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back of the eye; it collects visual
images and passes them on to the
brain. Retinal disorders interrupt this
transfer of information. Some of the
more significant retinal disorders
affecting the elderly include: age-
related macular degeneration,
diabetic retinopathy and retinal
detachment.
• Age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD) – The
macula is a small spot near the
centre of the retina and is needed
for sharp, central, detailed vision;
it is very important in tasks such
as reading, recognizing colours
and facial recognition. ARMD is
characterized by loss of cells in
this area causing blurred central
vision. The progression of the
disease is variable; advancing very
slowly in some to relatively rapid
in others. Exposure to UV radiation
can also accelerate this process
which is why it is important to
protect your eyes when outdoors
or in direct sunlight. There is no
cure for ARMD but some people
have been shown to benefit from
nutritional supplements. People
with more severe types of ARMD
may benefit from laser or injection
of medication.
• Diabetic Retinopathy –
This disorder is a complication of
diabetes. It is caused by damage
to the network of blood vessels
lying within the retina. In the early
stages the blood vessels may leak
fluid, causing blurred vision or no
symptoms at all. As the disease
progresses new blood vessels may
grow and bleed into the centre of
the eye causing serious vision loss
or blindness. In most cases, timely
intervention using laser treatment
can prevent blindness. Control
of both blood sugar and blood
pressure is crucial in reducing the
likelihood of diabetic retinopathy.
It is very important that people with
diabetes have annual eye exams
to rule out or monitor diabetic
changes occurring within the eye.
• Retinal Detachment can
occur when the inner and outer
layers of the retina become
separated. If this occurs the
communication between the eye
and the brain is greatly affected
making clear vision impossible.
Symptoms of retinal detachment
include: a sudden appearance of
dark spots or flashes of light; vision
that appears wavy and a dark
shadow anywhere in your field of
vision. Depending on how early a
diagnosis is made, surgery or laser
treatment can be used to reattach
the retina and bring back all or part
of the vision lost.
While eye problems and eye
diseases become more prevalent
with age there are simple things you
can do to help improve your vision
and maintain good eye health.
Special precautions should be taken
if you are diabetic, if you have a
family history of eye disease or if
you already have an existing eye
condition. The most important thing
to always remember as with any
health issue is that early diagnosis
means a better prognosis. If you
are visiting your optometrist every
two (2) years, or if necessary, every
year, the chance of a problem being
detected and thus treated in the
very early stages is much higher.
Good eye health and proper
screening for eye-related diseases
is imperative as one traverses the
journey of ageing.
With this in mind we at LOOK
Opticians are pleased to be
announcing the start of TTARP
Tuesdays. Every Tuesday at LOOK
Opticians all TTARP members can
benefit from 20% off complete
ophthalmic frames and lenses. See
you soon!
Walking home -
to Belmont
Walking home - to Belmont
At the break of day,
Face to the hills with the rising
valley mists,
Shadows yet asleep while
eastern skies glimmer,
And the garbage truck goes by.
Walking home to Belmont,
Shadow at my feet,
Sun pouring down with a health-
giving warmth,
Dancing waves of heat,
Soft asphalt on the street
And a motorbike roars past.
Walking home to Belmont,
Sun is at my back,
Steady gentle wind, like a
pushing playful friend
Whispering in my ear as I gaze
from side to side,
And a cat goes slinking by.
Walking home to Belmont,
A glorious moon rising
Tip-toe over the hill, seeming
fixed and constant here,
Backdrop for a tree, black and
lacy, standing free,
And a pan-player sounds his
notes.
Moods of many moons past
Mingle in the air.
Church bells ringing early, rough
football in the lanes
Pulsating their own rhythm as the
hours slide by,
And Belmont holds her children
to her heart.
.
Marie Taylor – TTARP Member
