic nerve that damages the eye and affects vision.

People with autoimmune disease experience common symptoms such as “dry, red and itchy eyes, light sensitivity, eye pain, and change in vision,” says Jacquie. Treating the autoimmune disease will help control eye problems caused by the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a collagen vascular disease, increases the risk of dry eye, as infections with bacteria or viruses affect the eye.

This condition can be treated with eye drops

Infectious diseases

Infections can affect the condition of the eye as well as one’s eyesight. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a common form of eye infection. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the eyelids and eye pain.

Trachoma

Trachoma begins with a bacterial infection, similarly to conjunctivitis (pink-eye), and can be easily treated.

However, if the condition is left untreated, “the condition will worsen as it causes scarring to the eyelid that pulls the eyelashes inwards,” says Jacquie. This causes tremendous pain as every blink scrapes the eye.

Advanced trachoma is called trichiasis, which occurs when the eye is inflamed. “Scar tissue builds up inside the eyelid, making the eyelid tight, pulling the eyelashes inward,” explains Jacquie.

Symptoms of trachoma include discharge from the eye, irritated eyes and redness. This causes immense pain as the eyelashes scrape against the cornea. This can lead to blindness.

Trachoma can be treated with cleanliness and hygiene, regularly wash your bedding, clothes and face to prevent infection.

It is important to be aware of other diseases that affect the eye, as if left untreated and undiagnosed, it can result in permanent blindness and vision impairment.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News, YDMA Group

October brings the month of World Sight Day and World Teacher’s day, in commemoration of both annual events, this article aims to bring awareness to blindness and vision impairment in children.

Vision impairment or loss can affect people of all ages, but it can be detected at an early age. Reduced eyesight can have minor or long-lasting effects on all aspects of life including personal daily activities and participation in school and work.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, provides insight in identifying signs of vision problems in children.

The role of educators in detecting early signs in learner

Millions of children around the world experience signs of significant visual impairment, many of which are preventable and treatable.

Educators spend a significant amount of time with learners, therefore, they “play an important role in identifying early signs of eye problems in children,” Jacquie says. This detection reduces the risk of blindness.

There is an increase in the rate of vision-related issues in children, such as diabetic retinopathy, untreated glaucoma, un-operated cataract and myopia. These are preventable causes of blindness that can easily be attended to.

Teaching methods to accommodate such issues

Much of information and education that we receive is through vision, therefore it is important to adopt this knowledge in teaching children who are visually impaired.

Educators can play a crucial role in assisting the comfortably of a child’s learning, regardless of a child’s diagnoses of vision impairment; acute or severe. An adjustment in teaching methods and techniques can help reduce the severity of vision impairment in children.

Much of the strain of the eyes is caused by reading and focusing, particularly in the classroom and on digital screens. However there are other causes to consider that are hereditary.

Here are a few examples teachers can assist with children who experience the following conditions and diagnosis:

Retinopathy of Pre-maturity (ROP)

Retinopathy refers to the disease of the retina that is caused by an abnormal growth of the blood vessel. ROP usually affects children who are born prematurely with a low body mass.

Adaptation in teaching methods can be made by discouraging physical activity as a compulsory requirement as it may result in retinal detachment.

Albinism

Albinism is a lack of pigmentation in skin, hair and eyes. Pigment is necessary for retinal development, therefore, albinism impacts vision.

In learning environments, a high contrast of colours may be beneficial for children with albinism. For example, bright colours against dark backgrounds.

Coloboma of the eye

This is a physical defect of the eyes in children that occurs from birth. To treat this in classrooms, it is important to reduce the glare in learning environments, which can be decreased with dark curtains.

How to identify signs of myopia

The more myopic the higher the risk of screening issues that cause blindness. “It is important to know the difference between high and mild myopia as the level of severity increases the chances of blindness,” Jacquie says.

Mild myopia does not immediately increase a person’s risk of developing serious eye problems but left untreated it can.

High myopia, on the other hand, happens when a child’s eyeball grows longer than it should. If left untreated, high myopia complications can lead to blindness, so regular comprehensive visual eye examinations are critical. These are not the common sight tests offered by regular optometrists.

High myopia may raise the risk of a child developing serious conditions such as cataracts, detached retinas and glaucoma.  

Educators can identify signs of myopia in classrooms in the child has:

1. Poor school grades

2. Short attention span

3. Holding objects close to the face

4. Squinting

This month brings awareness to vision impairment and blindness. The awareness of the role teachers play in a child’s sight to reduce preventable blindness is crucial.

Vision problems such as myopia can be treated with highly successful, non-invasive, smart vision eye health treatment programmes, yet some optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend invasive laser eye surgery as the only option or quick fix. “Smart Vision Optometrists have a holistic approach to eyecare and therefore invasive surgery, which is a permanent disfigurement, is not considered a viable option and would only be suggested in extreme cases as an absolute last resort,” Jacquie said.

“If a child has any of the above symptoms then a comprehensive vision skills assessment is recommended immediately,” Jacquie concludes.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600, alternatively book an appointment online.

Although laser eye surgery has become a low risk and easy-to-execute procedure, it is still invasive.

Gary Rodney, the Founder of Smart Vision Optometry and a leading Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Mosman, discusses an alternative non-invasive surgery to correct and improve vision.

Smart Vision Optometrists resource to non-invasive surgeries in their practice.

Many patients do not qualify for eye laser surgery, as they may have irregular corneas, or other conditions, such as inflammation, and bacterial infections often caused by poor hygiene. Additionally many patients are worried about eye surgery given the burning of the inner layers of myopia correction surgery can have permanent negative effects. Many “laser surgeries involve the burning of the matrix of the inner layers of the corneal tissue to flatten and reshape the cornea to correct vision, however this is not always a once-off fix, because the underlying issues of what caused them to become short-sighted in the first place has not been addressed and so the process may need to be repeated and burnt again,” says Rodney.

Laser surgery, such as LASIK, is invasive to the eye and can cause damage or injury to the eye, such as cornea damage, and may cause other complications such as eye infections and permanent dry eyes.

Invasive surgeries are no longer the only option for vision correction, as smart vision optometrists offer non-invasive methods and procedures.

Smart vision optometrists use vision therapy, therapeutic spectacle and contact lenses to improve comfort, enhance performance and optimise visual development.  Visual therapy is a “non-invasive method used to improve and manage different eye conditions,” says Rodney. This technique involves exercises that help improve the visual system.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, also referred to as corneal reshaping treatment, is “a non-surgical vision correction alternative,” says Rodney. Corneal reshaping (CR) is a therapeutic process which reshapes the cornea using reverse geometry contact lenses. This flattens the cornea to reduce nearsightedness.

There is “no age barrier to this procedure as it is safe for both children and adults,” says Rodney. The non-surgical vision correction procedure can correct refractive errors such as mild to moderate and even large (in some cases) myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Ortho-K is safe and effective for children as it has been proven to treat myopia effectively. Evidence based practice has made the process very safe provided a minimum standard of care is followed. Thus includes regular checks with your orthokeratologist, tap water never used on the lenses or case at any time, hydrogen peroxide disinfection, 12 monthly lens replacement, and a perfectly fitted lens from an experienced orthokeratologist. The procedure is not effective on certain shaped corneas. “Ortho-K is also suitable for sportsmen and women, swimmers, and simply those who do not wish to wear glasses or contact lenses,” says Rodney.

Like refractive surgeries, Ortho-K gives clear unaided vision, however it has no surgical risks and is reversible. The most important part for children though is the proven effectiveness against minimising myopia progression. So it has a large preventative effect.

The Ortho-K gradually reshapes the front surface of the cornea to reduce myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The vision retainer is similar to contact lenses, but are worn at night while sleeping.

While asleep, “the lens uses the force of the eyelid and tear fluid beneath the lens to reshape the top of the cornea,” says Rodney. Upon awakening the patient’s vision remains clear throughout the day, without using contact lenses or glasses.

“This procedure is non-surgical vision correction is painless and reversible,” says Rodney. Ortho-K does not permanently change the shape of the eye. “The eye shape will revert to its original state within one to two weeks if the lenses are no longer worn,” says Rodney. However, improvements are visible the day after, and the procedure stabilises after a week. The process for high myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, can take up to two to four weeks to achieve full correction.

The Ortho-K lens “offers relief from problems associated with contact lenses, such as dry eyes, and dust that may get trapped in and under the contact lens,” says Rodney.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

There’s more to vision than just the eyes. A range of skills combine to make sense of what is seen, recall it when needed, and act on it. When there are problems with visual skills, children may exhibit symptoms that are very similar to dyslexia or ADHD as they struggle to keep up with their peers in a world where processing what they see is an uphill battle.

Australian behavioural optometrist and fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), Gary Rodney says that he’s had first-hand experience of the difference vision therapy can make in children’s lives. “They can seem like completely different individuals. They move from a situation in which they’re behind in their learning, frequently in trouble for making mistakes, and constantly struggling at school to one where they can fulfil their potential. It really is life-changing.”

However, Gary says that one of the biggest problems is a lack of awareness. “Parents and teachers often consider poor eyesight as a possible reason why children struggle at school, but they may not realise that clear eyesight isn’t enough.”

Visual skills range from the ability to “track” lines of text systematically, to depth perception, spotting differences between one thing and another, and remembering what one sees. When they’re lacking, they can be developed, and Gary has witnessed astonishing changes in many of his young patients as a result.

  Improved Academic Performance

It’s impossible to do well at school when visual skills aren’t properly developed, but with training, the first improvement that parents and teachers notice is improved academic ability. For the children themselves, the change must be even more rewarding. From facing schooldays packed with impossible challenges and frustrations to dealing comfortably with the tasks that have been set for them, there’s no doubt that acquiring the necessary visual abilities is a big win for them.

  Better Coordination

Adults will often shrug off a child’s poor coordination as nothing more than clumsiness when it’s really a symptom of his or her need for vision therapy. From the child’s perspective, there’s embarrassment, failure, and little enjoyment in sports participation. After all, it’s not fun being the kid who always drops the ball or misses an easy goal. With the limiting factor that lay behind poor coordination moved out of the way, it becomes possible to do better at sports and have more fun at play.

  More Self-Confidence

Always feeling like they are the ones who are lagging behind their peers can’t be very pleasant for children with visual skills issues. Trying hard and repeatedly failing to do schoolwork correctly, often being in trouble because adults think they’re ‘careless,’ or ‘naughty,’ and possibly having to endure teasing from schoolmates is sure to hurt self-confidence. Needless to say, overcoming their difficulties and discovering that they’re able to hold their own in any setting must certainly be a huge relief for children who have benefited from vision therapy.

  Do Better Socially

“One can often see the difference,” says Gary. “Children blossom. At first, they’ll be shy, quiet, even sullen. But as they uncover their potential, they also come out of their shells. It’s as if they’ve entered a better, brighter, happier world. It’s one of the things that makes vision therapy so rewarding for all concerned: the therapist, the parents, and of course, the child.”

There are some inspiring case studies on the Smart Vision Optometry website, and those who would like to learn more about how vision therapy benefits children are welcome to view the videos posted there.

For more information on behavioural optometry, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

The Gift of Sight: How Eyes and Brain Work Together

Sight begins in the eyes. But it doesn’t end there. The brain is needed to process and interpret data from the eyes. It’s not a simple process. One part of the brain conjures up an image based on the data it receives from the eyes. Other parts of the brain interpret it. The gift of sight involves much more than just the eyes. Gary Rodney, a behavioural optometrist and an expert in the field of myopia control guides us through a complex process that is often taken for granted: seeing.

The Brain’s Role in Vision

It all begins when a person decides to look at something. A part of the brain stem known as the “pons” tells the eyes to move towards the object, setting the surprisingly complex process that is vision into motion.

The brain is clearly divided into lobes, and the first part of the brain to process visual information is the occipital lobe which is situated at the back of the brain. The occipital lobe’s role in vision is proven and not just a matter of conjecture. When people suffer damage to this part of the brain as a result of illness or injury, they may experience visual disturbances, or even lose their sight completely.

There’s a difference between having an image and understanding it, and the occipital lobe can’t help with the latter. Instead, visual information requires further processing, and different parts of the brain do the work.

Visuospatial cognition takes place in the parietal lobe. This part of the brain is the seat of depth perception and helps with the coordination of movement based on data such as direction and distance. Reaching for, and successfully grasping an object, for example, requires several pieces of information. Recognising the object is a good start, but if it is to be handled, its location in relation to the body is a vital piece of information.

But recognition doesn’t take place in the parietal lobe. For that, the temporal lobe must contribute its share to the process of vision. It’s the seat of memory and it’s able to turn an image into something that’s recognisable based on prior experience.

Until quite recently, experts believed that the frontal lobe wasn’t involved in processing visual information, but it’s now believed to have a rather important role. The theory is supported by information from MRI scans that showed frontal lobe activity during the performance of certain visual tasks.

It’s believed that this part of the brain “focuses” on specific objects. To illustrate this, imagine a room full of various objects. A person is looking for his or her car keys, but plenty of other things are in view. The frontal lobe might be the part of the brain that helps with spotting those car keys among the clutter of other objects in view.

Super-Quick Communication Through a Neural Network

In order to transfer information from the eyes to the different parts of the brain that use and interpret visual information, a super-fast information highway is needed. The retina of the eye has special light-sensitive cells called rod and cone cells. When light strikes one of them, it sends a nerve impulse through the optic nerve to the occipital lobe which processes the information to make up part of an image.

But the image is without any meaning until the occipital lobe is able to match it with a memory. If there’s no match, this part of the brain will store it as a new memory, or it will still retain the memory, if only temporarily, categorising it into understandable information that can be used like “Oh that’s where the car keys are!”

It’s remarkable how quickly this all happens. Some researchers have equated the “speed of sight” as being equivalent to that of a good Ethernet connection, but that’s rather conservative as estimates go. It can be even faster. It’s theorised that the brain prioritises information and works a little more slowly when it deems information less than vitally important, saving its top speed for urgent data – like that obtained from rapidly approaching objects.

Behavioural Optometry: When Eye Tests are About More Than Just Eyes

With so much more than eyes involved in vision, it should come as no surprise that some optometrists do much more than just test the physical ability of the eyes to see clearly. “There’s a lot more to vision than just seeing,” says Gary. “That’s why behavioural optometrists test for visual skills as well as visual acuity. When visual skills need to be developed, it’s more than just a matter of prescribing glasses, but proven therapies can often help with vision problems that go beyond mere eyesight.”

For more information on vision therapy and how it works, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Rodney says he understands how easy it would be to overlook eye care as the lockdowns slowly lift in the wake of the rampaging pandemic. Dealing with the back-to-school process, and adapting to work routines all over again, is challenging at the best of times. Doing so against a backdrop of constant talk about an undefined “new normal” that might change their world forever, while still stressed by the virus and lockdown regulations, will not make it any easier.

From Lockdown Stress to Myopia Epidemic

However, according to Rodney, it is vital that parents are aware that they could unknowingly be sending their children from a new pandemic straight into an epidemic, one that has seen myopia affecting the eyesight of millions of people around the globe in the past few decades and which is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Testing children for the eye condition, or making sure they resume treatment if it’s been interrupted during lockdown, is especially important because of the increased screen time and restricted outdoor activity the lockdown lifestyle encouraged. Rodney says these two actions have been linked to a marked increase in the prevalence of myopia, and to speeding up the condition’s rate of progression. Further he says “We are seeing a significant increase in our clinics in eyestrain and impacted functional vision skills just from three to four weeks of Lockdown screen usage at home”

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive eye condition which affects distance focus, blurring anything that’s more than a few feet away. Progressive myopia is where the eyeball continues to elongate and stretch. This causes irreversible damage to the back of the eye as the retina is stretched. This can become a serious eye impairment which can lead to blindness later in life. Rodney says traditionally the majority of optometrists and ophthalmologists simply prescribe single focus distance glasses and contact lenses as has been done for years which is the worst thing you can do as far as myopia prevention is concerned.

HEAR: Gary Rodney Interviewed By David Wood Ultra106five.com

However Rodney says there are now evidence based options to control the progression and prevent the eyes from being harmed further. Everyone should educate themselves as to what is possible and what is this myopia epidemic.

He says that perhaps, as Australians return to work in a way still governed in their minds by the “old” normal while at the same time trying to come to grips with the concept of the “new” normal, they will get a bit more insight into what it means to be myopic and how huge the problem is becoming in our modern device driven world. Surrounded by a blur of changing figures and regulations, as well as inundated with endless true and fake news and information, they will find it difficult to get a clear picture of what the future may hold. And this, in turn, will make it impossible to perceive what that picture will mean to them and how they will fit into it.

For more information on myopia, its treatment and management, visit https://www.myopiaprevention.com.au 

Click here to book an appointment online or call either of Smart Vision’s two Sydney clinics at (02) 9365 5047 (Bondi), or on (02) 9969 1600 (Mosman). 

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

HEAR: Gary Rodney Interviewed By David Wood Ultra106five.com

Responding to the results of the world’s second survey on myopia management conducted by a team from Optometry Australia, the University of Melbourne Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, and the Centre for Eye Research Australia, based on the first, and so-far only one of its kind, conducted back in 2016, Rodney said:

“Children with myopia, and their parents, should be made aware of all options available. Myopia is one of the most common eye problems currently facing both children and adults, and can lead to major problems and possible blindness in the elderly. Doors should be kept open to all  methods of intervention to prevent this from happening,” Rodney said.

Every Second Person Could Have Myopia by 2050

The founder of Smart Vision said the “glasses only” response from such a large share of the Australian optometry sector, painted a worrying picture of myopia management in Australia. And this was particularly so in a world where the WHO foresees myopia affecting close on 5billion (or 52%) of the world’s population by 2050. This is double the number of people, or one in three of  the global population, that statistics suggest are likely to be suffering from nearsightedness by the end of this year.

Rodney said it was also questionable why, in this scenario, more than half of Australian optometrists would choose to ignore ways of managing nearsightedness other than single vision glasses, while at the same time acknowledging the effectiveness of alternative treatments in their responses.

No Known cure, But Many Treatment Options

“As there is no known cure for myopia, all treatments, whether they involve single-vision or multifocal spectacles, contact lenses, special eye drops, or even the possibility of laser surgery, are aimed at trying to slow down myopia and its progression as children get older. And the best window of opportunity to do so is when they are young.

“For this reason all optometrists should be prepared and willing to explore the advantages and disadvantages of every methodology available, to determine which most benefits the child being treated,” he said.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics in Sydney focus on providing eye care for a number of vision problems with particular focus on children and myopia, and on determining the best treatment for each case. Visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision to find more information provided by the Smart Vision behavioural optometrists whose major focus is on the effects of perceptual and functional vision problems in children.  

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.