In the most recent episode of Health Matters, Dr. Lilette Marie Canilao, chairperson of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), shared valuable insights into maintaining eye health.
Hosted by Dr. Frederick Mars Untalan (aka Doc Tong) and Manang Lucy, this episode brought to you by Baguio Chronicle focuses on common eye conditions, the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists, and includes crucial advice for protecting and preserving vision.
Optometrists vs. ophthalmologists—what’s the difference?
Many people confuse the roles of optometrists and ophthalmologists, thinking they provide the same services. Dr. Canilao clarified this misconception.
Optometrists primarily focus on prescribing glasses and contact lenses for vision correction. They perform eye exams and ensure that corrective lenses are tailored to individual needs.
On the other hand, ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating more serious eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. They are also trained to perform surgery, including procedures to correct crossed eyes and other vision impairments.
So, while optometrists are crucial for general eye care, ophthalmologists handle more complex eye health issues.
The silent threat of diabetes on eye health
One of the key highlights of the discussion is the impact of diabetes on eye health. Dr. Canilao emphasized that diabetes can lead to a serious condition called diabetic retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the retina and can result in blindness if left untreated. Many people with diabetes do not realize that the disease affects their eyesight until it’s too late.
To prevent this, Dr. Canilao advises all diabetics to have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as they are diagnosed. Regular eye check-ups can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, allowing for timely intervention and the prevention of blindness. Cataracts, which often develop due to aging, can also appear prematurely in younger patients with diabetes.
Causes of cataracts
Cataracts are often associated with aging, but there are other risk factors. Dr. Canilao mentioned that excessive exposure to sunlight, trauma, and repeated eye infections can also contribute to cataract development. Moreover, individuals who take steroids frequently, such as those managing asthma, are at a higher risk.
The solution for cataracts is surgery, which removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one. Thankfully, cataract surgery is one of the most successful and common procedures performed by ophthalmologists.
Gadget use and dry eye syndrome
The rise in digital device usage has brought with it a new set of challenges to eye health. Long hours spent staring at computer screens, phones, and other gadgets can lead to dry eye syndrome. This was especially evident during the pandemic when many activities shifted online, including work, school, and even socializing.
Dr. Canilao explained that staring at a screen for extended periods reduces the frequency of blinking, which in turn dries out the eyes.
To combat this, she recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This simple habit can help prevent dry eyes and reduce strain.
The danger of rubbing your eyes
Many people rub their eyes when they feel itchy or irritated, but Dr. Canilao warns against this habit.
Rubbing the eyes can damage the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, which can then lead to changes in vision. Instead of rubbing your eyes, she advises using artificial tears to relieve dryness or eye irritation.
Sore eyes—when to see a doctor
Sore eyes, or conjunctivitis, is a common condition that should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Canilao highlighted the fact that sore eyes can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergies.
While mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, more severe infections require immediate attention from an ophthalmologist to prevent complications like corneal blindness. In some extreme cases, untreated infections might even necessitate a corneal transplant.
The gift of corneal donation
One of the most inspiring parts of the podcast was the discussion on corneal donation, a relatively new practice in Baguio.
The BGHMC established an eye tissue retrieval unit in 2019 to counsel bereaved families about donating their loved ones’ corneas. Corneal transplants can restore vision to patients suffering from corneal blindness, often caused by infections or trauma.
Dr. Canilao encourages families to consider corneal donation, pointing out that a single donation can benefit up to eight patients.
She also addressed cultural concerns, such as the belief that a body must remain whole in the afterlife, which often prevents people from agreeing to organ donations. She urges the community to see corneal donation as a way to give the gift of sight to someone in need.
The role of barangay health workers
To improve eye care access in remote areas, the BGHMC partners with the Department of Education and barangay health workers to conduct eye screenings in local communities.
These efforts aim to catch eye problems early, especially among elementary school students, who may not be able to articulate their vision issues. Dr. Canilao emphasized that local health centers are equipped to handle basic eye health needs, referring only severe cases to specialized facilities.
LASIK as a treatment option
For those looking for alternatives to glasses or contact lenses, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK surgery (aka laser eye surgery or laser vision correction) might be a good option.
LASIK is a laser-assisted procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct one’s vision. While not yet widely available at BGHMC, Dr. Canilao mentioned that there are plans to open a LASIK center in the near future. This development would allow more residents to benefit from this advanced treatment without the need to travel far.
The importance of eye care
This episode of Health Matters on eye health provides a wealth of practical advice for the community. Here are some key insights from this segment:
- Know the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure you’re seeing the right specialist for your eye care needs.
- If you have diabetes, make regular eye check-ups a priority to prevent blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.
- Protect your eyes from cataracts by wearing sunglasses, avoiding trauma, and managing health conditions like diabetes.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using gadgets to avoid dry eyes, and resist the urge to rub your eyes when they feel itchy.
By taking these proactive steps, you can preserve your vision and protect your eye health for years to come. And to help others, consider corneal donation as a way to give the gift of sight to those deprived of it after you pass away.
Got a pressing question about your health or want more health advice?
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