NEWS FLASH

In keeping with our aim to provide our patients with the very best in eye care, we have just had delivery of our newest instrument – The GDX Nerve Fibre Analyser.

To achieve the highest standard of care in glaucoma diagnosis and management, the eye needs to be assessed from both a structural and functional point of view. It also means detecting structural changes at the earliest possible stage – in the retinal nerve fibre layer, where early signs of glaucomatous structural damage appear. While these early changes are frequently difficult to detect during ophthalmoscopic evaluation, they can be clearly quantified with the GDX. This instrument is invaluable in the early detection of glaucoma.

Omega 3 oils

It is now scientific fact that omega 3 oils help a child to learn more efficiently. Omega 3 oils allow for a more efficient transfer of the nervous energy from one nerve fibre to the next. This increases the reaction time of a child and helps them to concentrate and learn more efficiently.

Omega 3 can be bought at our practice. Note that we only sell supplements that are proven to be effective and are safe.

Cataracts

Cataracts sound very worrying because ‘in the old days’ people might have gone blind or they have had to wear very thick glasses. However, cataracts are now not as worrying because thay can be removed relatively easily.

A cataract means that the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This can be likened to looking out a clear window in a normal eye and looking through a window with a voile curtain in the eye with the cataract. Our vision therefore becomes smudged and colours begin to fade.

It is really unnecessary to live through life with a cataract because it can be removed with relative ease. The doctor then inserts an artificial plastic lens in its place, restoring our vision back to how it may have been before.

Regular eye tests will easily pick up on the early stages of cataract development. Early diagnosis will improve the quality of your vision and your life hugely.

The Facts

• You no longer need to worry that having a cataract can cause blindness
• A cataract is very easy to diagnose with regular eye tests
• Most times removing a cataract is problem free and quite straightforward
• The quality of our vision will benefit once the cataract has been removed
• You should not wait until you are physically less healthy to have your cataract removed. The sooner it is removed the better it is for your quality of life

Dr Clyde Alexander D Phil Optom SA MC Optom UK is happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the above.

AMD - Age-related Macular Degeneration

The macula is the central area of the retina, the light receiving tissue at the back of the eye. As we age, it has a tendency to deteriorate, which can lead to impaired vision. It doesn’t affect everyone and if does, you’ll probably be in your seventies before you notice it. It’s unlikely to render you completely blind, though you may find you have poor central vision. Until recently, little could be done to treat AMD though after considerable research in the field, new drug treatments have been developed which reduce its impact.

You can help yourself avoid the likelihood (or even reduce the progression) of AMD by giving up smoking and making sure that your diet contains a good level of antioxidants which you can find in green leafy vegetables in particular. Moderating your fat and alcohol intake is thought to help too. If you want to take a supplement, look for ones that are high in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, though if your diet is healthy, you shouldn’t need them. You should also wear good-quality sunglasses and if it’s very sunny, a wide-brimmed hat.

It is important that you have a sight test at least every two years not only to ensure that your spectacles have the correct prescription but to check that your eyes are healthy too.