PERU-EYE HEALTH PROJECT

July 2011

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR EYES HEALTHY?

No warning signs for many eye diseases Vision changes as you age but do not assume poor sight is a natural part of growing older. Early detection and treatment is the best way to keep your eyes healthy for life. Many causes of vision loss can be prevented and treated. Adults with no risk factors or eye disease can receive baseline exam at 40 years of age. Individuals with risk factors or symptoms disease begin screening, treatment and examination at any age.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES

Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

National Institutes of Health, Eye Health Institute

KNOW YOUR FAMILYS EYE HEALTH

HISTORY

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT.

WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR.

QUIT SMOKING OR NEVER START.

BE COOL AND WEAR YOUR SHADES.

GIVE YOUR EYES A REST.

CLEAN YOUR HANDS AND YOUR CONTACT LENSESPROPERLY

PRACTICE WORKPLACE EYE SAFETY

OTHER EYE DISORDERS Cataracts

GLAUCOMA

MACULA DEGENERATION

WHAT IS A PTERYGIUM?

A pterygium is a triangular-shaped growth of fleshy tissue on the white of the eye that eventually extends over the cornea. This growth may remain small or grow large enough to interfere with vision. A pterygium can often develop from a pinguecula.

American Academy of Ophthalmology website 7/11

PTERYGIUM COULD COVER THE CENTER OF

YOUR EYE

WHAT IS A PINGUECULA?

A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva, near the cornea. It most often appears on the side of the eye closest to the nose. It is a change in the normal tissue that results in a deposit of protein, fat and/or calcium. It is similar to a callus on the skin.

PTERYGIUM

Some pterygia may become red and swollen on occasion, and some may become large or thick, making you feel like you have something in your eye. If a pterygium is large enough, it can actually affect the shape of the corneas surface, leading to astigmatism. (This slide needs to be edited)

WHAT CAUSE PTERYGIA AND PINGUECULAS TO DEVELOP?

I

Ultraviolet (UV) light from sun may be a factor Environmental causes such wind and dust may contribute. Other genetic factors may be involved as well.

EVEN CHILDREN ARE AT RISK

EVEN CHILDREN ARE AT RISK

REDNESS AND INFLAMMATION

PTERYGIUM GROWS

BLURRED VISION

ITCHING OF THE EYE

HOW IS THIS CONDITION TREATED?

Surgery by an eye specialist-(ophthalmologist)

40% of these growth reappear.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP PREVENT PTERYGIUM OR PINGUECULA?

Limit exposure to the environmental factors that contribute to their growth.

ADEQUATELY PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM UV

RAYS OF THE SUN WITH WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES.

PROTECT YOUR EYES IN DRY DUSTY

CONDITIONS WITH PROPER EYEWEAR.

WEAR HAT WITH VISOR OR FLOPPY BRIM.

WINDSHIELDS FOR BIKES AND MOTO TAXI

USE EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYE AS

DIRECTED BY PHYSICIAN

KEEP YOUR EYES HEALTHY

SO THAT YOU CAN KEEP WORKING

AND CONTINUE TAKING CARE OF YOUR

FAMILY

QUIZ
How can you limit your eyes exposure to UV rays? Wear sunglasses . Protect on cloudy or wintry day. Wear a wide brim hat. All of the above.

Answer: All of the Above

REFERENCES
National Institute of Health, Eye Institute American Academy of Ophthalmology