It’s SA National Eye Care Awareness Month from 23 September to 18 October, and to mark the occasion, Novartis South Africa has called on South Africans to pay closer attention to eye care and the symptoms of eye diseases.
“Common eye problems can range from tired, red eyes through to deteriorating vision,” says Dr Nicola Lister, Chief Scientific Officer & Medical Director, Novartis Southern Africa. “It’s important to know what symptoms are serious and seek treatment early to avoid further damage to your eyes.”
According to Dr Lister, eyes can become red and sore simply from working too long on a computer; or they could become red and itchy from allergies.
“If redness and itching persists, ask your doctor or pharmacist about an anti-allergy eye drop that will help reduce these symptoms. Artificial tears may help to bathe the eye and reduce itching, while anti-histamine eye drops may reduce the allergic reaction.”
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However, a number of more serious conditions are common in South Africa, and these need urgent attention to prevent further deterioration and loss of vision. These include:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the build-up of pressure inside the eye, which can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Worldwide, about 66 million people are affected by glaucoma, and around 10 % of these people become blind due to glaucoma. In South Africa it is estimated that about 200,000 people are affected. Glaucoma is most often seen in older adults, and because it is often painless, many people delay screening and treatment. Symptoms include reduced areas of vision and blurred vision. People over the age of 40 should have their eyes tested routinely every two years, and people over the age of 60 should have their eyes tested every year, to detect signs of glaucoma early. Once diagnosed, treatment helps to prevent further progression of the disease and further loss of vision.
Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, leading to a decrease in vision in one or both eyes. It is a common cause of blindness in South Africa, and can develop due to ageing, certain medical conditions or trauma to the eye. Cataract is responsible for 51% of world blindness, which represents about 20 million people. Surgery has been proven to be effective in treating cataracts.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition affecting older people, and involves the loss of the person’s central field of vision. It occurs when the macular (or central) retina develops degenerative lesions. Around the world, AMD ranks third as a cause of blindness after cataract and glaucoma. AMD cannot be cured, but it can be treated to keep it from getting worse.
“Whether your condition is dry eye, which affects around 344 million people worldwide, or visual impairment, which affects around 285 million people worldwide, up to 80% of vision problems can be avoided,” says Dr Lister.
