Eye Care

In India almost 8% of all blindness is due to refractive errors or uncorrected vision problems. Refractive errors are broadly classified into Hypermetropia(long vision) and Myopia (short sight).

Hypermetropia:
It causes blurring of vision for close work. At birth a child has about 2-3D(diopters) of hypermetropia which gradually diminishes until after puberty. In late thirties or early forties there is again the onset of hypermetropia.

Symptoms develop in the form of eyestrain. Children below six years are treated only if the refractive error is high. Those between 6-16 years require constant correction and yearly checkups due to change in power with the growth of the eyeball.

Myopia:
Myopia or short sight causes blurring of vision on viewing distant objects. It may be due to genetic developmental defect or even physical debility. It’s onset is rare after 25 years.

Contact lenses:
Contact lenses play an important role in correction of myopia or short sight. Other than the cosmetic advantage, they offer superior optical benefits. As they move up with the eye they are free of the aberrations which are unavoidable with thick spectacles. Contact lenses are also useful in patients with higher degrees of difference between the power of the two eyes. With the advent of soft contact lenses maintenance has become quite easy.

The general hygienic treatment is no less important than the provision of spectacles. General health should be maintained with abundance of fresh air, exercise and a high protein diet. Visual hygiene in the form of proper illumination and correct posture is also important.