A Technological Success Story Artificial replacement of a
worn-out lens Surgery is suitable for all who have significant
symptoms Waiting to be ready/ripe is historic If youre fit for a
haircut, youre fit for a cataract operation
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Diabetes is a huge and growing numerical problem Uncontrolled
diabetes damages blood vessels
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Diabetes is a huge and growing numerical problem Uncontrolled
diabetes damages blood vessels Uncontrolled Sugar Uncontrolled
Blood Pressure Uncontrolled Cholesterol
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A slow, insidious process Course is over many months years
Generally few symptoms, unless/until macula is involved
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Primary Treatment Control Sugar, Blood Press, Cholest Secondary
Treatment Laser and/or Injections Management Strategy Control
Sugar, BP, Cholesterol 2-yearly checks for asymptomatic Disease
Report central visual loss without delay
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A Constant Struggle Sugar, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Help is
at hand, when needed Regular Checks to detect asymptomatic problems
Report major change in vision
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Gradual thinning of the optic nerve Precipitated, or worsened,
by high pressure in the eye Treated by lifelong lowering of eye
pressure Eyedrops, laser and/or surgery 2% of population Family
History is an important risk
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The Sneak Thief of Sight Painless Few Visual Symptoms until
late stage
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Treatment Generally aimed at lowering eye pressure Eyedrops
Modern drops are very effective Treatment is lifelong Laser
Surgery
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Management Strategy Diagnosis If Family History, screen 10 yrs
earlier Screen everyone 2-yrly after 60yo Treatment Compliance
Eyedrops regularly, for life
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Early ARMD Macular Wear & Tear, The Old Bedsheet Slow,
gradual process Dry ARMD Wear & Tear runs into holes Increased
rate of deterioration Wet ARMD New Blood Vessels sprout, leak,
bleed Sudden and severe visual loss
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Injection Treatment Generally very effective Years of
treatment, 1-2 monthly Over $2000/treatment, $20,000/year/eye
Capacity and Funding are limited Financial, Political and Ethical
dilemma
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90% of ARMD is Dry
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There is no highly effective treatment Diet may be a small help
Supplements are smaller help if good diet Experimental Laser in
Melbourne
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Management Strategy Reduce Risk Dont Smoke Follow MD Diet Green
Leafy + Yellow Corn Check for Early ARMD If present, be alert for
sudden visual change and report this without delay
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Check your macula Take your vitamins Dont Smoke Do / Dont eat
margarine Do / Dont drink red wine What does it all mean, How can
we all help?
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Cataract Check poor vision, surgery if disabling Diabetes
Encourage Sugar, BP, Cholesterol 2yr checks, Report major
deteriorations Glaucoma Check from 60yo Encourage and check eyedrop
compliance ARMD Dont smoke, Good diet 2yr checks, Report major
deteriorations