SUNDAY STAR, 12 MARCH 2017
HEALTHY EYES
Antioxidants for healthy ageing
FREE radicals are unstable
molecules with an unpaired
electron that are in search of an
extra electron to achieve a stable
state.
This unstable state of free
radicals often results in cell
damage when electrons are
stolen from our body cells or
molecules needed for cell
metabolism.
While the free radical subject is
nothing new, its nature of
destroying our cells or disrupting
bodily functions remains
unavoidable as they are generated
by our bodies in various
endogenous systems and daily
activities such as sun exposure,
smoking, exercising and exposure
to radiation from visual display
terminals such as computers,
television and other electronic
gadgets.
A balance between free radicals
and antioxidants is necessary for
proper physiological functions.
However, an excess of free
radicals will overwhelm the bodys
ability to regulate them, leading to
a condition known as oxidative
MAL13115073NC
stress, which will lead to
destruction of cells and molecules
in the body and then a disruption
of homeostatic balance.
Unfortunately, the effects of free
radicals are often neglected until
they cause physical symptoms.
Astaxanthin is a naturally
occurring carotenoid extracted
from the microalgae
Haematococcus pluvialis that is
able to withstand and survive
harsh conditions.
Astaxanthin has antioxidant
properties to help guard against
the effects of excessive free
radicals.
AstaREAL astaxanthin is
manufactured by Fuji Chemical
Industry from the one and only
natural source, Haematococcus
pluvialis microalgae.
The microalgae are cultivated in
closed photobioreactors in
pollution-free environments in
Gustavsberg, Sweden.
The bilberry fruit is high in a
substance called flavonoids,
chemically known as polyphenols.
Bilberrys flavonoids are
antioxidants known as
anthocyanosides, which give the
bilberry fruit its blue red colour.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant,
preventing the damage done by
oxidation of nutrients and other
chemicals in the body.
Antioxidants such as vitamin
E are a major part of the bodys
immune system. They provide
protection against diseases and
conditions that are associated with
ageing by preventing free radicals
from damaging cells.
They are essential to promote
health and protect vitamin A
(retinol) from damage by free
radicals.
Certain groups of individuals are
more exposed to the risk of free
radical damage and the need for
great antioxidants such as
astaxanthin never ceases.
These individuals include
computer users, individuals who
drive long distances, those who
watch television and read for long
hours, and the elderly with a
weaker defence system.
As the saying goes, prevention is
better than cure. Supplementation
becomes important as nutrients
are usually delivered in their
concentrated form, which you will
not be able to obtain as much from
diet alone.
Vitamode Asta-i-Care is available
in selected pharmacies nationwide.
This is a supplement product
advertisement.
n For more information, call
1300 800 228 or e-mail
enquiry@medispec.com.my.
KKLIU No.0080/2017
2 Healthy Eyes
HEALTH plays a greater role than
ever before in todays active and
mobile society. Illnesses affecting
independence and mobility will be
a larger concern as our population
lives longer and, therefore, good
nutrition becomes important for
both our body and quality of life.
Nutrition maximises
Recent studies have found two
very important types of
carotenoids, called lutein and
zeaxanthin, which are responsible
for giving plants their yellow and
red-orange pigment.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the
only carotenoids found in the eye
and they function as antioxidants
as well as filter out damaging blue
light, the highly energetic portion
of visible light.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found
abundantly in egg yolks and in
fruits and dark green leafy
vegetables such as spinach and
kale.
However, studies have shown
that a high percentage of people
are not meeting their daily
requirements of fruit and
vegetable intake. Dietary
supplements may help to
close up this dietary gap.
Fatigue and strain from
driving and digital devices
On average, nearly nine in 10
adults spend more than two hours
each day using digital devices,
which can result in physical
discomfort after prolonged
exposure to a digital screen.
When driving, we are constantly
focusing and refocusing as objects
approach. All these strenuous
activities cause us to become
Window to your health
fatigued. Good practices include:
l Taking breaks when driving
long distances to reduce strain and
fatigue
l Wearing sunglasses when
driving during daytime to prevent
glare and protect from UV rays
l Computer glasses can help
reduce glare and improve
relaxation
Lutein and zeaxanthin were
found to improve contrast acuity
thresholds, suggesting
improvements during activities
such as driving at night.
Lutein has also been reported to
protect against effects of long-term
computer display light exposure in
healthy young adult subjects.
Through its light-filtering
properties, it improves glare
disability and photostress recovery.
Benefits of lutein and
zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are
naturally concentrated in the
macular region of the human
Eurobio Bio-Vizmax Soft
Capsule provides a natural
source of clinically tested
lutein and zeaxanthin, DHA
and EPA from fish oil,
beta-carotene, zinc and
other antioxidation
nutrients such as vitamin
C and E, copper plus
selenium.
retina and eye lens.
These carotenoids
help to reduce photo-
oxidative damage to the
eye by absorbing and
filtering out UV light.
Fish oils provide
essential fatty acids
docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA) and
eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA), which are
important for the cell
membranes.
Eurobio Bio-Vizmax Soft Capsule
SUNDAY STAR, 12 MARCH 2017
is a formula that provides a natural
source of clinically tested lutein
and zeaxanthin, DHA and EPA
from fish oil, beta-carotene, zinc
and other antioxidation nutrients
such as vitamin C and E, copper
plus selenium.
The product is registered and
approved by the Health Ministry
for safe consumption, suitable for
long-term health supplementation,
and formulated without added
preservatives, flavour, salt or
sugars.
It is also certified halal by the
Al-Iman Islamic Society, Australia,
which is a recognised overseas
authority by Jakim.
n This is a supplement product
advertisement. This article is
brought to you by Medipharm
Industries Sdn Bhd.
KKLIU No.0912/2016
MAL09062169CXR
SUNDAY STAR, 12 MARCH 2017
Fix your vision
VISION correction surgery, or refractive and
laser eye surgery, is a surgical procedure
performed to correct vision problems.
Extensive research has provided
invaluable refinements and advancements
of laser technology and diagnostic tools to
develop safe treatment options for refractive
disorders. Laser-assisted in situ
keratomileusis (Lasik) is presently the most
performed elective procedure.
In recent years, tremendous
advancements have been made in this field.
A new procedure called ReLEx SMILE is
gaining popularity.
Unlike conventional Lasik, ReLEx SMILE
does not create flap and involves the use of
only one laser (the femtosecond laser).
Instead of vapourising cornea tissue to
correct the underlying short-sightedness and
astigmatism, ReLEx SMILE carves out a small
piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule and
removes it through a small keyhole incision
(about 2.5mm to 4mm).
This single-step, all-in-one-laser operation
only takes about 30 seconds to correct one
eye and the entire procedure can be
completed in about 15 minutes for both eyes.
This laser is fast and uses very low energy.
The procedure is odourless and silent,
causing minimal discomfort to patients.
Patients also feel more comfortable
because suction on the eye during treatment
is gentler. There is no frightening blackout
or bleeding (no red eye) during the
procedure or swelling of the eye after
treatment.
Due to the smaller wound caused by
minimally invasive surgery, ReLEx SMILE
results in a much stronger eye and less
immediate post-operative discomfort and
tearing.
A small incision also means fewer corneal
nerves are severed during the procedure,
which means lower probability of dry eyes.
Healthy Eyes 3
In ReLEx SMILE, the lenticule is removed
through a small incision.
With no flap created, flap displacement or
dislodgement is not an issue. ReLEx SMILE is
a good option for those involved in contact
sports.
Most patients will experience a dramatic
improvement in their vision a day after the
surgery and then remain stable days after.
If the present direction and volume of
research is any guide, a large proportion of
tomorrows femtosecond technological
advances and discoveries will be based on
the mastery of treating refractive errors
without even touching the cornea.
All treatment will be intrastromal and
ReLEx SMILE is currently one of the most
advanced procedures available.
Choosing laser eye correction is not a
decision you should take lightly. Keep in
mind that it is still a surgical procedure that
carries surgical risk, although risk is very
small and the success rate very high.
Have your eyes properly evaluated and
examined by the eye surgeon prior to
surgery and discuss all options and potential
risks in detail before making any final
choices.
n For more information, call KPJ Pusat Pakar
Mata Centre for Sight at 03-4022 6222 (Kuala
Lumpur) or 03-7804 4051 (Petaling Jaya).
KKLIU No.1416/2016
4 Healthy Eyes
Treating dry eyes
DRY eye syndrome is a common
condition that occurs when
insufficient or poor-quality tears
are produced by the eyes.
Majority of dry eye patients only
experience mild symptoms of
discomfort. However, some do
experience pain or severe
discomfort due to the burning or
stinging sensation.
The condition of patients with
dry eyes may worsen in certain
situations such as on an airplane,
in an air-conditioned room or after
spending long hours on digital
devices.
Tears are a complex mixture of
water, fatty oils and mucous. This
mixture helps make the surface of
the eyes smooth and clear. It also
protects the eyes from infections.
Complications with any of the
three tear layers can cause dry
eyes. For example, the oil film
produced by small glands on the
edge of your eyelids (meibomian
glands) may become clogged or the
quality of oil produced may be
poor (meibomian gland
dysfunction).
Blocked meibomian glands are
more common in people with
inflammation along the edge
of their eyelids (blepharitis),
rosacea or other skin disorders.
Contact-lens wearers also have a
higher risk of having dry eyes.
Although dry eye syndrome may
Dr Choong Yean Yaw.
be uncomfortable, it does not
usually cause any serious problems.
The main complications associated
with dry eye syndrome are eye
infections and damage to the surface
of your eyes.
Since tears protect the surface of
the eyes from infection, without an
adequate amount of tears, there is
an increased risk of eye infections.
If left untreated, severe dry eyes
may lead to eye inflammation,
abrasion of the corneal surface,
corneal ulcer and vision problems.
Treatments for dry eye may
include lifestyle changes and
eyedrops. For most people with
occasional or mild dry eye
symptoms, it is enough to regularly
use over-the-counter eyedrops
(artificial tears). However, it is
Tears are a complex
mixture of water, fatty
oils and mucous. This
mixture helps make
the surface of the eyes
smooth and clear. It also
protects the eyes from
infections.
advisable to seek recommendation
from a pharmacist.
If symptoms persist, you should see
an eye doctor for a proper evaluation
and treatment. Some treatments focus
on reversing or managing a condition
that is causing the dry eyes.
Other treatments can improve tear
quality or stop tears from draining
from the eyes. Artificial tears may be
all you need to control the mild
symptoms of dry eyes. Some people
use eyedrops several times a day and
some only use them once daily. By
Dr Choong Yean Yaw, corneal and
refractive surgeon at Tun Hussein
Onn National Eye Hospital,
Malaysia
n For more information,
call 03-8069 1033/012 2846177.
Restoring structure
AN artificial eye, also known as
an ocular prosthesis or fake eye,
is a piece of ready-made or
customised hardened plastic.
It is used to replace an absent
eye following an enucleation or
evisceration (removal of the
whole or part of the eye). Such a
surgery is usually done when
the eye has been blinded by a
trauma, infection or eye
tumours.
An artificial eye does not
restore vision, it restores the
structure and cosmesis of the
eye socket following a surgery
by preventing soft tissues from
collapsing and the eyelids from
turning in. This is achieved as
the artificial eye fits over the
orbital implant and under the
eyelids.
The process of fitting an
artificial eye usually takes up to
three days. It is usually done
two to three months after
surgery. Once a proper fit is
made, the patient is taught how
to handle and maintain the
artificial eye.
International Specialist Eye
Glaucoma, cause of
blindness worldwide
THE clear liquid in the anterior
chamber of the eye is known as
aqueous humour. It is produced
in the ciliary body and absorbed
through the trabecular
meshwork situated in the angle
of the anterior chamber.
When there is imbalance
between the production and
absorption of aqueous humour,
pressure builds up inside the
eye.
If the intraocular pressure is
not controlled, the optic nerve
(the pathway through which
information is passed from
the eye to the brain) will be
damaged, leading to constriction
of the peripheral visual field and
eventually a permanent loss of
vision.
Glaucoma can be broadly
divided into open-angle
glaucoma and closed-angle
glaucoma, depending on the
anatomy of the angle where the
trabecular meshwork is located.
In open-angle glaucoma,
patients are usually unaware of
their disease until their vision is
significantly impaired or the
visual field is greatly constricted.
In closed-angle glaucoma,
patients may experience ocular
ache, red eye with impaired
vision associated with headache,
nausea and vomiting. This is an
ocular emergency.
The earlier the condition is
diagnosed, the greater the
SUNDAY STAR, 12 MARCH 2017
An artificial eye
is used to
replace an
absent eye after
an enucleation
or evisceration.
Centre (ISEC) prides itself in
offering comprehensive eyecare
to all patients. Its ocularist, a
trained professional in the art of
fitting, shaping, moulding and
colouring ocular prostheses,
works with consultant
ophthalmologists to make sure
that once the job is done, it will
be indistinguishable from the
other eye in other words, the
perfect fit.
Dr Kamala Devi Lingam,
MBBS (Mysore), MS (UKM), is a
senior consultant
ophthalmologist with
subspecialty in orbital,
ophthalmic plastic and
reconstructive surgery
(oculoplastics).
Izzah Azreena Azizan,
BSc (Hons) Optometry (UKM),
is ISECs resident optometrist
and ocularist. She is a qualified
optometrist and a certified
ocularist.
n For more information,
call 03-2284 8989 or visit
www.isec.my.
KKLIU No.0517/2017
Dr Chuah Kay Leong.
chances of success in preventing
visual loss. Since the majority
of sufferers experience no
symptoms, a regular check-up
with an ophthalmologist is
important.
Treatment depends on the
form of glaucoma one has. It
comprises medication (eyedrops
and tablets), laser and surgery.
After intraocular pressures
have been normalised, regular
follow-up is crucial to ensure
the optimum intraocular
pressure is maintained. By
Dr Chuah Kay Leong
n For more information,
call 1800 881 201.
KKLIU No.0365/2017
The vision
of a person
affected
by
glaucoma.