The HEALTH | September-October . 2024

Innovation and eye health in a modern world

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

SEGi University Lecturer and Optometrist Fakhruddin Shamsheer Barodawala highlighted : “ Screen time is an integral part of our day-to-day activities , and with that , devices all around us influence eye health .”

The increased usage of digital devices has brought about significant concerns regarding myopia , particularly in children , and digital eye strain among adults .

These modern lifestyle factors underscore the importance of maintaining proactive eye health and the emerging role of contact lenses as more than just vision correction tools .

ROLE OF EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS

When it comes to selecting the appropriate contact lenses , Fakhruddin emphasised the comprehensive evaluation process that eye care professionals ( ECPs ) undertake .

“ Regular annual eye examinations play a vital role in preventing and detecting early changes . Also , maintaining a balanced diet , taking frequent breaks , and ensuring proper posture can significantly reduce eye strain .”

– Fakhruddin Shamsheer Barodawala

“ Your eye care practitioner will conduct a battery of tests to determine what type of contact lenses are suitable for you .”

This involves assessing lifestyle needs , refractive power , and ocular health . The ECP ’ s role is crucial in ensuring that contact lenses not only correct vision but also cater to the patient ’ s daily activities , such as sports or prolonged screen use .

The field of contact lenses is witnessing ground-breaking innovations that position them as key medical devices beyond simple vision correction .

Fakhruddin shed light on some of these advancements : “ There are contact

Fakhruddin Shamsheer Barodawala

lenses useful to measure intraocular pressure ( IOP ), similar to how we monitor blood pressure . These can help eye care practitioners detect fluctuations in eye pressure throughout the day .”

Additionally , contact lenses designed to alleviate allergic reactions are now entering the market .

“ These lenses have built-in mechanisms or drugs that help wearers experience less itchiness or discomfort ,” Fakhruddin noted .

Such innovations are paving the way for contact lenses to play a more significant role in managing eye health , especially in preventing and controlling conditions like myopia , which is predicted to affect half of the global population by 2050 .

MANAGING EYE HEALTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Modern lifestyles , characterised by extended screen time , pose long-term risks to eye health , including increased cases of myopia and digital eye strain .

Fakhruddin offered practical advice for mitigating these risks : “ Regular annual eye examinations play a vital role in preventing and detecting early changes . Also , maintaining a balanced diet , taking frequent breaks , and ensuring proper posture can significantly reduce eye strain .”

The importance of regular eye examinations cannot be overstated , especially as many eye conditions , such as diabetic retinopathy , can develop without noticeable symptoms .

Fakhruddin pointed out that Malaysia , with its high prevalence of diabetes , is particularly vulnerable to such conditions .

“ Regular eye examinations will help detect these early changes ,” he advised , stressing the necessity of proactive eye care .

A CALL TO ACTION

In conjunction with World Sight Day , Fakhruddin encouraged everyone to prioritise their eye health by pledging annual eye examinations .

“ The best gift you can give yourself on your birthday is to get an eye examination ,” he suggested , emphasising that early detection is critical to preventing more severe eye conditions .

By taking this simple yet crucial step , individuals can safeguard their vision and overall eye health .

As the field of contact lenses continues to evolve , they are poised to become indispensable tools in managing eye health in our increasingly digital world .

With innovations that address not only vision correction but also broader health concerns , the future of eye care looks promising . With the guidance of ECPs , individuals can make informed choices that enhance their quality of life while protecting their vision . – The HEALTH

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