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HEALTHY EYES
Maintaining good eye
IN this digital age, it is important to
know how our digital lifestyles
effect our health, especially when it
comes to eyesight.
Choosing a LASIK
treatment provider
LASER-assisted in situ keratomileusis LASIK treatment and has a good track treatment follow-ups and care.
(LASIK) is rapidly gaining in record of successful LASIK treatments Some areas of concern are whether
popularity in Malaysia. and public testimonies. Also ensure the centre offers free or discounted
As one of the most convenient that the centre employs well-trained enhancements in case of a
methods to permanently reduce or LASIK surgeons, not just eye doctors, relapse. If so, how long does
eliminate dependency on spectacles, and that its staff possess a deep this offer last?
it is a popular option for patients. understanding of the procedure and One must note that pricing is
However, prospective patients need are able to advise their patients well. usually proportionate to the quality
to consider these points before Potential patients are also of the service. In the case of LASIK
deciding where they will get their encouraged to research whether the treatments, the prices are always
treatment: centre has an in-house engineer to tied to the three previously
l The treatment centre – LASIK ensure the machinery is kept in good mentioned points.
treatments are provided at LASIK condition. As prospective patients are spoilt
centres, eye clinics or hospitals. l Available treatment types and for choice when it comes to
Select one that is known for their methods – There are numerous determining when and where they
LASIK methods and lasers used to want to get LASIK treatment, the
perform these treatments. One goal is to get the best value for
should take note of the treatments money, which is not necessarily
available, including the type of achieved by choosing the cheapest
lasers used, as it can affect the options on the market. Nutrition is a promising way to prevent or delay the progression of
outcome of the treatment. Also, eye diseases.
ensure that the treatment provided Therefore, do your homework;
Nutrients for
incorporates the latest technologies. speak to friends, go through
Prospective patients should also testimonials and reviews and read
ask about the duration of the recovery up on the various treatments
period. available before making your
ageing eyes
Some methods require a longer decision.
recovery period and enough time
must be planned and allocated This article was brought to you by
for the treatment. Optimax Eye Specialist.
l Pricing and other
services – The centre n For more information, call AGEING can lead to vision and 2mg of zeaxanthin per day.
must include post- 1800 881 201 or visit optimax2u.com changes and increases the risk This dosage is supported by the
of developing some common eye Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2,
problems, such as age-related conducted by the United States’
macular degeneration (ARMD), National Eye Institute, which
cataracts and diabetic studied the nutrients that can
retinopathy. These eye problems reduce the risk of developing
are the leading causes of visual ARMD.
impairments and blindness There are a number of
among the elderly. challenges when it comes to
Blue light, a short-wavelength, formulating lutein and
high energy visible light, from zeaxanthin, which are not
sunlight and digital devices is extracted from the same source.
one of the leading causes of eye Xanmax is an innovative
diseases. The eyes are not able formulation of lutein and
to block or reflect blue light, zeaxanthin, which are extracted
which can pass through the from the marigold flower. This
cornea to the retina. The retina formulation follows the
can be damaged, contributing to recommended clinical amount
ARMD and subsequently, loss of of 10mg lutein and 2mg
vision. Continuous exposure to zeaxanthin.
blue light is unavoidable in a Bilberry has long been
tropical country, nor is it feasible recognised for its potential as a
in the digital age. vision enhancer. It contains
Diabetes and high blood anthocynosides, which are
pressure have also been found potent antioxidants and protects
to be associated with age-related the retina from free radicals that
eye diseases. High sugar levels can cause damage to the eye.
in the blood and high blood Apart from providing
pressure can damage blood antioxidants, bilberry is believed
vessels in the retina, which can to increase the production of
leak fluid, protein and fat, rhodopsin, a compound that
forming deposits that can affect plays a role in improving night
vision. vision and aid vision
Nutrition is a promising adaptations to changes in light.
way to prevent or delay the Bilberry also supports the
progression of these diseases. integrity of the blood vessels
Many studies have shown that that supply the eyes with oxygen
two very important nutrients and essential nutrients. It keeps
that may help reduce the risks of the blood vessels healthy and
these eye diseases are lutein and flexible, which benefits the
zeaxanthin. elderly, diabetics, those with
Lutein and zeaxanthin are high blood pressure and people
antioxidants that act to filter who are at higher risk of
harmful high-energy blue light. developing glaucoma and
Being antioxidants, lutein and retinopathy. Bilberry may also
zeaxanthin can also neutralise prevent the formation of weak,
free radicals which cause fragile blood vessels that are
oxidation of the lens, a major strongly linked to retinopathy.
cause of cataracts. Apart from nutrition, it is also
Unfortunately, the human important to control your blood
body is not able to synthesise sugar and blood pressure levels.
lutein and zeaxanthin naturally. This will reduce the risk of
It is only through diet or developing eye diseases. Take
nutritional supplements that the care of your vision, as it is your
body is able to get a sufficient window to the world. Give it the
daily amount of these nutrients. protection it deserves.
Although there is no
recommended daily intake of n For more information, call
lutein and zeaxanthin, recent 1300 881 712/03-5638 3600 or
studies have shown the health email enquiry@cambert.com.
benefits of taking 10mg of lutein my
SUNDAY STAR, 3 MARCH 2019 3
4 Healthy Eyes SUNDAY STAR, 3 MARCH 2019
The silent
Some important preventative
methods are maintaining a healthy
weight through regular exercise,
good blood pressure control,
quitting smoking and limiting
caffeine intake.
thief of sight
A well-balanced diet is also
crucial to maintaining healthy
vision. Some recommended foods
are those rich in vitamins C, A, D
and E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
Although glaucoma is not
curable, there are eye drops, oral
medications, and laser and surgical types, with the most common being regular eye examinations are key
treatments currently available to primary open angle. Approximately in protecting your vision.
prevent further progression and 90% of all cases is diagnosed as l Glaucoma is curable – At
maintain vision. angle closure glaucoma. present, there is no cure for
Recently, microinvasive l Glaucoma can only affect one glaucoma. However, if detected
glaucoma surgery (MIGS) was eye – There are many types of early, there are many treatment
introduced, which provides glaucoma, and it can affect both options, including topical eye drops
additional options to treat eyes. and laser treatment, to maintain
glaucoma. MIGS uses microscopic l Glaucoma only affects the vision and prevent progression. If
equipment and tiny incisions to elderly – Glaucoma does mostly the intraocular pressure in the eye
treat the disease, offering a safer affect adults, but there have been is poorly controlled, your doctor
alternative to conventional cases of it affecting people from all might also suggest surgery.
glaucoma surgery, with the age groups, including children.
potential benefit of reducing the l Glaucoma has severe With early detection, regular
patient’s dependence on topical symptoms – Glaucoma is called the checkups and adherence to
glaucoma medication. silent thief of sight for a reason. It medication, most glaucoma
Research is also being conducted affects the peripheral vision initially patients can lead normal lives.
on gene therapy to counter the and later progresses to affect central
progressive damage to retinal vision. If left undetected, patients This article is brought to you by
ganglion cells. will begin to gradually lose vision. Tun Hussein Onn National Eye
Some of the common By the time more serious symptoms Hospital.
misconceptions on glaucoma are: such as pain, seeing haloes and
l There is only one type of blurring of vision appear, it might n For more information, call
glaucoma – There are several already be too late. Therefore, 03-7718 1488.
Educating the
public on glaucoma
GLAUCOMA is a disease of the optic humour that flows in and out of the or optic nerve damage. Symptoms
nerve, which is the part of the eye eye cannot drain properly, pressure can include headaches, nausea,
that carries the images we see from builds up in the eye. The resulting vomiting, seeing halos or colours
the eye to the brain. The optic nerve increase in IOP can damage the around lights and eye pain.
is made up of many nerve fibres. optic nerve. Similar to high blood pressure,
Glaucoma damages these nerve Other risks factors are age, family treatment for glaucoma is life-long.
fibres, which can lead to blind spots history, extreme refractive errors So long as you control your IOP,
and vision loss. such as long- or short-sightedness, then blindness can be preventable,
There are many causes of this diabetes, migraine, history of but if you stop your treatment, then
damage or optic nerve head failure, steroid use and eye injury. the disease can still progress and
MAL13115073NC just like there are many causes of The most common form of lead to blindness.
heart failure. Unique to glaucoma is glaucoma is primary open-angle Surgery can be performed if
that in most cases, there are glaucoma, where the fluid that your IOP cannot be controlled
Antioxidants
absolutely no symptoms in the early normally circulates in the front despite treatment.
stages. By the time vision is affected, portion of the eye is blocked from If your disease is not yet
it is too late to reverse the flowing out of the eye, causing IOP advanced, surgery can prevent
condition. Therefore, screening for to increase, which can damage the further visual field loss, but
necessary for
this condition is important because optic nerve. Most people who what is already lost cannot be
if detected early, blindness is develop primary open-angle recovered. There are several
preventable, but if detected late, glaucoma notice no symptoms until operations that can be done to
blindness is irreversible. their vision is impaired. lower IOP.
healthy ageing
There are many risk factors for In angle-closure glaucoma, the Seek the advice of an eye
glaucoma. A major risk factor has to iris (the coloured part of the eye) specialist for treatment options.
do with the pressure inside the eye, may drop and close off the drainage
or intraocular pressure (IOP). When angle, blocking the flow of aqueous n For more information, email
the clear liquid called the aqueous fluid and leading to increased IOP enquiries@isec.my
FREE radicals are unstable
molecules with an unpaired
electron, which is in search of an
extra electron to achieve a stable Antioxidants like
state. This unstable state of free
radicals often results in cell vitamin E are a major
damage when electrons are part of the body’s
“stolen” from our body’s cells or
molecules needed for cell immune system. They
metabolism. provide protection
While free radicals are
nothing new, their nature of
against diseases
destroying our cells or disrupting and conditions that
bodily functions remains
unavoidable as they are
are associated with
generated by our bodies in ageing by preventing
various endogenous systems and
daily activities, including sun
free radicals from
exposure, smoking, exercising damaging cells.
and exposure to radiation from
visual display terminals such as
computers, televisions and other damage done by oxidation of
electronic gadgets. nutrients and other chemicals
A balance between free in the body.
radicals and antioxidants is Antioxidants such as vitamin
necessary for proper E are a major part of the body’s
physiological functions. immune system. They provide
However, an excess of free protection against diseases and
radicals will overwhelm the conditions that are associated
body’s ability to regulate them, with ageing by preventing free
leading to a condition known as radicals from damaging cells. It
oxidative stress, which will lead is essential in promoting good
to the destruction of cells and health and protects vitamin A
molecules in the body and a (retinol) from damage by free
disruption of homeostatic radicals.
balance. Unfortunately, the Certain groups of individuals
effects of free radicals are often are more exposed to the risk of
neglected until they cause free radical damage and the
physical symptoms. need for antioxidants such as
Astaxanthin is a naturally astaxanthin never ceases.
occurring carotenoid extracted These individuals include
from the microalgae computer users, individuals
Haematococcus pluvialis that who drive long distances, those
can withstand and survive harsh who watch television and read
conditions. Astaxanthin has for long hours, and the elderly,
antioxidant properties, helping it who generally have a weaker
guard against the effects of defence system.
excessive free radicals. AstaREAL As the saying goes,
astaxanthin is manufactured by “prevention is better than
Fuji Chemical Industry from the cure”. Supplementation
one and only natural source, becomes important as nutrients
Haematococcus pluvialis are usually delivered in its
microalgae. The microalgae are concentrated form, which is
cultivated in closed more than what you can obtain
photobioreactors in pollution- from diet alone.
free environments in
Gustavsberg, Sweden. Vitamode Asta-i-Care is
The bilberry fruit is high in a available in selected
substance called flavonoids, pharmacies nationwide.
chemically known as
polyphenols. Bilberry flavonoids n For more information, call
are antioxidants known as 1300 800 228 or email
anthocyanosides, which give the enquiry@medispec.com.my
bilberry fruit its blue-red colour. This is a supplement product
Vitamin E also acts as an advertisement.
antioxidant, preventing the KKLIU No.0080/2017
6 Healthy Eyes SUNDAY STAR, 3 MARCH 2019