THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019

WORLD SIGHT DAY

Know when to take action

Because vision loss can creep up at any age and catch people off guard,
it is crucial for everyone to go for regular eye check-ups.
2 World Sight Day
Protect your eyes
OUR eyes are not good at blocking blue light.
With its short- and high- energy
wavelengths, it scatters more easily and is
not easily focused. This causes reduced
visual contrast, which can lead to digital eye
strain.
Symptoms of digital eye strain include dry
or irritated eyes, headaches and blurred
vision. Long-term exposure to blue light has
been linked to increased risk of developing
age-related macular degeneration, which is
the leading cause of vision loss.
The macula is the most sensitive part of
the retina, responsible for sharp, detailed
central vision and colour discrimination. It
is made up of three xanthophyll carotenoids
– lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-
zeaxanthin (MZ), which are collectively
known as macular pigment (MP).
MP plays a vital role in raising the
macular pigment optical density (MPOD)
for enhanced visual performance,
including visual acuity, contrast
sensitivity, glare sensitivity and
photo-stress recovery.
Of the many types of
carotenoids in your body, only
L, Z and MZ are deposited in
the macula. L and Z cannot be
synthesised by the body. They
can, however, be obtained
through diet. Foods rich in L
and Z include
kale, spinach,
turnip greens,
green peas,
broccoli, corn
and eggs.
Constant exposure to
blue light can lead to
digital eye strain, which
can cause irritated eyes,
headaches and blurred vision.
Unlike L and Z, MZ is not present in a
typical diet. It is produced in the retina
from L via an isomerisation process.
However, this process is disrupted as you
age. It is therefore essential to replenish
these carotenoids, particularly MZ, through
supplementation.
The different absorption spectra of L, Z
and MZ results in a collective optimal
filtration of blue light at the macula, which
would not be achieved by any of these
carotenoids in isolation. Studies have also
shown that the inclusion of MZ resulted in
a greater increase in MPOD in comparison
to supplements lacking this central
carotenoid.
MZ accounts for about a third of total MP
at the macula. Of the three
carotenoids, MZ has the greatest
capability of quenching oxygen
radicals.
Supplementing with L,
Z and MZ
Supplementation can be a
promising way of raising
MPOD. However, not
all macular carotenoid
supplements are
made the same. For
optimal efficacy, look
for supplements
containing XanMax
formulation, which is
standardised to deliver
high amounts of L, Z
and MZ.
n This article is brought
to you by VitaHealth. For
more information, call
1800 183 288.
Limiting blue light exposure
HOW often do you let your child watch
television and use handphones and tablets in
a day? Half a day? Or as long they can be
occupied, till you are done with your daily
job? In fact, if your children are below five
years old, you should limit them to less than
an hour a day of screen time, according to
the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Blue light is a type of light wave released
naturally by the sun and unnaturally by
electrical devices such as television,
smartphones, tablets and computers. Blue
light from the sun helps the body regulate its
circadian rhythm, which is its natural
24-hour wake-and-sleep cycle.
Too much exposure to blue light,
especially late at night before bedtime, can
disturb children’s sleep patterns, leading to
sleeping problems and tiredness during the
day. This may lead to other potential issues
such as lack of focus in school. Until the age
of 10, children’s eyes are not fully developed
as their crystalline lenses and corneas are
still largely transparent and overexposed to
light.
How to protect your child from
blue light?
As the saying goes, a healthy outside starts
from the inside. There are a few foods with
nutrients that can help maintain eye
function, protect the eyes against harmful
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019
light and reduce the development of age-
related degenerative diseases, as listed
below.
l Spinach and kale – These leafy greens
are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are
widely used to maintain eye health. They
are high in antioxidants that may protect
the eyes from the damaging effects of
sunlight, cigarette smoke and air pollution.
l Carrots, pumpkin and sweet potato –
Deep orange and yellow vegetables and
fruits are known for their high beta-
carotene content, which is converted into
vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for
maintaining your eyes’ photoreceptors.
l Fish – Salmon, sardines and halibut
contain DHA: a type of essential fatty acid
found in high amounts in the retina. It
helps maintain eye function and its
deficiency can impair vision, especially in
children. The body cannot produce DHA, so
dietary intake of this nutrient is important.
Nature’s Way Kids A+ Blue Light
Gummies contains lutein, zeaxanthin and
vitamin A and is berry-flavoured. One
gummy daily for children four years old
and above can help protect their eyes from
the effects of digital blue light. Nature’s Way
Blue Light Gummies is available in all
leading pharmacies.
n For more information, call 03-7932 2138
or visit www.mynaturesway.com.my
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019 3
4 World Sight Day
The nuisance and
misery of dry eyes
THE tear film is a layer on the eye surface
which maintains the smoothness of the
surface for good vision and comfort. It is
made up of three layers: mucin, water and
lipid. A disturbance in the balance of all
three components may lead to symptomatic
dry eyes.
Dry eye disease is a common pathology
affecting more than 20% of the population,
with symptoms increasing with age.
Conditions of a modern lifestyle, including
working on computer screens, driving,
artificial lights, air pollution and wearing
contact lenses makes dry eye syndrome a
frequent nuisance.
Generally speaking, it is a result of tear
film issue, either caused by insufficient tears
or excessive evaporation. It is recognised
that a large majority of cases are caused by
the evaporation form, mainly due to an
insufficiency of the external lipid layer of the
tear film secreted by glands in the eyelids
called the Meibomian glands.
Dry eye disease is an unpleasant sensory
and emotional experience for patients.
Burdened with discomfort and fear, patients
often feel miserable, not knowing how to
precisely describe what they are feeling.
Most will end up feeling exasperated
because no one understands what they are
going through. Mild conditions can lead to
frequent visits to eye care practitioners,
while moderate to severe cases are often
associated with significant pain, limitations
in performing daily activities, reduced
vitality, poor general health and, in some
cases, depression.
The treatment is particularly frustrating to
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019
patient and practitioner, as it often interferes reactions taking place after the procedure
with the overall management and perceived that stimulates the secretion and
satisfaction of the patient. There are contraction of the glands and improves
significant symptoms, which are either not microcirculation.
treated effectively or ignored by the eye care The treatment effect is cumulative. It
practitioner. Usually, this happens when generally lasts a week after the first
there is not much time or it is perceived that session, between two and three weeks after
the complaint is insignificant or untreatable. the second session and six months to two
Although lubricating eyedrops may years after the third to fourth sessions. This
provide some relief, it is often not enough in is a promising mode of treatment to help
more severe conditions. Depending on the alleviate or negate the miseries of dry eyes.
cause of the dry eyes, treatment will include – By Dr Norazlina Bachik Ng, cataract,
eye drops such as cyclosporine, steroid refractive and anterior segment surgeon
eyedrops and lipid-based drops. Manual at KPJ Pusat Pakar Mata Centre for Sight
expression, Meibomian gland probing and a
procedure called Blephex may also need to n For more information, call 03-4022 6222
be done. (KL), 03-7880 8222 (PJ) or 03-6093 1051
The latest addition to this armamentarium (Rawang), or visit www.kpjcfs.com
of treatment modalities is Intense Pulsed KKLIU No.2720/2018
Light (IPL) therapy. It involves applying
perfectly calibrated, homogenously
sequenced, sculpted light pulses. The energy,
spectrum and time period are precisely set
to stimulate the Meibomian glands to cause
them to return to their normal function.
Each treatment session takes only a few
minutes, during which the patient is seated
comfortably. The ophthalmologist will adjust
a protective eyeware to protect the patient’s
eyes from the light. A hydrogel will be
applied onto the skin beneath the eyes for
protection. A series of five flashes is applied
under the lower eyelid. The same procedure
is then repeated under the lower eyelid of
the other eye.
IPL doesn’t directly affect the Meibomian
glands. It is the stimulation of the nerves
supplying the glands via a series of chemical
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019
Avoid sacrificing your vision
“I ALWAYS feel like certain forms of
blindness shouldn’t be so prevalent,
because they are avoidable,” says
Datuk Dr Linda Teoh Oon Cheng,
consultant ophthalmologist and
glaucoma specialist at Subang Jaya
Medical Centre. She refers
specifically to instances in which
patients know that there is a high
chance their vision could become
damaged, yet do nothing about it.
Avoidable blindness includes
conditions such as diabetic
retinopathy and cataract. When
detected early enough, the diseases
can be treated and vision can be
restored. According to the
Malaysian National Eye Survey
published last year, the most
common causes of blindness were
untreated cataracts (58.6%),
diabetic retinopathy (10.4%) and
glaucoma (6.6%). Overall, 86.3% of
all cases of blindness were
avoidable.
“A lot of the time, people think
cataracts are caused by ageing and
they won’t do anything about it
until they find their vision too
blurry,” says Dr Teoh. She also
advises that unlike in the past,
there is now no need to delay
cataract removal with the
advancement of technology.
“Long ago, people feared surgery
because the wound is large and it
takes time to heal, so people were
advised to wait until their cataract
is mature before opting for
surgery.”
Having said that, Dr Teoh urges
those 55 years old and above to
undergo eye screenings at least
once a year. She says it is
Worried about lumps and bumps?
LOOKING into a mirror, you might
notice a small bump on your eyelid.
You dismiss it, thinking it not worth
the time to go to the doctor to get it
checked out. However, Dr Nazila
Ahmad Azli, consultant
ophthalmologist and oculoplastic,
lacrimal and orbital surgeon at Ara
Damansara Medical Centre, thinks
otherwise.
Dr Nazila says 80% of all
abnormal growths on the eyelid are
benign, and malignant growths are
not common in Malaysia. However,
she asserts, “It is important for the
public to be aware and know how
to differentiate between malignant
and benign growths so they can
seek treatment earlier.”
She says some common causes
for benign eyelid growth include
infection of the lash follicles, which
causes a stye and clogging of the
eyelid’s oil glands, which causes a
chalazion.
Dr Nazila says recurrent chalazia
could be a marker to a more
sinister lesion. “When a chalazion
recurs even after treatment, there
is a large possibility that it is a
sebaceous gland carcinoma, as both
conditions affect the same eyelid
gland.”
For malignant abnormal eyelid
growths, Dr Nazila says basal cell
carcinoma takes up 90% of all
malignant occurrences worldwide.
The bump most commonly appears
in the lower eyelid, but it can occur
elsewhere around the eyelid. Risk
is increased with age and excessive
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Individuals with fair skin are also
at risk.
Other types of eyelid cancer
include squamous cell carcinoma,
sebaceous cell carcinoma and
malignant melanoma.
People above 55 should undergo eye screenings at least once a year as certain forms of blindness can be
avoided if treated early.
compulsory for those with
diabetes, irrespective of age, to
attend an eye screening. This is
because diabetes can cause
changes in your eyes. When your
diabetes isn’t controlled, you can
get cataracts early, which will
affect your vision. “We still have
patients who have had diabetes for
many years who never attend
regular eye check-ups,” she shares.
Dr Nazila Ahmad Azli.
Both types of growths may
interfere with the patient’s life,
causing blurred vision, eyeball
compression, astigmatism and
general discomfort.
Early treatment can yield
good results
If eyelid cancer is allowed to
advance, it can cause eyelid and
facial disfigurement. Dr Nazila,
however, offers good news, saying,
“Eyelid cancers rarely metastasise
although they can be locally
invasive. The prognosis is also very
good when detected early.”
With early diagnosis, treatment
is fairly simple. Dr Nazila
illustrates the usual process of
either incisional biopsy or excision
biopsy coupled with eyelid
reconstruction. She says, “When
we carry out a biopsy of the eyelid,
we also take a good amount of
normal tissue around the growth
to ensure all malignant cells are
removed from the body.”
Other treatment options are
Mohs micrographic surgery, frozen
section technique excision,
radiotherapy and chemotherapy,
On the other hand, if your sight
is affected by diabetic retinopathy,
you can prevent yourself from
going blind just by going for your
regular screenings and check-ups
and treating your diabetes.
Another kind of preventable
blindness is glaucoma. While
glaucoma cannot be cured, it can
be controlled when detected early.
A disease known as “the thief of
Eyelid cancers rarely
metastasise although it
can be locally invasive.
The prognosis is
also very good when
detected early.
depending on the stage and severity
of the disease.
Clean lids, clear vision
“Malignant eyelid growth risk
factors depend on your age, family
history, exposure to UV rays and
previous malignoma. Farmers and
fishermen, for example, are more
likely to have malignant eyelid
growths. People living in sun-
exposed countries, such as Australia,
have heightened risks, too.”
Dr Nazila stresses that eyelid
hygiene is important to halt benign
eyelid growths, as problems
normally arise from dirty lashes.
“We are exposed to dust every day,
and we expose our eyes to cosmetics
that clog up the oil glands of the
lids. This allows for the excess
growth of bacteria that are
normally present on the skin.”
Her advice is to clean your eyelids
at least twice a day with a warm
towel or lid wipes to clear the debris
from our eyelids. In addition, warm
compresses on the eyes can also
improve the oil flow from clogged
glands.
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
sight”, many patients who have
glaucoma are diagnosed in the
later stages as it is painless and
people don’t know they are losing
their sight because they don’t feel
pain. They only see the doctor
when they realise something is
really wrong with their vision and
start knocking into things, or even
discovering they can’t see as well
by accident.
Though small, any abnormal growth around the eyelid should not be
dismissed as it can be an early sign of eyelid cancer.
Similar but different
While they may look similar, benign and malignant eyelid growths have their
own distinct symptoms.
Benign
Usually accompanied by pain, with
the exception of chalazion
No loss of lashes
No loss of lid contour
Stye may develop abscess
Does not bleed upon touch or
pressure
Normal surrounding skin
World Sight Day 5
Datuk Dr Linda Teoh Oon Cheng.
“I once had a patient who had
something in his eye, so he closed
and rubbed that eye to relieve the
itch. To his shock, he then realised
he couldn’t see in the other eye.
When he went to check, it was
discovered that he had already
gone blind from glaucoma in one
eye.”
Often, patients have incorrect
perceptions. Dr Teoh says, “Patients
often think everything is curable.
Glaucoma patients tend to only ask
doctors for help when they’re
already at an advanced stage of the
disease when we can no longer do
anything to restore their vision.”
Glaucoma is related to genetics,
so if there is a history of glaucoma
in your family, it is advisable to get
checked as early as possible,
because if detected early on,
doctors can assist in preventing it
from progressing.
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
Malignant
Usually painless except in the
advanced stages
Loss of lashes
Abnormal or loss of lid contour (The
shape of the lid is no longer smooth)
Breakage or ulceration of the skin
Can bleed upon touch or pressure
Thickening of surrounding tissue or
skin
6 World Sight Day
Putting vision first
By NGEH CHEE YEN
IN 2000, World Sight Day (WSD) was
launched by the Lions Club International
Foundation. The concept of WSD was then
integrated into Vision 2020: The Right to
Sight, a collaboration between the
International Agency for the Prevention of
Blindness (IAPB) and World Health
Organization (WHO).
With the aim to increase global awareness
of eye health and prevent avoidable
blindness and vision impairment, WSD
dedicates the second Thursday of October
every year to drive media attention and
advocacy. After almost two decades of
collaborative efforts, let us take a step back
and reflect on how far this campaign has
brought eye healthcare awareness and
services to every corner of the world.
A dig into the past
It comes as no surprise that kick-starting a
global effort or initiating widespread change
requires the cooperation of multiple parties
and partners. IAPB is one such organisation.
It works closely with WHO and the health
ministries of many countries, especially on
WSD. A UK-based global alliance, it comprises
more than 150 organisations dedicated to eye
health, including non-governmental
organisations, hospitals, professional bodies,
corporations, research institutions and more.
IAPB Western Pacific regional chair
Amanda Davis explains, “IAPB supplies well-
designed WSD marketing material such as
high-quality posters and social media images
for free. We have shipped marketing
material to more than 500 organisations
around the world. The alliance also works
with media and the public to drive
awareness and spotlight eye health on WSD.”
Davis is notably excited about WSD’s
With the aim to increase
global awareness of eye
health and prevent avoidable
blindness and vision
impairment, WSD dedicates
the second Thursday of
October every year to
drive media attention and
advocacy.
annual growth. She says, “Last year, with its
theme of ‘Eye Care Everywhere’, WSD
recorded celebrations in 149 countries,
compared with 115 in 2017 and 92 in 2016.”
Altogether, 852 events were held in these
149 countries, which included awareness
events, screening/operations, seminars,
launches, donation drives, rallies/walks/
marathons, policy updates and online
events.
Malaysia’s progress
Malaysia is one of the countries
collaborating with IAPB for WSD. Dr
Kenneth Fong Choong Sian, president of the
Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO),
says WSD has been carried out in Malaysia
for many years and associations such as
MSO, Asia-Pacific Academy of
Ophthalmology, International Council of
Ophthalmology and eye care professionals in
the private and public sector have generally
worked together to spread awareness on eye
health in the region.
Dr Fong, who is also a consultant
ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon,
says, “In the last few years, we have gone
to different states in Malaysia to organise
national campaigns there. Last year, it was
launched by Queen of Johor Raja Zarith
Sofia. This year, it will be held in Putrajaya.
Both iterations were organised by the
Health Ministry and supported by MSO.”
While statistics were not collected in
Malaysia, Dr Fong observes that the
campaign has definitely improved public
awareness on eye health. “We see a
general increase of patients coming to get
their eyes and vision checked after the
campaigns. In 2017, MSO carried out a
state-level eye screening in collaboration
with the Terengganu Sultan’s charity to
screen around 2,000 patients, among other
eye care activities.”
How our peers see the world
Every year, World Sight Day hopes to
spread key messages on how blindness
and vision impairment affects people from
all walks of life, as listed below.
l As of 2015, 253 million people
worldwide are blind or visually impaired.
l 36 million people are blind
l 217 million people have moderate to
severe vision impairment (MSVI)
l Of those with blindness and MSVI, 124
million people have uncorrected refractive
errors and 65 million have cataracts.
Hence, more than 75% of all blindness and
MSVI cases are avoidable.
More work to be done
The development of AI and machine
learning has helped medical professionals
screen and identify people at risk of eye
problems and provide adequate
intervention. However, we have only
scratched the tip of the awareness iceberg.
Eye health has implications on every
aspect of the human condition.
Amanda Davis, Western Pacific regional
chair of the International Agency for the
Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) points out
a few struggles people with poor eyesight
can face.
l Children without glasses will face
difficulties at school.
l Those with degrading near vision will
As of last year, up to 149 countries conducted World Sight Day initiatives to spread
awareness of general eye health.
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019
He attributes this success to the teamwork
of Malaysian eye care associations and the
Government to promote WSD to all citizens.
Community against ignorance
WSD has been held for 19 years.
However, there is still much to be done in
the aspect of universal eye healthcare and
awareness.
On the administrative aspect, Davis
suggests that eye health and assistive care
need to be better integrated into overall
health services. She says, “Those with
irreparable vision should have access to
assistive devices and services so they may
live life to the fullest.”
> SEE NEXT PAGE
l One billion people live with near-
vision impairment.
l Eighty-nine per cent of vision
impaired people live in low- and middle-
income countries.
l Fifty-five per cent of MSVI patients
are women.
On a positive note, the prevalence of
blindness and vision impairment has
dropped from 4.58% in 1990 to 3.37% in
2015. Therefore, let us use this information
as motivation to continue our fight against
blindness and vision impairment.
see their productivity levels drop.
l It is now known that more than a
billion people have vision impairment,
which are correctable with simple lenses.
l Increased risk of blindness for those
with diabetes and other conditions.
Therefore, she says, “IAPB’s
achievement of the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals is deeply
linked with our ability to provide quality
eye health services. World Sight Day helps
us put a spotlight on all the wonderful
work that is ongoing around the world so
that everyone everywhere can access
appropriate eye care.”
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019 World Sight Day 7

The dangers Public awareness vital

of diabetic
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
In the field, Dr Fong still sees a need for
constant public education on eye health. He
devices fitted with artificial intelligence
(AI) are decreasing in size and becoming
more affordable. Soon, there will come a
time when people can carry out eye tests

retinopathy
DIABETIC retinopathy is a group of eye
conditions that can affect people with
diabetes. All forms of diabetic retinopathy
have the potential to cause severe vision loss
and blindness. It is the most common cause
of vision loss among people with diabetes
and the leading cause of vision impairment
and blindness among adults.
Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both
eyes. Some facts about this condition are
listed below.
l Symptoms may not be apparent in the
early stages
l Spots or dark strings floating in the
visual field (floaters)
l Blurry vision
l Fluctuating vision
l Colour vision deficiency
l Dark or empty spots in your vision
l Vision loss
A chronic comorbidity
elaborates that some patients prefer to take
shortcuts in medical treatment and choose
to purchase supplements, special eye
frames, eye drops and traditional remedies
both online and through multilevel
marketing schemes. These products are not
just expensive, but also do nothing to treat
or improve one’s eyesight.
“It is crucial to educate the public to seek
immediate professional advice regardless
of any eye condition. We are also trying to
educate the public on proper eye treatment
and the dangers of believing in dubious eye
products,” he says.
He cautions that in cases where patients
have a serious eye problem, proper
treatment is usually delayed because the
patients waste time trying alternative
methods, which can cost them their
eyesight.
Foreseeing the future
The impact of WSD is certainly positive.
Dr Angela Loo Voon Pei. People are more aware of their eye health
and more research and effort is being put
increases your risk of developing diabetic into advancing medical technology and
retinopathy treatments for eye care.
l Poor control of blood sugar level Dr Fong is hopeful that in line with
l High blood pressure
l High cholesterol
technological advancements, screening
in the comfort of their own home. He
elaborates, “After using the screening
device, the AI will present the results to
you instantly and refer you to a doctor
should it detect a problem with your eyes.”
However, before this dream can be
realised, Dr Fong says medical
professionals should encourage patients to
seek help through the community first.
“You do not have to visit a big hospital
right away for your eye check-up. There
are other options out there such as your
local eye clinic or optometrist, which are
cheaper and more convenient for you to
visit.”
General practitioners are also
encouraged to screen patients for eye
diseases. Most Government health clinics
such as Klinik Kesihatan have retinal
cameras and action will be taken should
the doctors detect any eye abnormalities
in patients.
Dr Fong advices, “WSD is just a catalyst
towards increased focus on eye health.
Eyesight is one of the most important
senses in your body, especially for young
children. Those who face a high risk of
developing diseases such as glaucoma and
diabetic retinopathy should check their
eyes regularly to prevent early blindness.”

Chronically high blood sugar from l Pregnancy

diabetes is associated with damage to the
tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to
diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy
can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak
fluid or haemorrhage (bleed), distorting
vision.
In its most advanced stage, new abnormal
blood vessels proliferate (increase in
number) on the surface of the retina, which
can lead to scarring and cell loss in the
retina.
There are three types of diabetic
retinopathy:
l Non-proliferative retinopathy is an early
form of the disease, where the retinal blood
vessels leak fluid or bleed.
l Proliferative retinopathy is an advanced
form of the disease and occurs when the
retina starts growing new blood vessels
(neovascularisation). The new blood vessels
are fragile, which makes them more likely to
leak and bleed.
l Macular oedema is a swelling of the
macula, caused by the leakage of fluid from
retinal blood vessels. It can damage central
vision.
How it may happen
Your risk of developing diabetic
retinopathy can increase depending on the
following factors:
l A longer period of living with diabetes
l Tobacco use Ongoing efforts
Other conditions that may occur as a Every year, World Sight Day strives to: funds for national blindness prevention
result of or with diabetic retinopathy are: l Raise public awareness of blindness programmes.
l Vitreous haemorrhage – New blood and vision impairment as major l Educate target audiences about
vessels may bleed into clear, jelly-like international public health issues. blindness prevention and Vision 2020 and
substance that fills the centre of your eye. If l Influence governments and health generate support for Vision 2020
the amount of bleeding is small, one might ministries to participate in and designate activities.
see only a few dark spots or floaters. In
more severe cases, the blood can completely
block vision.
l Retinal detachment – The abnormal
blood vessels stimulate the growth of scar
tissue, which can pull the retina away from
the back of the eye.
l Glaucoma – New blood vessels may
grow in the front part of the eye and
interfere with the normal flow of fluid out of
the eye, causing pressure in the eye to build
up.
l Blindness – Eventually, diabetic
retinopathy, glaucoma or both can lead to
complete vision loss.
Treating the condition
Depending on the specific problems,
options may include:
l Laser treatment – Can be used to seal
off leaking blood vessels
l Vitrectomy – Involves using a tiny
incision in the eye to remove blood from the
middle of the eye (vitreous) as well as scar
tissue that is tugging on the retina
l Injecting medicine into the eye – An
injectable medication, called vascular
endothelial growth factor inhibitors, may
help stop the growth of new blood vessels by
blocking the effects of growth signals the
body sends to generate new blood vessels.

Keeping diabetic retinopathy

from worsening
Early detection and treatment can reduce
your risk of going blind from diabetic
retinopathy. Listed below are a few well-
accepted strategies.
l Monitor your blood sugar level.
l Keep your blood pressure and
cholesterol under control.
l Stop smoking as it increases your risk of
developing various diabetes complications.
l Attend regular eye examinations and
get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at
least once a year. – By Dr Angela Loo Voon
Pei, consultant ophthalmologist and
vitreoretinal surgeon at Top Vision Eye
Specialist Centre

Early detection and treatment can reduce your n For more information, call 03-3343 9911 or
risk of going blind from diabetic retinopathy. 03-3343 0099, or email enquiry@tvesc.com
8 World Sight Day
DO you spend hours staring at your
smartphone screen every day? Do you know
that long exposure to digital screens can
harm your vision? Blue light – the high
energy visible light emitted by digital screens
– is a contributing factor to deteriorating eye
health.
Research by We Are Social shows that 71%
of Malaysians own a smartphone and spend
an average of 5.1 hours a day on the
Internet. Constant eye exposure to
potentially damaging blue light from digital
devices can cause visual stress and lead to
retina damage, accelerate vision
deterioration and increase the risk of
developing age-related eye diseases.
While limiting the amount of time spent
on digital screens is a good precaution, good
nutrition is also one of the key factors to
promoting healthy eyes and sharper vision.
Six key nutrients for healthier
eyes
l Marigold – Naturally rich in lutein and
zeaxanthin, which are important in
promoting healthy vision. Clinical studies
published by the AREDS2 Research Group
have shown that 10mg of lutein and 2mg of
zeaxanthin is beneficial for eye health.
Lutein and zeaxanthin in combination can
filter harmful blue light, ultraviolet (UV) rays
and neutralise free radicals.
l Haematococcus pluvialis – A type of
freshwater green microalgae that is
naturally high in astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is
an antioxidant that can promote retinal
blood flow and alleviate eye fatigue.
l Wolfberry (Go-Ji) – Naturally high in
polysaccharides and carotenoids, they are
traditionally used for improving eyesight,
especially night vision.
l Eyebright – Traditionally used for eye
strain relief, eye fatigue and irritated eyes.
l Bilberry – A source of anthocyanosides
Protect your eyes in
this digital world
Constant eye exposure to
potentially damaging blue
light from digital devices can
cause visual stress and lead
to retina damage, accelerate
vision deterioration
and increase the risk of
developing age-related eye
diseases.
which provides antioxidant protection and
is essential for visual acuity in dim light and
improving night vision.
l Dunaliella Salina – A type of green
microalgae that is naturally high in mixed
carotenoids, including beta carotene, alpha
carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, to support
eye health.
Biogrow OPTIbrite E Capsule is a six-in-
one improved formulation with higher
strength. Each vegetable capsule contains
the clinically studied amount of 10mg of
lutein and 2mg of trans-zeaxanthin
extracted from marigolds, astaxanthin from
Haematococcus Pluvialis, anthocyanosides
from bilberries and other eye health
enhancing nutrients from wolfberries (Go-
Ji), eyebright and dunaliella salina.
It is recommended for ageing adults,
students, computer users, individuals with
vision impairment or poor eyesight,
individuals experiencing eye strain or tired
eyes due to reading, driving, prolonged use
of digital devices and individuals who are
frequently involved in outdoor activities
and exposed to UV rays.
Take one capsule daily after a meal
for healthier eyes and sharper vision.
Biogrow OPTIbrite E Capsule is certified
halal by the Malaysian Islamic
Preventable blindness
cases rising in Malaysia
ACCORDING to the International Agency for
the Prevention of Blindness, preventable or
avoidable blindness is described as
blindness that can either be treated or
avoided through known, cost-effective
means. It is responsible for 75% of visual
impairment cases in the world. Common
causes of preventable blindness are
cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy
and trachoma.
While there are many causes that
contribute to preventable blindness, not
many are aware that these types of diseases
can be prevented. Thus, what kind of
precautions should one take to avoid going
blind?
If you get an eye infection, it is best that
you undergo an eye checkup. Never wait till
it’s too late as you don’t know what may
happen to your vision. Always take
preventative and protective measures in
situations that can cause eye injuries. If you
work with machines or chemicals, put on
protective eyegear. Women who are looking
to get pregnant should be vaccinated
against rubella as contracting rubella when
pregnant can lead to the foetus developing
congenital cataracts.
Local support
Many non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) in Malaysia are associated with
helping the blind and have been
monumental in spreading awareness about
preventable and non-preventable
blindness.
According to Malaysian Association for
the Blind (MAB) general manager George
Thomas, NGOs sometimes collaborate with
private companies and eye hospitals to
organise events such as free eye screenings
in primary schools to detect vision
impairments and prevent early vision loss
in children. He adds that MAB also provides
THE STAR, THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2019
Development Department and suitable for
vegetarians.
It is available in all leading pharmacies
nationwide.
This article is brought to you by Legosan
(Malaysia).
n For more information, call 03-7956 2220 or
visit www.biogrow.com.my
This is a traditional product advertisement.
KKLIU No.2262/2017
eye screenings for people in rural areas
who might not have access to healthcare.
Thomas shares that MAB has received
positive responses from the public
regarding its efforts in raising awareness of
preventable blindness, especially from
people in rural areas.
Efforts in raising awareness
While certain NGOs do their best to
educate the public on preventable
blindness, Thomas says he feels their
efforts would be more impactful with
increased support from the Government, in
terms of reach and efficacy of treatment.
Free eye screenings at hospitals and
public schools are among the initiatives
already in place, but Thomas mentions how
raising awareness and educating even
more people on eye health and preventable
blindness can be done by extending
existing efforts to secondary schools,
universities and far-flung villages.
Thomas also explains that eye care is not
prioritised as much as other conditions
such as heart disease, diabetes and a few
types of cancer as those are among the top
causes of death in the country. However, he
opines that the Government should pay
more attention to eye care as while it is not
fatal, the number of patients affected by
preventable blindness is increasing.
Thomas urges everyone to start taking
care of their eyes and undergo regular
check-ups. His advice is to not wait till it’s
too late to see a doctor, because prevention
is better than a cure. Those above 40 years
old should attend eye screenings at least
once a year. He also advises parents to pay
attention to their children’s vision so
preventative measures can be taken to
avoid early vision impairment, as being
declared legally blind does not only involve
total blindness.