Local optometrist talks about Eye Care Awareness Month
Eye Care Practitioner says eyesight is one of the most valuable gifts that patients can have hence it is very crucial to have their eyes checked regularly.
In celebrating Eye Care Awareness Month people are encouraged to visit their local optometrists and clinics.
“Most people think eye testing is for wearing spectacles but it’s actually more than that,” says Eye Care Practitioner (ECP) Peter Venter.
There are some diseases that pose a threat to people however they may not be aware of them as no early warning signs can be seen.
Venter says eyesight deteriorates slowly with no pain until it reaches blindness.
“A disease like glaucoma, if it’s detected early and treated, may prevent the loss of vision and blindness.
“Eyesight is one of the most valuable gifts that patients can have hence it is very crucial that they have their eyes checked regularly,” says Venter.
Venter says cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people however diabetic retinopathy is becoming a major problem amongst South Africans.
“When it comes to diabetes in our country we tend to go to the doctor and are given medication to treat the illness but doctors don’t tell patients that they need to go see their dietitians, optometrists and ophthalmologists,” says Venter.
People should be on the lookout for diabetic retinopathy because most patients who are diabetic aren’t aware that they should have a dilated eye examination on a yearly basis.
“Unfortunately diabetes is becoming a major problem in the black society. They are totally unaware of the ocular impressions and if we see hemorrhaging through the eye we know that the liver and kidneys are hemorrhaging as well.”
Venters notes that ECP’s are able to detect diabetic retinopathy earlier as they have the technology to do the tests.
Venters encourages people to visit their local optometrist or ophthalmologists regularly to detect or treat the eye condition.
Also, in order to protect themselves, people should wear protective eye-wear with ultraviolet protection to prevent damage from the rays of the sun.
“They should also take regular breaks from electronic media to minimise eye strain and the development of eye-focusing problems.”
