10 Useful Tips for your next visual field test

Most of us take 2 or 3 visual field tests a year. Each time we need to mentally try to recollect how we did it the previous time.
Here for the first time a properly documented step-by-step procedure is laid out for us.

Thanks to Dr. Leonard Yip who has taken the time and trouble to document the "10 Useful Tips for your next visual field test."
Very few will realize that they need to take proper rest before the test. If our response is not a split second from a cue we would often give the reply a pass (now we know we still have time upon seeing the light - a few seconds to respond). What is little known is that you can stop the VF machine if you feel uncomfortable.

For the 10 TIPS click the title bar of this posting

A Guide to Sunglasses from GRF

A Guide to Sunglasses
Glaucoma can make eyes highly sensitive to light and glare, with some glaucoma medications exacerbating the problem even further. Sunglasses are an easy solution that makes life more comfortable when outdoors, while also providing critical protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Long-term exposure to UV rays can damage the eye’s surface as well as its internal structures, sometimes contributing to cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the macula). Ophthalmologists and optometrists now recommend wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun long enough to get a suntan or a sunburn, especially if you live at a high elevation or near the equator.
The good news is that sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to protect your eyes and they can often be found at the local drugstore. Unfortunately, a high price is not always a guarantee of high quality and protection. Part of the difficulty is that standards and labeling regarding UV protection are voluntary, not mandatory—and can be confusing.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for sunglasses:http://www.glaucoma.org/living/a_guide_to_sung.html

How to use your eye drops

Alpha-CARE for U

Speed up the treatment, spread the word - compliance, compliance, compliance ......

How to use your eye drops

Some General Information

1. Use your drops as instructed by the doctor.


2. Read the label carefully and put the drops in at the times stated by the doctor/nurse. It is important to put your drops in at the same time each day.


3. Keep your drops in a cool, clean place (some drops may need to be kept in the fridge)


4. Remember to take your drops with you if you go out and, in particular, when you go on holiday.


5. Do not let your drops run out. Get a new bottle from your doctor in good time.


6. Always get a new bottle after 28 days even if you have some left


7. Do not stop using the drops unless your ophthalmologist tells you to do so


8. Some eye drops can affect your heart rate and/or breathing. Inform your doctor if you are using eye drops

If you experience any discomfort when using the eye drops please contact your eye doctor

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How to put your eye drops in

1. Wash your hands


2. Position yourself comfortably (stand, sit or lie)


3. Tilt your head back so you are looking up at the ceiling
4. Gently pull down the lower eyelid


5. Hold the bottle directly over the eye – you may find it helpful to use the bridge of your nose to rest the bottle on


6. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch the eye


7. Squeeze a drop into the pocket inside the lower lid – do not worry if more than one drop goes into your eye or it runs down your cheek


8. Close the eye and apply slight pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the drops from running down the tear duct into the back of the throat and will increase the benefit of the medication


9. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, allow about 5 minutes between each medication
   
   Please speak to your doctor or clinic nurses if you are having problems putting your drops in as they may be able to help.

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Also see : Is eye-drops compliance that difficult? http://alphacian.blogspot.com/2007/02/is-eye-drops-compliance-that-difficult.html

Visit to SAVH : Low Vision Clinic on 13th Feb 2007

Dear Members and Friends,

The visit to the Low Vision Clinic at SAVH is confirmed for 13th Feb 2007 at 2:30pm.

There are a few more slots available for members interested to attend and they may contact me at samfong@glaucoma-singapore.org

Yours truly,
Samfong


Those who like more details please visit SAVH website listed below:
Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)47 Toa Payoh Rise Singapore 298104Tel: (65) 6251 4331 (ext 142)Fax: (65) 6253 7191

URL: http://www.savh.org.sg/

Glaucoma - Is there a cure?

Useful Glaucoma Monitoring Booklet from Allergan

This is quite a good record book to keep on your glaucoma progress.