Fall 2006
GLAUCOMA UPDATE
Glaucoma refers to a group of disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve causes irreversible vision loss, and may progress to blindness.
The optic nerve damage was once thought to be mainly due to high pressure in the eye. Although high pressure in the eye is a risk factor for glaucoma, glaucoma is a multifactorial disease that cannot be determined by simply measuring the pressure of the eye. In addition to high intraocular pressures, other important risk factors for glaucoma include having a family history of glaucoma, being over age forty, being of African or Hispanic descent, having large or asymmetrical cupping of the optic nerve, using steroids or having a history of certain eye injuries. Additional risk factors include having thin corneas, high myopia (nearsightedness), diabetes or hypertension.
In most cases, early glaucoma causes silent vision loss, that is, loss of vision without symptoms. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are an effective way to detect glaucoma. Because there is no single test that determines whether you
Glaucoma refers to a group of disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve causes irreversible vision loss, and may progress to blindness.
The optic nerve damage was once thought to be mainly due to high pressure in the eye. Although high pressure in the eye is a risk factor for glaucoma, glaucoma is a multifactorial disease that cannot be determined by simply measuring the pressure of the eye. In addition to high intraocular pressures, other important risk factors for glaucoma include having a family history of glaucoma, being over age forty, being of African or Hispanic descent, having large or asymmetrical cupping of the optic nerve, using steroids or having a history of certain eye injuries. Additional risk factors include having thin corneas, high myopia (nearsightedness), diabetes or hypertension.
In most cases, early glaucoma causes silent vision loss, that is, loss of vision without symptoms. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are an effective way to detect glaucoma. Because there is no single test that determines whether you
Normal Vision
Glaucoma
Comprehensive baseline measurements aim to make the glaucoma diagnosis as timely as possible. Changes in measurements from baseline or from what is normal may lead to a diagnosis of glaucoma.
Unfortunately, glaucoma has few risk factors that can be modified. Preventing significant vision loss from glaucoma is largely dependant on early detection and treatment of glaucoma. Effective treatment includes eye drops or eye surgery that generally helps to lower the pressure below levels associated with optic nerve damage. Careful monitoring after diagnosis is necessary to ensure that treatments are effective and vision is being preserved.
Photo source: National Eye Institute
EYE ORGAN DONATION
“I've been hearing more and more about organ donation. Are eyes needed, too?”
Absolutely. Research is underway to combat many eye diseases, and eye organ donation is one of the most valuable gifts you can provide to aid this research. Sight-saving corneal transplants also become possible through eye organ donation.
If you wish to donate your eyes to help further research or provide the cornea for a corneal transplant, be sure to include your wishes on any organ donor cards you may sign. The most important thing to remember is to inform your family (next of kin) of your intended organ donations, and carry your donation card in your wallet or purse.
It is also essential that you share basic information about your health conditions and the name of your eye care professional with your immediate family members, because they will need to provide this information to the hospital, funeral home and the eye bank coordinating the donation.
Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists
The Gathering on the Green has been an annual community event in Old South of London for 24 years. The event's organizers list this year's event as one of the most successful ever, despite being forced to shut down two hours early due to severe thunder and hailstorms! Proceeds from the event are donated to local and worthy causes, in addition to funding projects in the community.
Dr. Bauman and Associates was a proud supporter of the event. Our team of doctors and staff provided free activities including face painting and a friendship bracelet craft using hemp and beads. As in previous years, we kicked off our annual colouring contest at the Gathering. We all had a great time and look forward to the Gathering on the Green next year.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes result from inadequate wetting and lubrication of the eye. Symptoms of dry eyes may include eye discomfort or pain, a gritty sensation, itching, redness and blurring of vision. Sometimes there is the feeling of a foreign body or sand in the eye. Dry environments, aging, hormonal changes, and certain types of medications or certain health conditions can cause dry eyes. Another common cause is insufficient blinking, as may occur when you stare at a computer screen.
Ocular lubricants, also known as artificial tears, are the first line of therapy for dry eyes. One of the more common products we recommend is Systane. Although Systane is relatively fluid in the bottle, it becomes more gel-like upon contact with the eye. This serves to prolong the contact time with the front of the eye, and improves lubrication and protects the eye surface from further damage. Systane contains a preservative that is generally better tolerated than some of the alternative eye lubricants.
No cure exists for dry eyes, so treatment with artificial tears is a long term process. The severity of the dry eyes may vary with time, and sometimes improves spontaneously. Good lid hygiene and treatment of any inflammatory lid problems can also help relieve dry eye symptoms.
