| 
Eye
Health
Motswedi Information Centre, a division of the
SANCB, is committed to promoting eye health education in South
Africa and its neighbouring countries, through the distribution
of information and education materials.
Based at our Pretoria Head Office, the Centre offers
a free walk-in service as well as a distance enquiry service.
Visitors can access reference books on common eye
diseases, ophthalmology, eye surgery, refractive errors and community
eye health, as well as slide sets, posters, leaflets, health
journals and newsletters.
Motswedi is not just a library, but a two-way channel
of communication. Users – mainly health workers, ophthalmic
nursing students, universities, schools, libraries, hospitals,
eye clinics, government departments and researchers – not
only obtain information, but also contribute relevant information
for use by others.
Common eye
disorders
Cataract
Cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens, leading
to blurred or dull vision. Although some babies are born with congenital
cataract, it more commonly occurs in older people. Cataract surgery – during
which the damaged lens is removed and replaced with an artificial
lens – is quick, painless and relatively inexpensive.
'I can see again!' – read
about the miracle of cataract surgery.
Retinal Detachment
Although it can occur at any age, retinal detachment is more common
in people over the age of 40. Symptoms include in floaters or specks,
flashes of light or the appearance of a curtain over the field
of vision.
Treatment is usually by surgery, and is best performed before the centre part
of the retina (the macular) is affected. If you suspect you may have detached
retinas, see a health care professional immediately.
Glaucoma
Caused by an increase in pressure in the eye, glaucoma initially
causes no pain or specific symptoms. Most people do not know they
have it until they experience some vision lost. Although the disease
can be successfully treated, lost vision cannot be restored. It
is thus important to have your eyes tested for glaucoma regularly,
after the age of 40.
If you have diabetes
...
Diabetic
eye disease is not just a disease of the retina – it's
a disease of the blood vessels in the retina and it affects the
walls of blood vessels throughout the body, which is why patients
who fail to manage their disease effectively can develop severe
damage to the limbs, leading to amputation of feet or legs.
Often diabetic eye disease has no symptoms or early
warning signs. If you have diabetes, get a dilated eye examination
at least once a year.
This test allows an eye care professional to view
the retina to detect early damage to blood vessels, and to adjust
your medication if necessary.
|
