–Dr. Da Silva says on occasion of World Sight Day

REGULAR eye examinations at every age and stage of life are important, as this process could aid in one’s vision being strong and everlasting.

Co-owner and Optometrist of Da Silva’s Optical- South Road branch, Dr. Shannon Da Silva, said many persons may assume their eyesight is “up to par” until a recommended pair of glasses or contact lens show a difference in sight, thereby bringing a clearer vision to the way they see eye-related issues.

On October 13 this year, optometrists and ophthalmologists from around the world celebrated World Sight Day under the theme: “Love Your Eye.”

This annual observance is geared at raising awareness and promoting good eye health while advocating for regular screening.

Vision impairments are common, but uncorrected vision or lack of treatment could result in cases of eventual blindness and faster progression of other life-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma.

According to the Centres for Disease Control, glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve, leading, in some cases, to vision loss and even permanent blindness.

Open-angle glaucoma is said to be the most common form, which is caused by increased eye pressure; this shows no symptom, so 50 per cent of the people with glaucoma do not know they have the disease.

While glaucoma could affect anyone, Da Silva noted that certain groups are high risk, especially those with a family history.

“People may have 2020 vision, but glaucoma does not affect that aspect; it affects our side vision and many of us don’t realise we are losing our side vision because for day-to-day activities we tend to use mostly our central vision,” she said.

It is for this reason that Dr. Da Silva said early screening and diagnoses are important in treating this incurable disease.

High-risk patients who visited Da Silva’s Optical on Thursday, were given a comprehensive dilated eye examination free of cost.

This visual field test allows an optometrist to diagnose glaucoma and refer patients to an ophthalmologist for further treatment.

Further, due to the high incidence of Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Guyana, diabetic retinopathy is also among the most common eye-related illnesses also faced by many Guyanese.

This condition could develop in anyone who has type one or type two diabetes, especially those with uncontrolled sugar levels. Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, spots of dark strings floating in one’s vision or what appears to be dark or empty areas in a person’s vision.

“With blood sugar levels being beyond the normal rate, bleeding at the back of the eye occurs, thereby causing damage to blood vessels in the retina, in some cases irreparable damage to the human eyes”, Dr. Da Silva cautioned.

She added: “While laser treatments for this disease have over the years brought some amount of relief to patients’ vision, we need to most importantly manage our blood glucose levels and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating the right kinds of foods, such as fish which is high in omega three and green leafy vegetables.”

GIVING BACK
In addition to the free glaucoma checks and free screening for all patients to commemorate World Sight Day, Da Silva’s optical partnered with two orphanages to offer comprehensive eye examinations and free spectacles to those in need.

The management of the orphanages applauded the efforts of the United Kingdom-trained doctor who has not only gifted the children with better sight, but for deciding to re-immigrate to her country of birth some 10 years ago to serve the people of Guyana.

“I wanted to take care of both the young and old this year because eyesight affects everyone and it’s such a precious organ for us to look after, especially in the age where technology has advanced and everyone spends so much time on devices,” Da Silva said.

Computer vision syndrome, commonly referred to as digital eye strain, is caused by prolonged use of a computer, tablet or cell phone.

Dr. Da Silva said that extensive time on these devices makes the eyes work harder, thereby making users susceptible to developing vision-related problems.

“We unknowingly slow down our blink rate when we are on these devices and this encourages the eyes to become dry and then the way the light enters our eye is different because you have this blue light coming off the screens that can cause eye strain and even headaches,” she said.

The 20-20-20 rule, however, could aid in reducing eye strain she enlightened.

“For every 20 minutes spent using a screen; you should try to look away at an object that’s 20 feet away from you for a total of 20 seconds,” Da Silva counselled.

The eye specialist who describes herself as an advocate for good eye health, said she is passionate about patient education and will continue to use her platforms to share tips on how to care for the human eyes.

“Every day, when a patient sits in my chair, I always encourage them to eat healthily, stay active, stay informed and be proactive with their health as eye-related illness can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, or gender,” Dr. Da Silva said.

Eye care professionals advise that people get an eye test done every two years. Persons living with underlying conditions such as diabetes, were advised to visit their optometrist if they experience any changes in their vision.