Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in older patients. Dilated funduscopic findings are diagnostic; color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography assist in confirming the diagnosis and in directing treatment. Treatment is with dietary supplements, intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and low-vision devices.
, MD, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Professional.Manuals.TopicPage.LastRevisionDate| Content last modified Jun 2019
CLICK HERE FOR PATIENT EDUCATION
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in older patients. Dilated funduscopic findings are diagnostic; color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography assist in confirming the diagnosis and in directing treatment. Treatment is with dietary supplements, intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and low-vision devices.
AMD is the leading cause of permanent, irreversible vision loss in older adults. It is more common among whites.
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Two different forms occur:
Dry (nonexudative or atrophic): All AMD starts as the dry form. About 85% of people with AMD have only dry AMD.
Wet (exudative or neovascular): Wet AMD occurs in about 15% of people.
Normal Retina
IMAGE PROVIDED BY SUNIR GARG, MD.
Although only 15% of patients with AMD have the wet form, 80 to 90% of the severe vision loss caused by AMD results from wet AMD.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet)
PAUL WHITTEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Dry AMD causes changes of the retinal pigment epithelium, typically visible as dark pinpoint areas. The retinal pigment epithelium plays a critical role in keeping the cones and rods healthy and functioning well. Accumulation of waste products from the rods and cones can result in drusen, which appear as yellow spots. Areas of chorioretinal atrophy (referred to as geographic atrophy) occur in more advanced cases of dry AMD. There is no elevated macular scar (disciform scar), edema, hemorrhage, or exudation.
Wet AMD occurs when new abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina in a process called choroidal neovascularization (abnormal new vessel formation). Localized macular edema or hemorrhage may elevate an area of the macula or cause a localized retinal pigment epithelial detachment. Eventually, untreated neovascularization causes a disciform scar under the macula.
Symptoms and Signs
Dry AMD
The loss of central vision occurs over years and is painless, and most patients retain enough vision to read and drive. Central blind spots (scotomas) usually occur late in the disease and can sometimes become severe. Symptoms are usually bilateral.
Funduscopic changes include the following:
Changes in the retinal pigment epithelium
Drusen
Areas of chorioretinal atrophy
Wet AMD
Rapid vision loss, usually over days to weeks, is more typical of wet AMD. The first symptom is usually visual distortion, such as a central blind spot (scotoma) or curving of straight lines (metamorphopsia). Peripheral vision and color vision are generally unaffected; however, the patient may become legally blind (< 20/200 vision) in the affected eye, particularly if AMD is not treated. Wet AMD usually affects one eye at a time; thus, symptoms of wet AMD are often unilateral.
Funduscopic changes include the following:
Subretinal fluid, appearing as localized retinal elevation
Retinal edema
Gray-green discoloration under the macula
Exudates in or around the macula
Detachment of retinal pigment epithelium (visible as an area of retinal elevation)
Subretinal hemorrhage in or around the macula
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Drusen)
PAUL PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Diagnosis
Funduscopic examination
Color fundus photography
Fluorescein angiography
Optical coherence tomography
Both forms of AMD are diagnosed by funduscopic examination. Visual changes can often be detected with an Amsler grid. Color
Treatment
Dietary supplements for high-risk dry or unilateral wet AMD
Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs or laser treatments for wet AMD
Supportive measures
Dry AMD
There is no way to reverse damage caused by dry AMD. Patients with extensive drusen, pigment changes, and/or geographic atrophy can reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25% by taking daily supplements of the following:
Zinc oxide 80 mg
Copper 2 mg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Vitamin E 400 units
Lutein 10 mg/zeaxanthin 2 mg (or beta-carotene 15 mg or vitamin A 28,000 units for patients who have not smoked)
In current and former smokers, beta-carotene can increase the risk of lung cancer. Recently, substitution of beta-carotene with lutein plus zeaxanthin has been shown to have comparable efficacy (1). Therefore, such a substitution should be considered in current or former smokers. The zinc component of these supplements increases risk of hospitalization for genitourinary tract disorders. Some patients taking beta-carotene also have yellowing of the skin. Reducing cardiovascular risk factors as well as regularly eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and dark green leafy vegetables may help slow disease progression; however, recent large trials have not shown that taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids reduces disease progression.
Wet AMD
Patients with unilateral wet AMD should take the daily nutritional supplements that are recommended for dry AMD to reduce the risk of AMD-induced vision loss in the other eye. The choice of other treatments depends on the size, location, and type of neovascularization. Intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs (usually ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept) can substantially reduce the risk of vision loss and can help restore reading vision in up to one third of patients. In a small subset of patients, thermal laser photocoagulation of neovascularization outside the fovea may prevent severe vision loss. Photodynamic therapy, a type of laser treatment, also helps under specific circumstances. Corticosteroids (eg, triamcinolone) are sometimes injected intraocularly along with an anti-VEGF drug. Other treatments, including transpupillary thermotherapy, subretinal surgery, and macular translocation surgery, are seldom used.
Treatment reference
1. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group: Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: The age-related eye disease study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA 309(19):2005-15, 2013. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.4997. Clarification and additional information. JAMA 310(2):208, 2013. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.6403.
Supportive measures
For patients who have lost central vision, low-vision devices such as magnifiers, high-power reading glasses, large computer monitors, and telescopic lenses are available. Also, certain types of software can display computer data in large print or read information aloud in a synthetic voice. Low-vision counseling is advised
Key Points
AMD is more common among whites and is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in older adults.
AMD can be dry (nonexudative or atrophic) or wet (exudative or neovascular).
Although 85% of AMD is dry, 80 to 90% of severe vision loss caused by AMD results from the wet type.
Funduscopic changes in dry AMD include drusen, areas of chorioretinal atrophy, and changes to the retinal pigment epithelium.
Funduscopic changes in wet AMD include retinal edema and localized elevation, detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium, a gray-green discoloration under the macula, and exudates in and around the macula.
If patients have AMD on funduscopy, do color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.
Prescribe dietary supplements for unilateral wet or high-risk dry AMD.
Treat wet AMD with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs or laser therapy.
You can buy 3 in 1 smart infrared thermometers at Eyeupdate clinic & optical supplies located at 01 Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BNPL filling station, Ajuwon near the grailand estate gate.
This is a non contact thermometer which can be used to take temperature measurement of the human body near the forehead, ear or wrist. Other features of the thermometer are:
Fast measurement (1 second)
Fever warning
Measurement range: 32. 0°C – 42. 2°C
Memory recall: 32 readings
Automatic shutdown: 60s
Error Resolution: 0.1°C
Can measure body temperature on human forehead
Can measure body temperature on the wrist
Can measure human temperature on the ear
Manufacturers: Alicn Medical Inc
Price: N35, 000
Tel: 08107531046
Address : Eyeupdate clinic & optical supplies,
01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, off Elliott bus stop, Iju-Ishagah (beside BPNL Filling station, Ajuwon)
Buy infrared thermometer in Alagbole Akute Ajuwon Matogun
It is possible to do some basic testing of your vision and the vision of your family members and friends at home. Home eye testing is not a substitute for a complete medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Testing your vision at home will not be as accurate as what your ophthalmologist can do. But home eye testing could help you discover a problem that requires professional attention.
Children under age 3 should have their vision tested by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or other vision care professional.
What You Need to Test Your Vision at Home
Something to cover the eye, like a paper cup or facial tissue.
Scissors.
Tape or tack to hang the test chart on the wall.
A pencil or pen to record the results.
A yardstick, tape measure, or ruler.
A flashlight, if available.
A well-lighted room at least 10 feet long.
The correct testing chart.
Prepare the Test Area
Select either the child’s or adult’s test chart and print it out.
When printed, the largest letter at the top of the chart should be just under an inch (23 millimeters) tall.
Measure 10 feet from a wall with no windows, and place a chair at this point.
Tape or pin the chart on the bare wall, level with the eyes of the person you will test as he or she sits in the chair.
Testing a Child (Age 3 or Older)
Explain to your child that you are going to play a “pointing game.” Using the practice E card, show him or her how to point in the same direction that the E is “pointing.” Turn the practice E in the four different directions (up, down, right, left). You may hold the practice card as close as the child wants until he or she can point in the four directions without help.
Have your child sit in the chair 10 feet from the chart, holding the cover over one eye without applying any pressure. Do not let the child peek. A second person may be needed to hold the cover in place and watch for peeking. If your child wears glasses, he or she should wear them during the test.
If the chart seems too dark to see clearly, use the flashlight to illuminate the test letters.
Point at each of the Es, starting with the largest. Have your child point in the direction the E is pointing.
Write down the number of the smallest line your child can correctly see (more than half of the Es correctly identified).
Then repeat the test with the other eye covered. If your child is tired, you may wish to test the other eye at a different time.
Testing an Adult or Older Child
Have the person being tested sit in the chair, 10 feet from the chart. Make sure the chart is level with his or her eyes.
Have the person being tested cover one eye. If he or she uses eyeglasses for distance vision, the glasses should be worn during the test.
Shine the flashlight on each line of the chart, while the person you are testing reads the letters out loud. Continue to the bottom row or until the letters are too difficult for the person to see.
Write down the number of the smallest line seen correctly (the line with more than half of the letters correctly identified).
Now repeat the test with the other eye covered and record the results.
What Are Normal Scores for Home Eye Testing?
A child should be able to see the 20/40 line by age 3 or 4 and the 20/30 line by age 5. If you test your child several times on different days and your child cannot see the expected line of print or cannot see the same line with each eye, he or she may have an eye problem. You should have your child evaluated by a physician.
An older child or adult should be reading the 20/20 line. You should arrange for a medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist if there are abnormal results.
Home Vision Test Results
Record the results of your home screening by filling in the number of the smallest line the person could read for each line below. If the test results indicate that you or your child needs to see an ophthalmologist, take the numbers you wrote down with you.
According to American Optometric Association (AOA), Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped or sometimes because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye.
An irregularly shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. This can lead to eye discomfort and headaches.
Astigmatism frequently occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Together these vision conditions are referred to as refractive errors because they affect how the eyes bend or “refract” light.
There are many causes to astigmatism. It can be hereditary and is usually present from birth. It can decrease or increase over time.
A comprehensive optometric examination will include testing for astigmatism. If necessary, your optometrist can provide eyeglasses or contact lenses that correct the astigmatism by altering the way light enters the eyes.
Another option for treating astigmatism is a corneal procedure called orthokeratology (ortho-k). In this painless, noninvasive procedure, the patient wears a series of specially designed rigid contact lenses to gradually reshape the curvature of the cornea.
Laser surgery can also treat some types of astigmatism. The laser changes the shape of the cornea by removing a small amount of eye tissue.
[back to top]
What causes astigmatism?
The curvature of the cornea and lens bends the light entering the eye in order to focus it precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. In astigmatism, the surface of the cornea or lens has a somewhat different curvature.
the surface of the cornea is shaped more like a football instead of round like a basketball, the eye is unable to focus light rays to a single point. Vision becomes out of focus at any distance.
In addition, the curvature of the lens inside the eye can change, resulting in an increase or decrease in astigmatism. This change frequently occurs in adulthood and can precede the development of naturally occurring cataracts.
Sometimes astigmatism may develop following an eye injury or eye surgery.
Astigmatism also occurs due to a relatively rare condition called keratoconus in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-shaped. This results in a large amount of astigmatism, which causes poor vision that cannot be clearly corrected with eyeglasses. People with keratoconus usually need contact lenses for clear vision and eventually may need a corneal transplant.
An optometrist can diagnose an astigmatism through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing for astigmatism measures how the eyes focus light and determines the power of any optical lenses needed to improve vision. This examination may include:
Visual acuity-When you read letters on a distance chart, you are measuring your visual acuity. Visual acuity is given as a fraction (for example, 20/40). The top number is the standardized testing distance (20 feet) and the bottom number is the smallest letter size read. A person with 20/40 visual acuity would have to get within 20 feet to read a letter that should be seen clearly at 40 feet. Normal distance visual acuity is 20/20.
Keratometry/Topography-A keratometer is the primary instrument used to measure the curvature of the cornea. By focusing a circle of light on the cornea and measuring its reflection, it is possible to determine the exact curvature of that area of the cornea’s surface. This measurement is particularly critical in determining the proper fit for contact lenses. A corneal topographer, which is gaining use, generates a contour map of the cornea and provides even more detail of the cornea’s shape.
Refraction-Using an instrument called a phoropter, your optometrist places a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measures how they focus light. This is performed using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope or an automated instrument that evaluates the approximate focusing power of the eye. Based on your responses, the power is then refined to determine the lenses that allow the clearest vision. Despite improved technology, patient input remains integral in determining vision needs.
With the information from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have astigmatism. Your optometrist will use these findings, combined with those of other tests performed, to determine the power of any lens correction you need to provide clear, comfortable vision. Once testing is complete, your optometrist can discuss treatment options.
[back to top]
How is astigmatism treated?
People with astigmatism have several options to regain clear vision. They include:
Eyeglasses. People with astigmatism primarily choose eyeglasses to improve their vision. The eyeglasses contain a special cylindrical lens prescription that compensates for the astigmatism. This provides additional power in specific parts of the lens.
Generally, a single-vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances. However, patients over age 40 who have presbyopia may need a bifocal or progressive addition lens.
Contact lenses. Some people will have better vision with contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. Contact lenses may provide clearer vision and a wider field of view. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require regular cleaning and care to safeguard eye health.
Standard soft lenses may not be effective in correcting astigmatism. However, special toric soft contact lenses can correct for many types of astigmatism. Because rigid gas-permeable contact lenses maintain their regular shape while on the cornea, they can compensate for the cornea’s irregular shape and improve vision for people with astigmatism.
Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves the fitting of a series of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea. The patient wears contact lenses for limited periods, such as overnight, and then removes them. People with moderate astigmatism may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision without lenses for most of their daily activities. Orthokeratology does not permanently improve vision. If patients stop wearing the retainer lenses, their vision may return to its original condition.
Laser and other refractive surgery procedures. Astigmatism can also be corrected by reshaping the cornea through LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). PRK removes tissue from the superficial and inner layers of the cornea. LASIK removes tissue only from the inner layer of the cornea.
If you have an astigmatism, you have a wide range of options to correct your vision problem. In consultation with your optometrist, you can select the treatment that best meets your visual and lifestyle needs
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision problem, affecting about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close. The condition is sometimes referred to as “hypermetropia” rather than hyperopia.
Hyperopia symptoms
Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eye strain and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision problem, affecting about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close. The condition is sometimes referred to as “hypermetropia” rather than hyperopia.
Hyperopia symptoms
Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eye strain and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.
What causes hyperopia/hypermetropia?
Watch this video on what causes blurry vision and how we can correct it.
This vision problem occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it. The eyeball of a farsighted person is shorter than normal.
Many children are born farsighted, and some of them “outgrow” it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth.
Sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also causes near vision problems but for different reasons.
Hyperopia treatment
Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses to change the way light rays bend into the eyes.
If your glasses or contact lens prescription begins with plus numbers, like +2.50, you are farsighted.
You may need to wear your glasses or contacts all the time or only when reading, working on a computer or doing other close-up work.
When selecting eyeglasses for the correction of farsightedness, choose aspheric high-index lenses — especially for stronger prescriptions. These lenses are thinner, lighter, and have a slimmer, more attractive profile. Aspheric lenses also reduce the magnified “bug-eye” appearance eyeglasses for hyperopia often cause.
Be aware, though, that high-index aspheric lenses reflect more light than standard plastic lenses. For the best comfort and appearance, make sure the lenses include anti-reflective coating, which eliminates distracting lens reflections.
High-index aspheric lenses for children should be made of lightweight polycarbonate lens material for superior comfort and impact resistance.
Also, photochromic lenses that automatically darken in response to sunlight are highly recommended for kids and anyone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors.
Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or CK, is another option for correcting hyperopia. Surgery may reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Investigational procedures involving corneal implants may be a future option for correcting hyperopia.
Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40. In recent years, its prevalence is growing at an alarming rate.
Globally, research suggests that in the year 2000, roughly 25 percent of the world’s population was nearsighted but by the year 2050, it’s expected that roughly half the people on the planet will be myopic.
Myopia symptoms
If you are nearsighted, you will have difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects clearly, but will be able to see well for close-up tasks such as reading and computer use.
Other signs and symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches. Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports also can be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness.
If you experience these signs or symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if you need a stronger prescription.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface.
Nearsightedness can also be caused by the cornea and/or lens being too curved for the length of the eyeball. In some cases, myopia occurs due to a combination of these factors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood, and you may have a higher risk if your parents are nearsighted. In most cases, nearsightedness stabilizes in early adulthood but sometimes it continues to progress with age.
Depending on the degree of your myopia, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time or only when you need very clear distance vision, like when driving, seeing a chalkboard or watching a movie.
Good choices for eyeglass lenses for nearsightedness include high-index lenses (for thinner, lighter glasses) and lenses with anti-reflective coating. Also, consider photochromic lenses to protect your eyes from UV rays and high-energy blue light and to reduce the need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses outdoors.
If you’re nearsighted, the first number (“sphere”) on your eyeglasses prescription or contact lens prescription will be preceded by a minus sign (–). The higher the number, the more nearsighted you are.
Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. The most common procedures are performed with an excimer laser.
In PRK the laser removes a layer of corneal tissue, which flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus more accurately on the retina.
In LASIK — the most common refractive procedure — a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea, a laser removes some corneal tissue, and then the flap is returned to its original position
Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40. In recent years, its prevalence is growing at an alarming rate.
Globally, research suggests that in the year 2000, roughly 25 percent of the world’s population was nearsighted but by the year 2050, it’s expected that roughly half the people on the planet will be myopic.
Myopia symptoms
If you are nearsighted, you will have difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects clearly, but will be able to see well for close-up tasks such as reading and computer use.
Other signs and symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches. Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports also can be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness.
If you experience these signs or symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if you need a stronger prescription.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface.
Nearsightedness can also be caused by the cornea and/or lens being too curved for the length of the eyeball. In some cases, myopia occurs due to a combination of these factors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood, and you may have a higher risk if your parents are nearsighted. In most cases, nearsightedness stabilizes in early adulthood but sometimes it continues to progress with age.
Depending on the degree of your myopia, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time or only when you need very clear distance vision, like when driving, seeing a chalkboard or watching a movie.
Good choices for eyeglass lenses for nearsightedness include high-index lenses (for thinner, lighter glasses) and lenses with anti-reflective coating. Also, consider photochromic lenses to protect your eyes from UV rays and high-energy blue light and to reduce the need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses outdoors.
If you’re nearsighted, the first number (“sphere”) on your eyeglasses prescription or contact lens prescription will be preceded by a minus sign (–). The higher the number, the more nearsighted you are.
Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. The most common procedures are performed with an excimer laser.
In PRK the laser removes a layer of corneal tissue, which flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus more accurately on the retina.
In LASIK — the most common refractive procedure — a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea, a laser removes some corneal tissue, and then the flap is returned to its original position.
Then there’s orthokeratology a non-surgical procedure where you wear special rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses at night that reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you remove the lenses in the morning, your cornea temporarily retains the new shape, so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Orthokeratology and a related GP contact lens procedure called corneal refractive therapy (CRT) have been proven effective at temporarily correcting mild to moderate amounts of myopia. Both procedures are good alternatives to surgery for individuals who are too young for LASIK or are not good candidates for refractive surgery for other reasons.
Implantable lenses known as phakic IOLs another surgical option for correcting nearsightedness, particularly for individuals with high amounts of myopia or thinner-than-normal corneas that could increase their risk of complications from LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures.
Phakic IOLs work like contact lenses, except they are surgically placed within the eye and typically are permanent, which means no maintenance is needed. Unlike IOLs used in cataract surgery, phakic IOLs do not replace the eye’s natural lens, which is left intact.
Controlling myopia
With more people becoming nearsighted, there is a lot of interest in finding ways to control the progression of myopia in childhood.
A number of different techniques have been tried — including fitting children with bifocals, progressive lenses and gas permeable contact lenses. All of these have delivered mixed results.
Recent clinical trials showed that low-dose atropine eye drops could slow myopia progression in school-age children, with significantly fewer side effects compared with higher concentrations.
Some kids, though, don’t respond well to atropine drops.
A dual-focus daily disposable contact lens decreased the progression rate of myopia in children between 8 and 12 years old when compared to a single vision lens, according to a study presented in 2017 at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.
The specially designed multifocal lenses reduced myopia progression by 59 percent at one year, 54 percent at two years and 52 at three years, compared with the myopia progression experienced by children who wore conventional contact lenses.
“There were good correlations between change in refractive error and change in eyeball growth,” said Paul Chamberlain, who presented the research and is senior manager of clinical research at CooperVision.
Degenerative myopia
In most cases, nearsightedness is simply a minor inconvenience and poses little or no risk to the health of the eye. But sometimes myopia can be so progressive and severe it is considered a degenerative condition.
Degenerative myopia (also called malignant or pathological myopia) is a relatively rare condition that is believed to be hereditary and usually begins in early childhood. About 2 percent of Americans are afflicted, and degenerative myopia is a leading cause of legal blindness.
In malignant myopia, the elongation of the eyeball can occur rapidly, leading to a quick and severe progression of myopia and loss of vision. People with this condition have a significantly increased risk of retinal detachment and other degenerative changes in the back of the eye (such as bleeding in the eye from abnormal blood vessel growth).
Degenerative myopia also may increase the risk of cataracts.
See your doctor: If you are having trouble seeing near objects or find you are holding books (or your smartphone) farther away to better make out the words, you should see your eye doctor. Nearsightedness can be treated and in some cases slowed in children.
Notes and References
Dual focus contact reduces myopia progression. Primary Care Optometry News. October 2017.
Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. May 2016.
Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Archives of Ophthalmology. December 2009.
Systemic 7-methylxanthine in retarding axial eye growth and myopia progression: a 36-month pilot study. Journal of Ocular Biology, Diseases, and Informatics. December 2008.
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization of pathologic myopia in Japanese patients: comparison with nontreated controls. American Journal of Ophthalmology. March 2008.
Infrared thermometers in Alagbole, Akute, Ajuwon, Fagba, Iju-Ishagah, Ogun state, Lagos state. Price: N45,000. Call 08107531046
You can buy 3 in 1 smart infrared thermometers at Eyeupdate clinic & optical supplies located at 01 Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BNPL filling station, Ajuwon near the grailand estate gate.
This is a non contact thermometer which can be used to take temperature measurement of the human body near the forehead, ear or wrist. Other features of the thermometer are:
Fast measurement (1 second)
Fever warning
Measurement range: 32. 0°C – 42. 2°C
Memory recall: 32 readings
Automatic shutdown: 60s
Error Resolution: 0.1°C
Can measure body temperature on human forehead
Can measure body temperature on the wrist
Can measure human temperature on the ear
Manufacturers: Alicn Medical Inc
Price: N45, 000
Tel: 08107531046, 07038125887
Address : Eyeupdate clinic & optical supplies,
01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, off Elliott bus stop, Iju-Ishagah (beside BPNL Filling station, Ajuwon)
There is a list containing the names of eye clinics in Ogun state and Lagos state. There is also another list containing the names and addresses of eye clinics in Alagbole, Akute and Ajuwon.
This post focuses on the eye clinic located at 01 Ajuwon junction. The name of the eye clinic at 01 Ajuwon junction is Eyeupdate eye clinic & optical supplies.
At Eyeupdate eye clinic & optical supplies, we deliver the best quality eye care products and services with affordable prices for people of all ages.
1, You always have a headache
2, Your eye is infected
3, There are bright flashes or floaters
4, There is eye pain
5, You have been squinting
6, You have diabetes or it is in the family
7, You have hypertension or it is in the family
8, Excessive light sensitivity
9, Your eyes are always red
10, You spend so much time on computer or phone-screen
11, If you have never had your eyes examined before.
Lagos state located in the South West of Nigeria is the smallest state in Nigeria geographically, yet the most populated state in Nigeria. The people who live in Lagos come from different states in Nigeria and are from different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Most of the people in the below population distribution need eye clinics, eye hospitals, eye care services. They need opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists for their eye well being.
They also need eye care products/services such as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eye drugs, sports ropes, eye tests, eye treatment, eye surgeries etc.
Eyeupdate eye clinic & optical supplies is committed to providing primary, secondary and tertiary eye care services as well as sales and supplies of optical/ophthalmic equipment and tools.
Eyeupdate clinic & optical supplies is located at 01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah, Lagos. You can reach Eyeupdate eye clinic & optical supplies by calling any of these phone numbers: 08107531046, 08034971582
IMAGE PROVIDED BY SUNIR GARG, MD.
PAUL WHITTEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
PAUL PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
