Vision and Eye Care - Q3 2021

Q3 2021 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

Read more at www.healthawareness.co.uk

A Mediaplanet campaign focused on

Vision and Eye Care

Parents should take their children for regular eye tests from a young age.

NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK

~Max Halford FBDO CL Clinical Lead at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians

MONDAY 20 – SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2021

YOUR VISION MATTERS

04

“Just because you have glaucoma, doesn’t mean that glaucoma has you.” ~Jessica Sydenham, Glaucoma Advocate, Glaucoma UK

10

“Every day, around 300 people are diagnosed with macular disease.” ~Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive, Macular Society

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE

“Time spent outdoors can slow both the onset and progression of myopia.” ~Max Halford, FBDO CL Clinical Lead, Association of British Dispensing Opticians

See the benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Page 04

To mark the start of National Eye Health Week 20- 26 September, we should be looking at our lifestyle choices if we’re serious about eye health.

“Poor eyesight can be caused by a range of conditions and factors.”

O

phthalmology is now the number one reason for hospital outpatient visits in England,1 whilst missed sight tests and cancelled hospital eye appointments during the pandemic will inevitably lead to a decline in the nation’s eye health.

~Daniel HardimanMcCartney FCOptom Clinical Adviser, The College of Optometrists

Page 08

WRITTEN BY

David Cartwright Chairman, Eye Health UK

“Living with macular disease can be lonely and isolating.” ~Cathy Yelf Chief Executive, Macular Society

Page 10

@HealthawarenessUK

For more on how to live well and see well visit the National Eye Health Week website visionmatters.org.uk where you’ll also find an online vision checker and sight loss simulator.

@MediaplanetUK

Lifestyle counts Regular eye tests – every two years, unless advised otherwise by your optometrist – are vital to keep eyes healthy and prevent avoidable sight loss; but what many of us don’t realise is that lifestyle can have a significant impact on eye health too.

Regardless of our genetic predisposition, diet, weight, activity levels, alcohol consumption and smoking status can all affect our chances of suffering chronic eye conditions, including the four main causes of sight loss – macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.

Active eye care One recent study found being physically active can reduce the risk of visual impairment by 58% versus a sedentary lifestyle.2 Regular physical activity can lower intraocular ‘eye’ pressure (IOP) and help prevent and control conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Being active can also reduce the harmful

overgrowth of blood vessels in the eyes which could cause and accelerate age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Research has also shown that people who engage in regular activities such as walking and cycling cut their risk of suffering age-related cataracts by up to 10%.3 Impact of smoking on eyes Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the delicate surface and internal structure of the eye. Any amount of smoking, even occasional or second-hand, can affect eye health. More than one in four (27%) cases of AMD are directly attributable to smoking.4 Food for thought Spending a couple of hours a day outdoors could help reduce myopia (short-sightedness) in children. There are many other ways that lifestyle can benefit eye health from maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) to eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish and wholegrains.

References 1. NHS Digital, Hospital Episode Statistics for England. Outpatient statistics, 2019 -20.

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4047137/ 3. medicalxpress.com/news/2020-06-cataract.html 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3866712/

Contact information: uk.info@mediaplanet.com or +44 (0) 203 642 0737

Please recycle

Project Manager: Chloe Leedham chloe.leedham@mediaplanet.com Business Development Manager: Gabrielle Dunn Managing Director: Alex Williams Head of Business Development: Ellie McGregor Head of Production: Kirsty Elliott Designer: Thomas Kent Design & Content Assistant: Aimee Rayment Digital Manager: Harvey O’Donnell Paid Media Manager: Jonni Asfaha Social & Web Editor: Henry Phillips Digital Assistant: Carolina Galbraith Duarte All images supplied by Gettyimages, unless otherwise specified

02

MEDIAPLANET

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

Advertorial

Keeping eyes healthy before and after cataract surgery Ensuring a patient’s eyes are in a healthy condition can lead to better results from cataract surgery.

C INTERVIEW WITH Mr Allon Barsam Director and Founding Partner, OCL Vision WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

ataract surgery is the most common elective surgical procedure in the UK with around 400,000 operations performed every year.

For patients, correctly preparing their eyes for cataract surgery is an important step on the journey to restored vision, particularly if they suffer from dry eyes.

Eye drops, used in advance of the surgical procedure – which generally takes a few minutes and involves removing the clouded lenses and replacing them with new artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs) – can help to ensure better long-term outcomes.

Cataract surgery Dry eye can be mild and a slight irritation, through to debilitating and severe. Up to 75% of people undergoing cataract surgery may have it in some form.

Mr Allon Barsam, who is an ophthalmic consultant at OCL Vision, says: “Dry eyes can cause a patient to have blurred vision. This can lead to inaccurate selection of the intraocular lenses implanted in the eyes during cataract surgery. It is important to get this right as the lenses are designed to remain in the patient’s eyes for the rest of their life.”

right quality and quantity of oil.

This meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) leads to inflammation and dry eye disease.

Light is the answer: the effective treatment for dry eyes Light therapy battles inflammation, the root cause of dry eye disease. A therapy concept commonly used in dermatology has been shown to be a successful treatment for dry eye disease.

D INTERVIEW WITH Dr Samer Hamada, MD, MSc, DO(Hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth, FEBO Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Adults and Children), Cornea, Cataract, External Eye Disease, and Refractive Surgery in Children and Adults

WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

ry eye disease can be a debilitating condition that can have an impact on lifestyle and everyday activities.

Itchy eyes, redness, a gritty burning sensation and inflammation are all common symptoms. While some sufferers turn to eye drops for relief, ophthalmologists fear that approach only offers short-term relief rather than tackling the deeper causes.

Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Samer Hamada notes the condition is on the increase, particularly with people having spent more time in front of computer screens during COVID lockdowns.

Eye surface inflammation The disease is an ongoing eye

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

Artificial tears Various factors cause dry eye, including exposure to air conditioning, dust, sunlight and wind, as well as problems with tear ducts. With COVID-19, there are suggestions that mask wearing, where breath is deflected up into the eyes, may also be a factor.

“All this causes your tear film to dry up and this is why we blink,” Mr Barsam adds. “So, by using artificial tears you are preparing your tear film - essentially preparing your corneas for surgery.”

Using eye drops, which are available over-the counter and inexpensive, up to four times a day for a couple of weeks before surgery can help ensure a patient’s eyes are in optimal condition for the optical measurements used to determine the new intraocular lenses.

In addition to creating artificial tear film from eye drops, other solutions to treat dry eyes include warm compression, vitamins and therapies to treat dysfunctional eye lid glands that secrete the oily substance, which is the tear film across your cornea every time you blink.

Treating dry eyes after surgery is also important. “Leaving dry eyes untreated after surgery will have a negative impact on patients’ quality of vision, however, artificial tears can be used as long as needed and are a cost effective way of alleviating dry eye symptoms,” concludes Mr Barsam.

surface inflammation where the environment, hormones, eye strain from extended screen use, or wearing contact lenses, can be factors. It may affect up to 50% of the population, though many could be asymptomatic or misdiagnosed as having an allergy.

Dr Hamada, who has a specialist interest in eye surface disease and works in the NHS and private practice, says there is an increased global interest in dry eye disease with the focus shifting towards treating the inflammation and causes, rather tackling symptoms with eye drops.

The condition occurs when the meibomian glands around each eye, which oil, water and mucus to lubricate the eye surface, become blocked or stop producing the

Advertorial by Rayner

AEON Protect Plus, which is indicated for use before and after cataract surgery, contains 0.3% cross-linked sodium hyaluronate, which is a natural lubricant in the eyes. It keeps eyes lubricated for longer.

AEON Repair, which is recommended for use immediately after surgery, contains vitamin A and E, which supports healing of the cornea.

aeoneyedrops.com

Paid for by Lumenis

Dry eye treatment Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology, already used for dermatological and facial rejuvenation treatments, is being shown to be an effective dry eye treatment.

Dr Hamada, who uses the system, explains that the process sees intense light passed across the bottom eyelids and the abnormal blood vessels, which are active in the inflamed glands, to reduce inflammation and improve gland function.

This life changing durable treatment, generally given over four 10-minute sessions two weeks apart with a top-up session after 6-12 months, can also help rosacea, a common skin condition that causes visible blood vessels on the face.

Early management Patients who find their daily life affected by the condition often turn to IPL as a last resort, but Dr Hamada suggests it should be considered much sooner.

“The treatment is life-changing and can make a big difference to a patient’s life. Early management leads to a better outcome because the longer you leave inflammation in the eye, the more damage you have” he says.

Lumenis IPL is an FDA and CE approved device specifically for the treatment of MGD in people aged over 18. For more information please visit lumenis.co.uk

MEDIAPLANET

03

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

If glaucoma runs in families, why am I the first in my family to have the disease?

If you have glaucoma but no one else in your family does, you may understandably wonder why, especially considering glaucoma is often genetic and can run in families.

New ways to protect your child’s eyes Myopia, commonly known as short sightedness, is on the rise in children and can cause long term eye health issues.

A

recent study estimated that myopia will affect the vision of nearly half the global population by 2050. In the UK, myopia is more than twice as prevalent in children as it was in the 1960s. But what is myopia, and why should parents be concerned?

What is myopia?

Myopia, also known as short sightedness, means distant objects will appear blurry. It often develops in growing children and until recently the only solution has been spectacles or contact lenses.

What are the risks?

We now know that the higher the level of myopia in a child, the higher the risk level of eye disease later in life. Cataract, retinal detachment, glaucoma and macula problems are all associated with higher degrees of myopia.

A recent study estimated that myopia will affect the vision of nearly half the global population by 2050.

Why do children become myopic?

Myopia happens in most cases when the eye continues to grow in length beyond what is needed for optimal vision. Factors that cause this include ethnicity – higher levels of myopia are seen within Asian families; your parents – a person with one parent who is short sighted has three times the risk of developing myopia, if both the parents are short sighted this increases to six times the risk; and what you are using your vision 04

MEDIAPLANET

for. Time spent outdoors can slow both the onset and progression of myopia while close work can have a detrimental effect.

What should parents do?

Parents should take their children for regular eye tests from a young age they don’t need to be able to read to have a sight test, the cost of the test is covered by the NHS. Interventions are now available to control myopia in children.

Eyecare professionals are becoming increasingly proactive in recommending these options to children and parents. In the UK, specially designed spectacles lenses are now available which aim to reduce the increase in length that causes the increase in short sightedness.

Specialist contact lenses designed to do the same thing are also available in local opticians’ practices.

Myopia progression is at pandemic levels worldwide and will have serious implications for eye health going forward. Solutions are readily available at community and high street opticians across the UK - call and ask to speak to the dispensing optician about myopia management and if it will benefit your child. Remember to include regular eye tests as part of your family’s health care routine.

WRITTEN BY Joanna Bradley Head of Support Services, Glaucoma UK

WRITTEN BY Jessica Sydenham Glaucoma Advocate

G

laucoma is a family of diseases usually caused by high eye pressure. The increased pressure in the eye, which happens because of too much fluid in the eye, can damage the optic nerve. When diagnosing the disease, a glaucoma specialist will check the health of different parts of your eye.

Finding a genetic link Genes, which are passed down from your parents, are involved in making the different parts of your eye and the components within the cells to help them function normally.

Sometimes, the genes we inherit can lead to glaucoma.

Perhaps your father had cells that made more fluid than normal, but his fluid drainage worked normally. And perhaps your mother’s drainage channels were a bit narrow, but her eye made the normal amount of fluid, so again she was fine.

But then you inherited your father’s genes for the fluid production and your mother’s genes for the drainage channels. The result is your eye is making too much fluid and it’s struggling to drain effectively, meaning you’ve developed glaucoma.

The genes were in your family all along, but no one person had enough of those genes to develop glaucoma.

Case study Jessica is the first person in her family with glaucoma and was diagnosed shortly after being born. She is aware that her future children are at increased risk of developing the disease.

“I was born a typical blue-eyed baby. My eyes were a little cloudy, but this was initially ignored. After lots of tests, I was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at around six weeks old.

I’m now in my late-twenties and I often chat with my partner about the potential of our future children inheriting glaucoma. I remain optimistic that if my child does have glaucoma, it’s not the end of the world, because the disease has never stopped me from having a normal life. As my family and I have experienced, there is so much help available for people with glaucoma and their loved ones. So, glaucoma will never stop me from having children.

Just because you have glaucoma, doesn’t mean that glaucoma has you. You’re still able to live a happy and fulfilled life.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, we’re here for you and your loved ones. Visit glaucoma.uk to find out about the different ways we can help you to live well with the disease.

WRITTEN BY Max Halford, FBDO Clinical Lead, Association of British Dispensing Opticians

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

Innovative new lens design can tackle common child eye condition Myopia is a relatively common condition among growing children, but if left uncorrected it can lead to potentially serious sight issues.

M

INTERVIEW WITH Andy Sanders Professional Services Director for Hoya Lens (UK & Ireland) WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

yopia, sometimes called short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a relatively common condition among growing children. It typically presents as blurred distance vision and if left uncorrected it can lead to potentially serious sight issues and in rare cases can even cause blindness. Other issues include the risk of retinal detachment, cataracts and an increased risk of glaucoma.

Optical expert Andy Sanders warns: “Myopia is also associated with an increased risk of retinal deterioration, where the seeing part of the eye becomes damaged because the eyeball is elongating.”

At present, myopia prevalence is currently believed to be about 25% worldwide but is forecast to reach 50% by 2050.

Myopia management Mr Sanders, who is Professional Services Director for Hoya Lens (UK & Ireland), explains that there are several triggers for myopia, including some that still remain unclear. “One trigger we know that drives myopia is genetics,” he says. “If one parent is myopic, their child is three time more likely to become myopic and if both parents are myopic, it is six times more likely.”

While myopia is a condition that starts in childhood as their eyes grow, there are steps that can be taken to offset the impact of its progression.

Children spending more time outdoors where their eyes

are focussing at longer distances may help in management of the condition. They should take regular near work breaks, including screen breaks and ensure they have regular eye examinations.

Ultimately, glasses and/or contact lenses would be required to correct the child’s vision. However, there are now treatment options available that can help to slow down myopia progression and reduce the associated risks.

Unique lens structure HOYA has developed an innovative spectacle lens option, called MiYOSMART. Using cutting edge technology, that both corrects vision whilst simultaneously offering a treatment function to manage the myopia progression.

Mr Sanders says the unique lens structure – with a central area that gives full precribed myopic correction and a honeycomb structure of ‘micro-lenslets’ in the treatment area – can slow the growth of the eyeball and provide clear vision. “All the technology is hidden as the lens looks like a standard single vision spectacle lens.

“MiYOSMART is non-invasive, safe, easy to fit and effective in the management of myopia showing good acceptance and clinically proven to slow down myopia progression.

In our view nothing is more important than the health and well-being of your child. Now and into the future, you want to see your child thrive,” he concludes.

Advertorial

Increasing confidence “I was so impressed by the RNIB course that I agreed to speak at one of their events. More than 40 groups within the low vision sector were there. Before the course, I was too afraid to even speak in front of a small group of people.

“I can’t thank RNIB enough. I can now go out by myself with confidence or spend time with friends and have a good time. I feel empowered and it’s all because of the skills I gained.”

Gifts in Wills help build skills for life The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the UK’s leading sight loss charity. Gifts in Wills make almost a third of its work possible, including practical and emotional support for blind and partially sighted people.

W WRITTEN BY Lorna MacPherson-Reed Head of Legacy Fundraising, RNIB

hen Debra Roffey, 51, attended RNIB’s Living Well with Sight Loss course, she gained the tools and support to overcome her feelings of anxiety and isolation.

With the right support, she built her confidence and is now able to tackle everyday challenges and live the life she wants to lead.

Anxiety and isolation “I first experienced difficulties in my right eye when I was four years old.

I had optical atrophy. I later developed the same condition in my other eye.

I used to get really nervous about going out, especially without my husband. It left me feeling isolated and limited by my anxiety. In 2015, a support worker told me about RNIB’s

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

Living Well with Sight Loss course.

“On the course I was introduced to several low vision aids which could help me around the house, raising my confidence in doing everyday tasks.

“During the eye health and leisure sessions, I heard about new swimming sessions for visually impaired people.

I used to be a lifeguard and missed swimming but feared getting back in the water.

“The support from my new friends on the course encouraged me to try swimming again and were vital in helping to improve my confidence.

I began to swim regularly again, and even completed a three-mile Swimathon! It felt good to be understood.

Paid for by Hoya Lens (UK & Ireland)

For more information on MiYOSMART spectacle lenses, speak to your local eye care professional today. hoyavision.com/uk

Advertorial by RNIB

On the course I was introduced to several low vision aids which could help me around the house, raising my confidence in doing everyday tasks.

How you can help Many people with sight loss feel that life offers limited opportunity. A gift in your Will to RNIB could help fund courses like Living Well With Sight Loss so more people like Debra can re-build their confidence and develop the skills they need to live more independently.

If you would like to request a free Will guide, or find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to RNIB, please visit www.rnib.org.uk/ legacy, email giftsinwills@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 123 9999 and select option 4 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

MEDIAPLANET

05

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

What is short-sightedness?

‘Short-sightedness’ is a common term for myopia – a common eye condition which causes distant objects to be blurry and out of focus, while close objects can be viewed more clearly.

Myopia is a common eye condition in both adults and children. Currently myopia affects around 80 million children around the world,1 a figure that is set to rise sharply by 2050.2 The average onset age of myopia is also getting progressively younger; in 1983 it was eleven-years-old, whereas in 2000 it was eight-years-old.3

Genetics The risk of myopia in children increases when parents are myopic.4

3x

Almost 3x more likely to develop myopia - when one parent is myopic.

7x

Over 7x more likely to develop myopia - when both parents are myopic.

Controlling myopia in children is important.

As children’s eyes grow and their myopia increases so does their dependency on glasses.

Increasing myopia can also lead to eye health problems in the future.

NORMAL VISION 06

MEDIAPLANET

SHORT-SIGHTED VISION

For example, you are 16 times more at risk of retinal detachment if you have a high myopic prescription of -6.00DS.5

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

“One day I’ll explore the Amazon” Slow their short-sightedness not their ambition INICALLY CL

PRO EN V

Child Friendly6 contact lens

Slows Myopia Progression on average by 59%6*

of children surveyed preferred MiSight® 1 day over glasses6

MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are clinically proven to significantly reduce the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children6*, which could help reduce future eye health risks7.

Help children reach their full potential by improving their vision – now, and for the rest of their lives.

Ask your eye care professional about Brilliant Futures™ with MiSight® 1 day.

Visit coopervision.co.uk/brilliantfutures to learn more. * MiSight 1 day contact lenses have been proven to slow down the progression of myopia (short sightedness) in children by 59% on average compared with a single-vision 1-day

lens over a 3-year period. Study conducted amongst 144 children aged 8-12 years.

1. Siatkowski RM, Cotter SA, et al. Two-year multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel safety and efficacy study of 2% pirenzepine ophthalmic gel in children with myopia. J AAPOS 2008;12:332-339.

2. Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123:1036-42 3. Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in Clinical Practice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016; 39:106–16.

4. https://www.college-optometrists.org/the-college/research/research-projects/nicer-study2.htmlb accessed on 12th Aug 2021 5. Flitcroft. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31:622-60.

6. Chamberlain P et al A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight® Lenses for Myopia Control. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96:556–567 7. Tideman JW, Snabel MC, Tedja MS, et al. Association of axial length with risk of uncorrectable visual impairment for Europeans with myopia. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016;134:1355-1363 CooperVision® and MiSight® are registered trademarks of the Cooper Companies, Inc., and its subsidiaries. Brilliant Futures™ is a trademark of Cooper Companies, Inc., and its subsidiaries. © 2021 CooperVision

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

MEDIAPLANET

07

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

No one should have to wear uncomfortable contact lenses Contact lenses can offer successful vision correction for modern lifestyles and are designed to be more comfortable than ever. But too many know the impact of uncomfortable lenses.

A

n unacceptable amount of contact lens wearers know the ‘3pm discomfort’ all too well, whether rubbing their eyes, adding lubricating eye drops, popping a fresh pair of lenses on, or even resorting to removing their lenses altogether. This discomfort is not normal and can be addressed.

What can make contact lenses uncomfortable to wear?

Contact lens discomfort can be caused by various factors that may include: type, material, design or how often you replace them.

External factors such as seasonal allergies, air conditioning and digital screen use can all contribute to discomfort. The quality of the tear film and your ocular health is also very important in successful contact lens wear.

Having said that, these factors do not mean you cannot wear contact lenses successfully.

Eye care professionals are best placed to understand your individual needs to ensure healthy contact lens wear.

Q&A: why we must take care of our eyes

What should people do when experiencing discomfort from contact lenses?

Remember contact lens discomfort should not be accepted. If you feel discomfort, talk to your eye care professional to find the best solution for you.

Your eye care professional will be able to establish your clinical and prescription needs along with your wearing habits, number of days you wear them, how many hours per day, how often you would like to replace them and what your daily activities are (screen time, sports, etc.).

All of which will contribute to their recommendations on which contact lens fits best for your lifestyle.

1. What are some of the causes of poor eyesight?

Poor eyesight can be caused by a range of conditions and factors. For example, cataracts have many causes.

Most people start to develop cataracts after the age of 65, but some people in their 40s and 50s can also develop them.

Some medical conditions such as diabetes or taking medication, such as steroids, may also cause cataracts. Smokers are more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers and there may be a link between UV rays and cataracts. A very small number of babies are born with a cataract.

Another example is short sightedness, also known as myopia. The condition usually starts during primary school years and tends to worsen until the eye has stopped growing. Myopia can also develop in very young children. Adults may also become shortsighted. You are more likely to become short-sighted if your parents are too.

What can different types of contact lenses do to help improve condition?

Alcon offers a wide range of both daily disposable and monthly reusable contact lenses to meet the needs of various wearers.

DAILIES® TOTAL1® contact lenses create a cushion of moisture with almost 100% water at the very outer surface, you’ll forget you are wearing them – In fact, 9 out of 10 wearers agree they feel like nothing.

Uncomfortable lenses should no longer stand in the way of the moments that matter!

Find out more at uk.alcon.com

WRITTEN BY Cheryl Donnelly International Head of Professional Affairs, Alcon

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney from the College of Optometrists answers common questions around poor eyesight.

Your optometrist can help ensure you have the appropriate eyewear and check the overall health of your eye.

2. What impact does poor eyesight have on life?

Poor eyesight can have an impact on every aspect of your life. Recent research conducted by the College showed that 21% of people struggle with everyday tasks due to problems with their eyesight, some of those struggles may be correctable. The same survey showed that 31% of adults in the UK noticed their vision get worse since the COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdowns. Your optometrist can help ensure you have the appropriate eyewear and check the overall health of your eye.

3. What can people do if they are concerned about their sight?

It is very important that if you feel your vision has deteriorated or if you are experiencing any problems with your eyes that you should contact your local optometrist.

We estimate around 30% of people postponed their eye care during the pandemic. At earlier stages in the pandemic, we know that many people were concerned about the safety of visiting an optometrist.

Please be assured that optometrists are open and are safe to visit.

4. Do you have any tips for avoiding eyestrain?

1. Practice the 20-20-20 rule. To give your eye muscles a rest every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.

2. Blink regularly.

3. Have your screen below eye level and between 40 to 75cm away.

4. Make your text size bigger to make it more comfortable to read.

5. Use lubricating drop if your eyes get dry.

You can find your local optometrist on our patient website lookafteryoureyes.org

WRITTEN BY Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom Clinical Adviser, The College of Optometrists

Paid for by Alcon

08

MEDIAPLANET

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

Recent research conducted by the College showed that 21% of people struggle with everyday tasks due to problems with their eyesight. ~Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom Clinical Adviser, The College of Optometrists

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

MEDIAPLANET

09

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

Telling other people how your sight loss affects you can help them understand the support you might need – even if it’s just putting things back where they belong so you can find them!

Providing support for those living with macular disease Every day, around 300 people are diagnosed with macular disease.

It’s the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK.

T WRITTEN BY Cathy Yelf Chief Executive, Macular Society

here are many forms of macular disease, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), of which there are two types: dry and wet. AMD is the most common form of macular disease, but other forms affect much younger people - even children.

Living with macular disease can be lonely and isolating. But with the right support, people can cope very well. Local low vision clinics can help you find the combination of lighting, magnifiers and other tools that mean you can stay independent and continue doing the things you love.

Telling other people how your sight loss affects you can help them understand the support you might need – even if it’s just putting things back where they belong so you can find them!

In the same boat But friends, family or employers, no matter how wellmeaning, don’t always understand how frightening it can be to know you’ll lose your sight.

If you need extra support to help you understand or cope with your sight loss, you’re not alone. Our team of dedicated specialists are here for you, providing practical and emotional support to those who need it.

Our counselling service offers free and confidential telephone sessions to help you overcome the worries and anxieties that macular disease can bring and cope with the emotional impact of living with sight loss.

But friends, family or employers, no matter how well-meaning, don’t always understand how frightening it can be to know you’ll lose your sight.

“Without the counselling service, I really don’t know how I would have got through those first couple of weeks after diagnosis. The counsellor kept me calm and positive every week and listened without judgement. I am very grateful to her and always will be.” (Katie, Macular Society member) There are also Macular Society support groups all over the UK which are the perfect place to share experiences with other people in a similar situation.

The Macular Society is a friendly, expert community of people who really understand macular disease. Join today and you’ll be in the best place to make friends, understand your condition and stay on top of the latest research developments.

Sign up online at macularsociety.org/v1 or call 01264 350 551.

Anyone affected by macular disease can call our Advice and Information Service on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org.

Available in independent pharmacies nationwide including

One-A-Day easy to swallow food supplement which provides advanced nutrition for the eyes.

Contains FloraGLO® Lutein and OPTISHARP® Natural Zeaxanthin, clinically proven ingredients to ENHANCE the QUALITY of VISION and VISUAL PERFORMANCE.

www.macu-save.com

10

MEDIAPLANET

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

How to enhance the quality of your vision

There is no cure for AMD. While there is medical treatment for wet AMD, there is currently none for dry AMD.

Figures reveal that nearly 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by macular disease, the nation’s biggest cause of sight loss.

I

t is all too easy to take good vision for granted. As we grow older our eye health can become under increasing pressure and in particular the macula.

WRITTEN BY Emma Heduan Brand Manager, Zeon Healthcare

Layers of protection Lutein and zeaxanthin are important nutrient that the body naturally deposits in the macula, to create a protective layer known as macular pigment. Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that work like internal sunglasses, protecting the macula from the damaging effects of blue light and oxidative stress.

What is age-related macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that

affects the macula. It is responsible for central vision and allows you to see detail. It does not cause total blindness, but it makes everyday tasks such as reading, watching TV, driving or using computers more difficult.

Research reveals that people as young as 37 years of age are being diagnosed with AMD. The macula pigment comprises of three carotenoids, lutein, mesozeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. The body does not produce lutein and zeaxanthin. The macular pigment can therefore become severely depleted in those with a poor diet lacking in the right foods. Hence, why it could be advantageous to use supplementations to help assist.

Treatment for AMD Experts recommend early diagnosis to help manage the disease. There is no cure for AMD. While there is medical treatment for wet AMD, there is currently none for dry AMD. However, experts recommend taking eye health supplements.

MACU-SAVE is a supplement which contains all three macular carotenoids which are essential for macular health.

Paid for by Zeon Healthcare

MACU-SAVE is a One-A-Day easy to swallow food supplement which provides advanced nutrition for the eyes. It is suitable for diabetics, gluten free, yeast free, lactose free and contains no artificial preservatives or sweeteners.

Available in Holland & Barrett, Superdrug, Lloyds and all good pharmacies nationwide.

Visit macu-save.co.uk for more information.

Local low vision clinics can help you find the combination of lighting, magnifiers and other tools that mean you can stay independent and continue doing the things you love. ~ Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive, Macular Society

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK

MEDIAPLANET

11

A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

Regular eye tests – every two years, unless advised otherwise by your optometrist – are vital to keep eyes healthy and prevent avoidable sight loss. ~David Cartwright, Chairman, Eye Health UK

12

MEDIAPLANET

READ MORE AT HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK