Tag Archives: eye

Eye harm warning over fake lashes

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London: Eye doctors today warned that the craze for eyelash extensions may cause permanent lash damage.

False eyelashes have been around for years, and while they are more popular than ever, a new craze for semi-permanent eyelash extensions is also emerging thanks to celebrity fans like Cheryl Cole.

Yet while there is a growing trend for long, luscious lashes, eye experts at the College of Optometrists are warning women not to put fashion before their eye health when choosing to embrace the Cheryl look.

Unlike false eyelashes, where synthetic lashes are applied to the eyelid and then removed after usage, eyelash extensions are applied directly to the natural eyelash with a bonding agent and can last up to six weeks. These bonding agents and glues are irritants and can cause discomfort and potential eye damage in severe cases.

Repeated use of eyelash extensions can cause Traction Alopecia, a condition where the hair falls out due to excessive tension placed on the hair shaft. As a result this can damage the hair follicle which can slow down and even cease production of hair.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric advisor at the College of Optometrists said: “Our eyelashes play an extremely important role in keeping our eyes healthy and act as a natural defence against dust, dirt and sunlight. While many of us covet long lashes, it’s important to remember that eyelashes are there to perform a function and we need to be careful we don’t hamper this vital natural defence mechanism. As eyelash extensions are such a new trend, there is little clinical research into their impact on eye health so we are urging women to take extra care.”

Dr Blakeney continues: “If you do want to go ahead and have this procedure, ensure you have them done at a reputable salon and follow the aftercare advice carefully. Eyelash extensions in the UK can be expensive, if you’re tempted to have them done cheaply abroad make sure you go to a reputable provider although do be aware that hygiene standards may vary from country to country. For those who want long lashes without the risks, false eyelashes are a cheaper and safer alternative, although make sure you apply and remove them properly.”

One traveller who learned the lesson the hard way is Anna, a 30-year-old PR consultant from London, who recently had a bad experience after having had eyelash extensions applied whilst on holiday.

She said of her experience: “I was in Thailand and the eyelash extensions were so cheap there compared to the UK that I couldn’t resist having them done. They cost me £6 and at first I was really pleased with the result. However, after a week I noticed that they were beginning to fall out and then they started to take my own lashes with them. My eyes began to get quite sore and the final result was not pretty. Lucky for me it didn’t get too serious and my eyelashes have grown back, but I did end up with sore eyes and the extensions didn’t really last for very long in the end. In the future I’m going to stick to trusty mascara and false lashes.”

Top tips from the College of Optometrists on how to have luscious lashes the safer way – false eyelashes

US Presential First Lady, Michelle Obama has recently been spotted in false eyelashes and today there are a huge range available, from the very subtle to the dramatic and daring, offering a safe, affordable way of achieving long lashes.

Don’t apply glue directly to the eyelid – remember that the glue is an irritant and you should avoid getting it into your eyes at all costs. It is advisable to place the glue onto the back of your hand then dab the base of the false eyelashes into it to apply the glue.

Don’t sleep in them – ensure you remove false eyelashes properly and don’t go to sleep in them as this can result in discomfort and irritation

Don’t share false eyelashes with friends – you shouldn’t share make-up or false eyelashes with friends as this can transfer bacteria and could result in eye infections

Don’t use heated eyelash curlers with false eyelashes – false eyelashes are synthetic and are not designed to withstand high temperatures. Attempting to curl them using a heated appliance may cause them to melt onto your natural lashes

Top tips from the College of Optometrists if you do opt for eyelash extensions

· Don’t put price over safety – if want to have eyelash extensions, ensure you go to a reputable practice where the staff are trained.

· Follow the practitioners advice – if you intend to go swimming or want to wear mascara with your eyelash extensions, check with the practitioner first as this can vary depending on the procedure you have had done

· Have an allergy test prior to treatment – it is always advisable to have an allergy test prior to any treatment involving chemicals. While allergies are not common, your sight is precious so it’s always better to be safe than sorry and to check this out before having the treatment

· See an optometrist if you experience problems – if you experience any discomfort or irritation, ensure you see an optometrist as soon as possible for advice. The optometrist is the eye health specialist on the high street and should be your first port of call for any concerns about your eye health.

About The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists is the Professional, Scientific and Examining Body for Optometry in the UK, working for the public benefit. Supporting its Members in all aspects of professional development, the College provides pre-registration training and assessment, continuous professional development opportunities, and advice and guidance on professional conduct and standards, enabling our Members to serve their patients well and contribute to the wellbeing of local communities.

Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, optometrists are trained professionals who examine eyes, test sight, give advice on visual problems, and prescribe and dispense spectacles or contact lenses. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where appropriate. Optometrists are trained to recognise eye diseases, referring such cases as necessary, and can also use or supply various eye drugs.

Optometrists study at university for at least three years and participate in a full year of training and supervision, called the pre-registration year, before qualifying. Once qualified, they have the opportunity to develop their interests in specialist aspects of practice such as contact lenses, treating eye diseases, low vision, children’s vision and sports vision.

All optometrists practising in the UK must be registered with the General Optical Council, the profession’s regulatory body, and are listed in the Opticians Register. The letters FCOptom or MCOptom after an optometrist’s name means that he or she is a fellow or member of the College of Optometrists.
There are currently over 10,000 registered optometrists in the UK.

British men ignore eye health, reveals new survey

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London: British men are seriously neglecting their eyes, according to a national study for Vision Express, the UK national chain of optometrists.

A poll of more than 2,000 men and women found that more than two-thirds of men (67%) have spent nothing on eye care in the last 12 months in contrast to 53% of women.

Men said that hair care was a higher priority, with investment in hair care dwarfing investment in eye care over a twelve month period. 80% have spent money on hair care and 34% have spent £50 or more in the last 12 months.

The study also found that women are twice as likely to invest in hair care as they are in eye care, which attracts similar levels of investment to amounts spent on nail care or foot care.

“It seems crazy that we spend more on our appearance than we do on preserving our ability to see,” said Bryan Magrath, CEO of Vision Express. “Our eye sight is vital and is under all sorts of pressures in the workplace and in our leisure time. An eye exam should be part of our annual health regime.”

Recent trials of new digital retinal cameras at Vision Express found that in one in 20 examinations, patients were referred to the NHS for specialist examination due to the detection of anomalies. Vision Express has just completed the £multi-million roll-out of the new digital retinal cameras, capable of taking images of the interior of the eye.

The study also found that across the adult population, the 18-24 year old age group are most neglectful of their eye sight. Nearly one in 10 (8%) in this age bracket claim to have never had their eyes tested.

Vision Express is partnering with the Institute of Ophthalmology this year to explore further improvements in eye examination techniques across its national network of more than 300 High Street locations. The partnership forms part of Vision Express’s commitment to being the leading High Street specialist in eye care and eye health.
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About Vision Express

Vision Express is one of Britain’s leading chains of opticians, with a national network of more than 300 stores. Built on a passion for the optical profession and a drive for unparalleled customer service, Vision Express opened the first ‘one hour’ Opticians in 1988 and remains the pioneer of a genuine one-hour service today. Vision Express is part of Europe’s largest optical retailing network that includes eye care brands Grand Optical, Solaris and Generale D’Optique.

UK Government reverses decision on eyesight drug

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London: Sufferers of wet age-related macular degeneration in England- an eye disease which leads to blindness are to get a sight-saving drug.

The drug, Lucentis, is already available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK-government’s drug rationing body National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) had originally said patients should wait until they went blind in one eye. But pressure from sufferers and medical professions has led to a reversal of the decision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) comes in two forms – wet and dry – with the dry form being much more common. However, the wet type is more aggressive and is responsible for about 90% of blindness caused by the condition. Almost 20,000 people a year are diagnosed with wet AMD in England.

Dry Eye Syndrome – 20 Bausch & Lomb moisturisers to give away!

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There’s no disputing the fact that modern lifestyles are wreaking havoc on our eyes – with eight-hour days spent staring at a computer screen, and intense air-conditioning, cigarette smoke and pollution adding to the issue, associated health problems such as ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome are becoming increasingly prevalent.

In fact, ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome (also referred to as keratonconjunctivitis sicca) has now become one of the most common problems treated by eye specialists in the UK1. Characterised by a feeling of grittiness or soreness (but not necessarily a feeling of dryness), the condition is often accompanied by a reddening of the eye area and watery eyes, particularly when exposed to the wind.

But now help is at hand in the form of Bausch & Lomb’s Hycosan – a preservative-free formula designed to soothe and moisturise dry eyes. Hycosan incorporates the active ingredient sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found to relieve symptoms of ocular discomfort through water binding properties that reduce evaporation, mimicking the natural tear film and increasing tear break-up time.

Each one-click, one-drop bottle contains 300 doses in a patented one-way delivery system which allows for safe and effective multiple use, and ensures that the product remains contamination-free for up to 12 weeks after first opening. The soothing formulation is ideal for those with sensitive eyes and for use with both soft and hard contact lenses.

Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Hillingdon Hospital, Mr Nick Lee said: “A combination of environmental factors and medical conditions make dry eyes increasingly common for people in the UK. Keeping the eyes well lubricated is essential not only for comfort but also to protect the eyes from developing other complaints which can be far more serious.”

Hycosan is available from Dollond and Aitchison, plus independent pharmacies and opticians, priced £12.99 (RRP) for three months’ supply.

We have 20 of these to give away. Please email us at readeroffer@elixirnews.com with your name and address and Eye in the email header by July 30. Please note that no cash equivalent is being offered and the Editor’s decision is final.

1 International Glaucoma Association

Dry Eye Syndrome

In addition to our lifestyles, factors such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, common medication and allergies such as hay fever can trigger symptoms. Thyroid disorders, vitamin A deficiency, Parkinson’s disease and hormonal changes as women enter the menopause may also cause dryness.

While an irritating and uncomfortable condition in its own right, particularly dry eyes can cause complications, damage eye tissue, scar the cornea (the front covering of the eyes) and causing infections such as conjunctivitis and even impair vision.

Bausch & Lomb’s Hycosan

Bausch & Lomb’s Hycosan is a preservative-free formula designed to soothe and moisturise tired, dry-feeling eyes.

Hycosan incorporates the active ingredient sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found to relieve symptoms of ocular discomfort through water binding properties that reduce evaporation, mimicking the natural tear film and increasing tear break-up time.

Each one-click, one-drop bottle contains 300 doses in a patented one-way delivery system which allows for safe and effective multiple use, and ensures that the product remains contamination-free for up to 12 weeks after first opening.

The soothing formulation is ideal for those with sensitive eyes and for use with both soft and hard contact lenses.

Hycosan is available from independent pharmacies and opticians, priced £12.99 (RRP) for three months’ supply. For further information, please visit www.bausch.com

Bausch & Lomb

Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers worldwide. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products.

The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, New York, and employs approximately 13,000 people throughout its international office network. Its products are available in more than 100 countries.

DRY EYE SYNDROME

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dry eye syndrome?

Our eyes are always covered by a thin layer of liquid, most commonly known as a tear film, which is made from of a mixture of water, proteins, fats, mucus, and infection-fighting cells. As well as lubricating the eye, the tear film also keeps the area clean, stabilises vision and protects the eye against infection.

Dry eye syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) refers to a spectrum of ocular surface diseases which are caused when the eyes do not make enough tears, or those tears evaporate too quickly.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

Feelings of dryness, grittiness, or soreness, in one or both eyes which get worse throughout the day
Redness
Watery eyes, particularly when exposed to wind
Eyelids stuck together on waking

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Many factors, such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning, prolonged use of contact lenses and cigarette smoke can contribute to dry eye syndrome. Some people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working at a computer.

Dryness can also be caused by medication such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, birth control pills, some treatments for high blood pressure, antidepressants and isotretinoin tablets for acne.

Thyroid disorders, vitamin A deficiency and Parkinson’s disease may cause further dryness. Women also frequently experience problems with dry eyes due to hormonal changes as they enter the menopause.

How common is it?

According to the International Glaucoma Association, dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye specialists in the UK. Studies have suggested that between 17% and 30% of people experience dry eye syndrome at some point during their life.

Who is affected by dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is more likely to affect people who are over the age of 50, and the condition is more common among women than men.

Complications of dry eye syndrome

If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can cause complications, such as scarring of the cornea (the transparent layer at the front of the eye) and conjunctivitis (inflammation or infection of the eye), making it important to consult a GP or eye health specialist as soon as possible.

Such complications produce symptoms such as:

Sensitivity to light
Redness
Pain in the eyes
Deterioration in vision

Diagnosis

A GP should be able to diagnose dry eye syndrome after discussing the symptoms and your medical history. An examination may be carried out to check for other conditions and complications.

The GP will also want to know about any medicines that you are taking, as well as your personal circumstances, in case a possible cause of dry eye syndrome can be identified.

Ø Referral to an optometrist

Your GP may refer you to an optometrist for a check up, who will use specialist equipment to examine your eye. The optometrist will also be able to give you advice about treatment. Optometrists are private practitioners and charge for their services.

Ø Referral to an ophthalmologist

If the diagnosis is uncertain, or specialist tests and treatment are required, your GP may refer you to an ophthalmologist – a surgeon who specialises in eye diseases.

If you have an underlying medical condition which is causing dry eye syndrome, your GP will prescribe treatment for it.

Most people with dry eye syndrome also have blepharitis, which is a common (and usually mild) chronic inflammation of the rims of the eyelids. The basis of treatment of blepharitis is eyelid hygiene. In other words, keeping the eyelids clean, and massaging any trapped material out of the glands in the rim of the eyelid.

If your underlying condition is a complex one, such as HIV, or lupus, you will need to be referred to a specialist for treatment, if you are not already receiving treatment for the condition.

Treatment

Although no cure exists for dry eye syndrome, there are a range of treatments which can control your symptoms.

Ø Artificial tears

Mild to moderate cases of dry eye syndrome can often be treated with eye drops that contain ‘artificial tears’ – a liquid that is designed to mimic the properties of the tear film. These eye drops are available from a pharmacy over-the-counter (OTC) without prescription.

Bausch & Lomb’s Hycosan is a preservative-free formula designed to soothe and moisturise dry, tired-feeling eyes. Hycosan incorporates the active ingredient sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found to relieve symptoms of ocular discomfort by reducing evaporation, mimicking the natural tear film and increasing tear break-up time.

Hycosan is available from Dollond & Aitchison, plus independent pharmacies and opticians, priced £12.99 (RRP) for three months’ supply.

Ø Anti-inflammatory medicine

Anti-inflammatory medicines work by blocking the functions of your immune system that are involved in triggering inflammation, and are usually prescribed by a GP in the form of a cream, or ointment.

Ø Specialised eyewear

Some cases of dry eye syndrome can be treated using specialist eyewear. These include specially made glasses, known as moisture chamber spectacles, which wrap around your eyes like goggles, helping to retain moisture, and protecting eyes from irritants.

Progress in contact lens manufacture has meant that many are designed specifically for people with dry eyes and lock in moisture. Talk to your optometrist for details.

Ø Surgery

If dry eyes fail to respond to other forms of treatment, surgery may be an option.

Punctual occlusion, involves using small ‘plugs’ to seal the tear ducts, which help keep the eye protected by tears. Temporary plugs made of silicone are usually used in the first instance to see if the operation has a positive effect. If it has, more permanent plugs can be used to replace the silicone ones.

Self-care

There are several self-care techniques that can help prevent, or reduce, the symptoms, of dry eye syndrome:

Ø Keeping your eyes clean will help prevent dry eye syndrome

Ø Massaging the eyes by gently rolling your first finger over the upper lid in a circular motion will help to push out any of the mucus-like fluid from the tiny eyelid glands.

Ø Protecting your eyes from wind and hot air by wearing a pair of wraparound glasses will help prevent them drying out

Ø Positioning your computer workstation correctly will minimise eye strain. Your monitor should be at, or just below eye level and you should ensure you take regular breaks away from it during the day

Ø Stopping or avoiding smoking can help to reduce irritation to your eyes

Ø Using a humidifier at work and at home will help moisten the surrounding air. Opening windows for a few minutes on cold days, and longer in the spring, and summer will also help to keep the air moist

Ø Eating a diet that is high in omega-3 fats, can help prevent dry eye syndrome because the fats are used in the production of tears. The best source of omega-3 fats are oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna, and herring

Bausch & Lomb

Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers worldwide. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products.

The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, New York, and employs approximately 13,000 people throughout its international office network. Its products are available in more than 100 countries.

More information about the Company can be found on the Bausch & Lomb Web site at www.bausch.com

Blepharaplasty

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Cosmetic surgery of the upper and lower eyelid

Antioxidants do not prevent degenerative eye disease

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Melbourne: A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals does not seem to prevent the degenerative eye disease known as age related macular published on www.bmj.com today.

Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual loss in older people. It is caused by the progressive break down of light sensitive cells in the macula, located in the centre of the retina at the back of the eye. Sufferers do not go blind, but find it virtually impossible to read, drive, or do tasks requiring fine, sharp, central vision.

Risk increases with age and smokers are thought to be more susceptible.

Antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin E, various types of carotenoids, and zinc) are thought to reduce oxidative damage to the retina. But the evidence to support the role of dietary antioxidants in preventing macular degeneration remains unclear.

So researchers at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, the University of Melbourne analysed the evidence to examine the role of dietary antioxidants or dietary supplements in the primary prevention of age related macular degeneration.

They identified 11 studies (seven prospective studies and three randomised controlled trials) involving 149,203 people. A range of common dietary antioxidants were investigated and all the studies were carried out amongst well nourished Western populations with an average follow-up period of nine years.

Importantly, all the studies adjusted for age and smoking in their analyses.

The antioxidants investigated differed across studies, but when results were pooled they showed that vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, α- carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene have little or no effect in the primary prevention of early age-related macular degeneration.

None of the three trials found antioxidant supplements to be protective in the primary prevention of early age related macular degeneration.

Despite some study limitations, the authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the role of dietary antioxidants, including the use of dietary antioxidant supplements, for the primary prevention of early age-related macular degeneration.

Currently, cigarette smoking remains the only widely accepted modifiable risk factor for the primary prevention of early age-related macular degeneration, and patients seeking advice on this condition should be encouraged to quit, they add.

An accompanying editorial by Jennifer Evans at the International Centre for Eye Health supports these findings and says that reducing the prevalence of smoking is probably the most effective method of reducing the population burden of this common cause of visual loss in older people.

Beauty spend continues to grow

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London: UK women will spend nearly £40million this year on ‘beauty pills’ to enhance their appearance – twice as much as five years ago.

They are splashing out on a range of ‘magic’ potions, which claim to make hair glossier, nails stronger and even reverse the signs of ageing.

But experts claim few of the products actually work and women would stand a better chance of improving their looks by eating better, keeping out of the sun and not smoking.

Exotic ingredients in pills – such as extract of bark or protein from sea creatures – are used as little more than a marketing tool to encourage shoppers to buy, they added.

A study by market researchers Mintel revealed that spending on beauty pills is expected to top £37million this year – up 130 per cent since 2002 – and rise to £ 63million by 2012.

Almost a third of Britons, mostly women and young girls, said they use beauty supplements or would consider using them to help safeguard their looks.

Top- selling pills include supermodel Naomi Campbell’s favourite brand Imedeen, which claims to improve skin, and retails at £81.50 for three months’ supply of 180 tablets.

Perfectil Platinum, which costs £39.49 for 60 tablets, contains bark extract, blackcurrant seed oil and marine collagen and is marketed as renewing skin cells.

Other products examined contained vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are said to keep skin clear and hair glossy.

But scientists have been quick to pour scorn on the claims. Dr Richard Weller, a dermatologist at Edinburgh University, said: ‘I’ve not heard of any evidence that supplements such as bark extract will improve your hair or your skin.

‘These pills are very lucrative for the companies that make them, but they should be coming up with proof.

‘It shows people just want a quick fix, and they like spending money on themselves. Instead, they should be thinking about prevention.

‘The things that cause ageing are excessive sunlight and smoking – and avoiding them is free and known to be effective.’

US researchers working on use of stem cells for eye disease

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Durham: Medical researchers in the US are investigating the use of stem cells for eye diseases. Early findings at Duke University indicate that stem cells may benefit those suffering from glaucoma, macular degeneration and the effects of diabetes.

Ophthalmology researcher Dennis Rickman said the cells migrate to the site of injury and integrate into the tissue of those cells. Although research is at an arly stage and a lot more work needs to be done before th potential of the cells is untapped.

Studies have taken place on mice and rats, using rodent stem cells. But more tests are needed to prove effacacy, including measurement of their responses to light using an electroretinagram.

Rickman has established a charity, SCIEyes to develop alternative sources of funding. SCIfEyes received $10,000 last November from “Saturday Night Live” comedian Will Forte, who is its national spokesman, during Forte’s visit to Duke.
Building a base for the long term and for the next generation of researchers, is another priority for SCIfEyes, said Dennis Rickman, 54.

SCIfEyes: www.scifeyes.org
National Marrow Donor Program: www.marrow.org