Early checks can uncover risks before symptoms appear, says ophthalmologist
IPOH: For the poetic, the eyes are the window to the soul, but for ophthalmologists, these peepers give a glimpse into your health and well-being.
An eye screen can reveal signs of various systemic or underlying health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer, said Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun ophthalmologist Dr Abirami Shavani (pic).
“Early detection of these conditions through eye examinations can lead to timely intervention and better management of overall health.”
She cited the case of a patient who went for an eye check as he had been facing blurry vision.
“With diabetes, there’s reduced oxygenation to the eyes, which could lead to damage and the risk of blood vessels being broken and bleeding,” she said in an interview.
Dr Abirami recounted a case where medical professionals discovered alterations in a patient’s eye, leading them to suspect a connection to cancer.
“Further examination found that the patient had lung cancer, and the metastasis has already spread, affecting the eye and causing blurry vision,” she added.
Dr Abirami said that one in 10 patients undergoing eye screenings reveals health issues.
The ophthalmology department at the hospital, she said, often works together with other departments.
“We would have nephrologists asking us to help check on their patients to find out whether their condition is related to diabetes, without needing to do a biopsy on the kidney.
“If we think their eye issue is related to something else in their body, we would then refer them to the relevant specialists,” she added.
Dr Abirami said awareness of eye healthcare is growing, but there is still low knowledge about the importance of eye examinations.
“Some people would brush aside symptoms like blurry vision, assuming it is due to ageing.
“They are not aware that it could lead to issues in other parts of the body,” she said.
She cited the importance of prioritising eye examinations at least once a year, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the eyes from potential hazards.
“Children, too, by the age of three, should have at least a basic assessment on their eyes, as myopia among kids is quite serious now,” she added.
Apart from going for regular checks, she said it was important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
“Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, nuts and citrus fruits can provide essential nutrients to protect against age-related eye diseases.
“Regular physical activity can increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to the eyes, potentially boosting tissue healing and reducing oxidative stress,” she said, adding that obesity can be a risk factor for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Smoking can increase the risk of developing eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts, she added.
With more people, including children, getting prone to dependence on smartphones and tablets, Dr Abirami said screen time management is also necessary.
“Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
“Follow the 20-20-20 rule; for every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
“Adopt a proper posture when using devices with the screen at eye level and a comfortable distance away.
“Adjusting the brightness and contrast levels of the screen to match the ambient light of the room or using dark mode to reduce the amount of blue light emitted is helpful,” she said.
Dr Abirami said the national- level World Sight Day celebrations will be hosted by Perak this year, which will be held at Weil Hotel here on Oct 9 from 8am to 4pm.
She said the annual global event, recognised by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye care and accessible vision services for all.
The celebration is held globally on the second Thursday of October every year.
“There will be free eye screening, a quiz and a choral speaking competition for schoolchildren, talks and eye care awareness booths,” she said, adding that Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni is expected to open the event.
