Cataract Considerations

One of the common issues optometrists see in our consulting room is cataracts. Of all the problems you can have with your eyes, we can offer reassurance because for most, cataract are easily treated. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries in the Western World. With modern surgical techniques the outcomes are, for most people, very successful.

Dr Fred Hollows Eye Surgeon

Dr Fred Hollows

For many New Zealanders cataract awareness was raised by Kiwi eye surgeon Dr Fred Hollows (pictured above), and his work to improve access to cataract surgery.

In New Zealand most people will be having cataract surgery much earlier than those in other developing nations.

The routine procedure for surgery is to replace the clouded lens with an implant. The implant lens is designed to restore clarity of vision, and also aims for optimal focus. This usually means the clearest vision possible for distance vision. Following surgery most people continue to use glasses for reading and seeing detail at a close range.

Modern cataract surgery, as with most of life in the 21st century, involves more choice now. Now it is routine practice for eye specialists to use different powered lens implants, and offer to set the focus of each eye individually. Often this involves deliberately setting one eye to see more clearly at a close range while the other eye sees better in the distance - commonly called 'blended vision'. Multifocal lens implants are also becoming more popular, the in-eye, version of the modern progressive lens.

Modern instruments aim to accurately measure the eye to calculate the ideal desired lens implant power. But there are still occasional surprises with the final result - the surgery is still performed on a human eye! Through my experience testing people for glasses after cataract surgery I have the following recommendations:

  • Consider carefully what is important to you for your vision and lifestyle. For example if you are passionate about boating, seeing clearly in the distance with both eyes, this may be the best option. If you enjoy sewing and handcrafts then I would aim for both eyes to have similar vision to give best depth of focus.

  • Understand what clarity of vision you would like to have. If you have worn glasses you may be used to very sharp focus. To achieve this after surgery your glasses may still be needed, and you may be happy with that. 

  • If you are considering blended vision, trial this concept in contact lenses before you have surgery - this gives you a chance to see how you adapt.

  • Talk to your optometrist about your options. Your optometrist knows you and your eyes, and has a good understanding of what is important for you and your vision.

 

Migraine Aura

We routinely see people who are distressed by sudden changes in their vision, often out of the blue. Their vision develops blind spots, blurred patches or seeing black and white zig zag patterns, often in an arc shape. Scintillations, kaleidescopic or prismatic effects are also common symptoms.

These symptoms are commonly attributed to a visual migraine aura, thankfully most of these symptoms will completely resolve within an hour.

Either a headache will follow or there will be some milder feelings of being ‘washed out’. The vision changes will make you feel like taking a break, so feel free to rest or have a cup of tea to soothe the nerves.

When we examine the inside of the eye, everything usually appears healthy and normal. We can conclude that these effects are not caused by a problem with your eye.

For a more detailed description on how migraine auras occur, feel free to click this safe link for further information. https://migrainecanada.org/

Learning to use BLVNZ library

Blind Low Vision New Zealand (BLVNZ) have recently upgraded their audio library technology, it is now digital.

What does this mean?

Clients who used media devices such as cassettes or CDs to listen to their audio books and magazines have been phased out for Alexa Smart Speakers. This is great news as it makes all the material accessible, but this does not come without challenges!

My role as an Optometrist means I understand the struggles and grief that comes with vision loss. This commonly occurs with age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. For many individuals, the most significant loss is driving, reading and most importantly, an associated loss of independence. Although we might not be able to support individuals with their driving, we can restore books and literature into someone's life, which is still an amazing feat.

Helping visually impaired elderly embrace new technology requires patience and it pays to have a good sense of humor.

So how does the Alexa Smart Speaker work?

Individuals can access the BLVNZ library and follow a series of menus and prompts that enable the user to select from thousands of books, articles or magazines. Learning the succinct prompts takes some practice, but it is extremely delightful hearing elderly people conversing politely with 'Alexa'.

For individuals with low vision, Alexa can offer other features to bring independence back into their life, such as setting reminders, alarms or simply telling the time. These smart speakers replace many of the previous BLVNZ tools, such as talking clocks.

Give voice-activation a try. For example, have you tried the Siri command on your phone? Or listened to an audio book? - You can try one from the Auckland Digital Library. Including some non-visual ways to do every day things could be a glimpse into the future and help you understand the limitations for individuals who have low vision.

Our Low Vision Support Group meets monthly at Summerset Village Mondays @ 1:30pm.
Please recommend this to anyone who is struggling with vision loss.

Meeting Dates for 2022 are:

16 May, 20 June, 18 July, 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, 21 November.

Claire McDonald

Preservative Free Systane Complete

Systane Complete Dry Eye Relief

Alcon has expanded its range of preservative-free eye drops with the addition of Systane Complete Preservative-Free. This lubricating eye drop combines the long-lasting formulation of Systane Complete in a multi-dose, preservative-free bottle.

Systane Complete is a unique formula which many dry eye sufferers find very soothing. There are ingredients to help the layers of the natural tear film, in particular the vital oily ‘top coat’ of the tears. This oily layer reduces tear evaporation.

The various ingredients in this eye drop creates a viscoelastic meshwork. This meshwork forms a bandage over the eye’s surface, which binds to damaged areas of the cornea. The result is extended protection and lubrication and comfort.

The bottle features patented PureFlow Technology. This is a one-way valve to ensure no contaminated liquid can go back into the container and includes a fine silicone membrane to filter returned air. The bottle has a low squeeze force and features a blue tip to aid with installation.

This as suitable for people with mild to moderate dry eye, who can get symptom relief of dry eye for several hours. Worth a try!

Available in our practice or from our online shop.