When tobacco smoke gets in your eyes

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It’s a well-known fact that smoking increases risks for certain eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and vision loss. Since 2015, promotional campaigns appear across the U.S. to warn smokers of the health risks of tobacco use and to encourage them to quit. Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration compared with a nonsmoker, while they are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with a nonsmoker. (more…)

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Reduce the effects of AMD with quality sunglasses

Guest post by Sally Collins

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The eyewear market in the Middle East is predicted to hit US$5.86 billion by 2023. The UAE leads the way, with the huge demand for luxury sunglasses being key to the UAE’s dominance. But sunglasses are much more than just a luxury fashion item. They are essential when it comes to protecting your vision. UV and blue light damage the retina’s pigment cells, which accelerates conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Yet, by wearing a quality pair of sunglasses, it’s possible to filter out these types of radiation. Furthermore, those suffering from AMD should wear protective sunglasses not only outdoors, but also sometimes indoors, too. (more…)

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70th World Health Assembly

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Member State Side Event

Towards Universal Eye Health: Taking stock of progress against the Global Action Plan – what’s working and where to from here?

Thursday 25 May 2017
12.30pm – 2.00pm
Room XXIV (24), Palais des Nations, Geneva

Lunch and refreshments will be provided and there will be simultaneous translation in English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic. (more…)

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Healthy vision starts with a dilated eye exam

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Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is one of the best things you can do to keep your eyes healthy. In this painless procedure, an eye care professional examines your eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs.

Different from the basic eye exam you have for glasses or contact lenses, a comprehensive dilated eye exam can help protect your sight by making sure you are seeing your best and detecting eye diseases in their early stages, before vision loss has occurred. (more…)

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Feed your eyes with these super foods

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For the Healthy Vision Month celebration, we are pumped up to list down six of the best foods for the eyes that you, your loved ones, or patients should look for. These fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients needed to keep your eyes sharp and in shape.

Carrots are not only for bunnies. In fact, they are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, especially carotenoids which help decrease risks of eye diseases. (more…)

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It’s Healthy Vision Month! Make your vision last a lifetime

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When it comes to our health, we often visit our doctor or nurse regularly to make sure our bodies are healthy. But what about our eyes? They’re not always top of mind, but they’re just as important.

During Healthy Vision Month, held each May, the National Eye Institute (NEI) reminds you to make your eye health a priority and encourages you to take important steps to protect your sight. (more…)

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Saudi Ophthalmology Award to Kovin Naidoo for work in childhood blindness and cataract

Eyezone Blog-Saudi Ophthalmology Award to Kovin Naidoo

Professor Kovin Naidoo, CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute has been awarded the distinguished Prevention of Blindness (POB) Shield Lecture award.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 1, 2017 — The Prevention of Blindness (POB) Shield Lecture award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the prevention of blindness and vision impairment in their country or globally. The lecture is a feature of the internationally recognized event, supported by the Saudi Ophthalmology Society, which attracts over 1,500 attendees each year. As the awardee, Prof. Naidoo presented on his novel research and public health optometry work. (more…)

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ROP Initiative for premature babies in India

EYEZONE Blog-ROP Initiative for premature babies in Maharashtra

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) causes babies to needlessly lose their vision. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in premature infants in India.

INDIA, (IAPB), April 27, 2017 — The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and the Public Health Foundation of India are launching a Retinopathy of Prematurity Initiative in the western state of Maharashtra. The project will train staff to screen for ROP, provide support services, and conduct research to tackle the disease.

India has the largest number of preterm births in the world. “Our goal is to help support sustainable and scalable services for the detection and prevention of severe retinopathy of prematurity which are integrated into the Government of India’s health care system”, explained Dr. Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive at the Trust. (more…)

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