ID :
345194
Mon, 10/20/2014 - 21:00
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HMC Urges Public to be Proactive in Eye-care to Prevent Vision Loss

Doha, October 20 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in recognition of World Sight Day, has called on residents to practice proper eye care, learn about different eye diseases and undergo regular eye checkups in order to avoid visual impairment. The theme for this year's edition, which is marked globally on the second Thursday in October, was "No More Avoidable Blindness." Improper eye care and negligence can lead to partial vision loss, which may in turn cause gradual blindness. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80 percent of global blindness is avoidable through prevention and treatment. Dr. Dalal Al Mass, consultant ophthalmologist at HMC, said the first step in prevention is to be aware of the kinds of eye diseases that may lead to vision deterioration and loss of eyesight. She explained that it was highly advisable that children undergo regular screening to detect symptoms early and also to commence treatment promptly. "Children, particularly preschoolers, can experience conditions such as amblyopia or lazy eye (a condition that develops in infancy or early childhood resulting in decreased vision in one eye); strabismus (a condition in which both eyes cannot align in the same direction); and significant refractive error (a condition which occurs when the shape of the eye prevents it from focusing well)," Dr. Al Mass said. "For adults aged 40 and above, vision loss may be induced by conditions such as cataract (clouding of the lens in the eye causing blurred vision); glaucoma (a condition in which the eye's optic nerve is damaged and a pressure builds inside the eye); diabetic retinopathy (a condition that occurs due to diabetes in which blood vessels in the eye are damaged); and age-related macular degeneration (a condition in which damage occurs to macula - a small spot near the center of the retina, leading to poor or decreasing vision)," she added. Dr. Al Mass stressed the need for individuals to make conscious efforts to learn about their family health history and be wary of any eye disease that have previously affected members of the family. "Some eye diseases are hereditary, so it is very important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure the disease is discovered in its initial stages." She noted that taking some simple steps and adopting a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in safeguarding one's eyes from these kinds of eye disorders. Dr. Al Mass recommended that adults and older aged individuals should maintain their eye safety by using effective eye protection such as goggles while working with harmful chemicals, dangerous tools, or playing sports. They should try to wear sunglasses with UV protection while in the sun. "In case of any injury to the eye, they should seek immediate medical attention, especially if they feel pain in the eye or experience blurred vision," she added. Teenagers and young adults should be mindful of the proper use of contact lenses as this is one of the leading causes of corneal infection, Dr. Al Mass stated. "Only commercially prepared solutions for contact lenses should be used and use of tap or distilled water, or saliva, is highly discouraged," she said adding, "People should ensure that they do not sleep with their contact lens on and they should never use someone else's lens." Other recommendations Dr. Al Mass made include the use of proper lighting to avoid squinting, discomfort, and headaches resulting from overworked eye muscles. While working, she said, it is best to have a light source fall from above or behind the shoulders. She also advised for eating healthy and ensuring sufficient intake of Vitamin A, C, and E contained in antioxidant-rich foods such as carrots, mangoes, spinach, and almonds. Dr. Al Mass also recommended allowing time for eyes to rest and to take a break at least once every 20 minutes when working on eye-intensive work. She advised people to exercise regularly as physical exercise also strengthens blood vessels in the eyes and encourages healthy circulation, and can prevent diseases like diabetes. She also advised against smoking as research has linked it to an increased risk of contracting eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. (END)

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