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Aug-Sep15
BODY&MIND
#1 How often should I have my eyes tested?
The general recommendation is for every two years. If you’re a
child who wears glasses, you have diabetes or a family history
of eye diseases (in particular glaucoma) or you’re over 70, it’s
advisable to have more frequent tests.
It’s also recommended to see a Part I Registered
Optometrist who is able to provide comprehensive vision and
eye health care (i.e., beyond the basic prescription of glasses
and contact lenses). They can perform a series of tests using
specialised instrumentation to detect, diagnose and monitor
eye diseases; and when medical or surgical intervention is
required, they can provide referrals to a general medical
practitioner or an ophthalmologist.
A comprehensive examination usually runs for 30 to 60
minutes, depending on the patient’s needs.
#2 Is there anything I can use to treat dry eyes?
Normally, your own tears feed, lubricate and protect the
eyes from environmental factors such as smoke and dust.
Symptoms of dry eyes include blurred vision, and tired, sore,
and red eyes. Contributing factors include:
Age – reduced tear production;
Contraceptive and other medications – antihistamines,
antidepressants, antispasmodics, beta-blockers, hormone
replacement therapy and diuretics;
Hormonal changes;
Nutritional factors – low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids;
Environmental factors – high air flow, direct sunlight, smog
and dust, cigarette smoke; and
Reduced blinking – extended time concentrating on
electronically produced information.
You can manage mild dry eyes with artificial teardrops or
tear supplements. More serious cases may require plugs
that are inserted in the tear ducts to decrease tear drainage.
Avoiding air conditioner drafts and humidifying the air, viewing
computer screens at eye level, and taking regular breaks from
tasks will also help relieve dry eyes.
Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements are thought
to improve dry eye symptoms by improving tear production.
Vitamin A (found in broccoli and carrots, for example) may
also benefit those with dry eyes.
#3 Is it safe for my children to wear contact lenses?
With parental guidance, children as young as eight can
begin wearing contact lenses. Based on a US study, over 70
percent of children reported a preference for contact lenses
over glasses, particularly for sport or for cosmetic reasons.
#4 I’ve heard it’s possible treat shortsightedness
with a special contact lens; can you tell me more?
Ortho-K (an orthokeratology lens) is a special type of rigid
contact lens that’s worn while sleeping. Ortho-K lenses can
temporarily reshape the cornea, resulting in clear vision
throughout the day. These lenses are prescribed to slow the
progression of shortsightedness.
Healthy food, healthy eyes
Vanessa says that the key to optimum eye health is a
varied and balanced diet that can provide essential
antioxidants, including the following:
Coenzyme Q10 (fish, meat, peanuts, grains)
Glutathione (avocado, asparagus, walnuts, eggs,
watermelon, garlic, onion)
Lipoic Acid (red meat, yeast, spinach, potato)
Lutein / Zeaxanthin (spinach, cabbage, corn,
orange, red pepper, celery)
Selenium (bread, fish, brazil nuts)
Vitamin C (fresh fruit and vegetables)
Vitamin E (fruits, seeds, seed oils)
Zinc (seafood, meat, beans, nuts)
Since moving to Hong Kong in 2009, Vanessa has worked
at Polytechnic University’s School of Optometry, and
co-authored a chapter on Asia for the global resource,
“Optometric Care within the Public Health Community”. She
currently consults at Matilda International Hospital and iSight
Optometric Eyecare Centre (Crawford House, Central).
Many people wait until they have problems with their
vision to get their eyes checked. But, as Australian-
trained optometrist VANESSA THAI explains, there’s
more to eye health than what you can see. Here she
answers some
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