lubricating eye drops

The Association of Optometrists offer advice on how to keep your eyes healthy

The Association of Optometrists has released the top ten tips for healthy eyes:

1. Stop smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts and AMD.

2. Eat Healthily

Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Obesity and a lack of vitamins A and C are causes for AMD. A new study has revealed that eating oily fish twice a week could help prevent the development of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The omega 3 fatty acids which are found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon are believed to halt the progression of several eye diseases.

44% OF OVER 50s UNAWARE OF AMD

A new awareness raising campaign is being organised to help the over 50s learn about the key symptoms of age related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease is the biggest cause of blindness in the UK, although 44% of the over 50s are unaware of it. A new print and TV campaign – with the tagline ‘Don’t turn a blind eye to AMD’ – is expected to stimulate awareness and drive over 50s to the website www.beAMDaware.co.uk.

3. Take nutritional supplements

If you’ve got a family history of AMD take iCAPS, Visionace or Macushield

4. Wear sunglasses

UV rays are a risk factor to developing cataracts and AMD in later life.

5. Avoid dry eyes

Central heating, air conditioning and computer use can cause dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops such as Blink Eye Drops can reduce discomfort.

6. Research your family history

Many diseases like Glaucoma run in families, be safe by having regular check-ups.

7. Wear prescribed spectacles

Corrective lenses will help eyes work more efficiently and won’t make things work.

8. Have regular sight tests

Eye tests don’t just pick up eye problems but general health problems too, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

9. Take regular breaks

Let your eyes relax every hour or so; look across the office or out of a window.

10. Better safe than sorry

The sudden onset of symptoms like blurred vision, flashing lights, floaters or eye pain might in rare occasions indicate a problem that needs investigating. So have a check up ASAP.

To find out more about Patrick and Menzies, and their Sports Vision services, visit www.patrickandmenzies.co.uk

About the Author

Gav Rebello, Director Sports Vision and Patrick and Menzies Opticians. For more details visit Patrick and Menzies or Sports Vision. If high resolution images are needed, please contact Crooks Design Graphic Design East Anglia

What are some good methods for getting drops into a dog’s eyes?

My 12 year old Lhasa apso is rapidly losing her vision, and my vet recommended lubricating eye drops to make her eyes more comfortable. The problem is that anytime I try to give her the drops, she thrashes around and tries to bite me. I’m a single person, so having someone else hold her down isn’t always an option, and doesn’t always work anyway. I’ve tried the vet’s suggestions of putting her up on a table, wrapping her in a towel, kneeling over her back, or holding her up on my lap, but none of those help. Does anyone else have any other methods for getting drops into a dog’s eyes?
The last time I approached her from the front to give the drops, she bit my thumb hard enough to draw blood and damage the nail.

have you tried having her face you with one hand under her chin? it might make her feel more comfortable than trying to approach from behind making her feel like you’re sneaking up on her.
talk to her and let her know what you are doing. she knows you and needs to be reassured that you will not harm her. the fact that her vision is failing may mean that things coming at her from any other direction than straight on might be frightening.

Pet Vision by Ader UPP Open House July 2009