Eyesight may be an indispensable function for people of all ages, but it still needs to rank higher among Filipinos list of health priorities.

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

VOL XXV ISSUE 226 ISSN0116-3930

EDITOR ANNA PATRICIA G. VALERIO

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Eye care beyond eye wear

A trip to any George Optical store doesnt just entail choosing the right eye wear for optimal vision. George Optical, which is heavily founded on the principle eye care beyond eyewear, doesnt just stop at giving customers the prescribed eyewear as it offers services that cater to customers general eye health as well.

Dr. Geoffrey Co, president and CEO of George Optical, Inc., says that a lot of Filipinos today tend to prioritize their eye health the least, primarily because of the notion that theres nothing wrong just because they feel fine.

There are eye diseases, Dr. Co says, that are asymptomatic and will thus show no symptoms of abnormality until the condition is at its worst. Glaucoma, for instance, is one of these asymptomatic eye conditions which can lead to permanent blindness if not detected at its early stages.

But for a minimal fee that starts at only P150, Filipinos can get the peace of mind they deserve through George Opticals various eye care consultations, conducted by its in-house eye care professionals.

At George Optical, we dont just stop at prescribing glasses for you. When you leave our store, we give you peace of mind, Dr. Co says. So if your eye health is good, good. Well see you back in a year. Lets keep doing that the following year, and the next one, until youre old and the last of your concerns is your eye.

Highly trained optometrists at George Optical make it a point to treat each customer according to their individual needs. When it comes to providing contact lenses, for example, Dr. Co says that he and his team always conduct the proper fitting procedure, even if these disposable contact lenses are bound to fit 80% of the population.

Generally, it is supposed to fit majority of the population, but of course we as optometrists want to make sure, he says. You never know; a customer might be part of the 20%, and without the proper fitting procedure, they may experience

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certain discomforts. This is what we want to prevent, so George Optical clients never have to worry about going through such an experience.

Giving back is also one of the core values of the company, and their corporate social responsibility programs include medical missions carried out through the Dr. George Co Sr. Foundation, the organization built by Dr. Co and his siblings in their fathers name.

The foundat ions Go Green campaign encourages everyone to donate their old or used eyeglasses to the less fortunate who may need them. Guided by the principle one mans trash is another mans treasure, the program aims to help people who need prescription eye wear but cannot afford it, as well as the environment, as it promotes the importance of recycling.

SMOKE gets in your eyes may be a poetic line from a song popularized by rock and roll band The Platters, but when smoke does get in the eyes too often, the effect can be far more unromantic.

Usually a habit, cigarette smoking has al-ways been the culprit of many cardiovascular diseases, but few may know that it can also trigger cataract, the worlds leading cause of blindness, and other eye diseases.

According to Jennifer Ko, a cataract and LASIK surgeon at The Medical City, although a cataract is an age-related disorder, smoking is a risk factor in its development. It can boost a persons susceptibility to the eye disease by altering and damaging substances that keep the lenses of the eye transparent.

Eye lenses are made out of protein, so theyre laid out in a pattern that makes it transparent, so with certain changes in the pattern of the protein it becomes opaque, Dr. Ko said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

She also explained that several studies re-garding the subject have already been made, positing that there is a strong association be-tween smoking and cataract formation, espe-cially those that cloud the center of the eye.

Both inhalation and eye exposure to ciga-rette smoke can also lead to the development of cataract.

For the literature, its not very clear on which is more damaging; its more of both. Because if youre the one who smokes, youre exposing your body to a lot of radicals and a lot

Puffing through the eyesof carcinogens that damage the cells, but the smoke itself also manages to find its way into the eyes. If you can imagine, oxygen enters the eye through the air, so smoke also directly can have access through the air, said Dr. Ko.

Research has shown that smoking par-ticularly increases the risk of developing a nuclear cataract, a variant of the dreaded eye disease. A persons risk is also associated with the amount of cigarette consumed. The data showed that those who smoke 20 cigarettes per day are at least twice as prone to acquire a nuclear cataract.

Smoking can also cause age-related macu-lar degeneration, which affects the central vision. As stated in a report by Action on Smoking and Health, a public health charity, the disease causes an oxidative damage in the retina and reduces blood flow in the eye tissue.

The visual impairment causes a persons sight to be blurred, distorted and dark in the center as the macula of the retina, which is responsible for central and high-resolution vi-sion, is damaged. This may cause an inability to perform everyday activities.

Like in any other disease that smoking causes, eye disorders can also be developed through secondhand smoke.

Other eye disorders that smoking may cause are diabetic retinopathy, thyroid eye disease, and optic neuropathy, the report cited.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ko shared that the chances of developing these diseases may be lessened if the person does not take in or get exposed to harmful substances. Generally it can be pre-vented through ones lifestyle, she said. Stay away from secondary smoke and dont smoke.

AFP

SMOKING can lead to vision loss.

By Don Joseph J. Dejaresco

Filipinos, in general, have been raised to be matiisin and often wait until their eyesight has become more

than an inconvenience before having their eyes checked

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Citing the most recent statistics from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization, Ideal Vision president Mary Chan notes that there are two million Filipinos, or 2.04% of the population, with moderate to severe vi-sual impairment, and 592,000 Filipinos, or 0.58%, are blind. Sixty-two percent of the latter are caused by cataract, while 10% are due to a refractive error, a com-mon disorder marked by the inability of the eyes to focus on images.

George Co, an optometrist and presi-dent and CEO of George Optical, believes that among the five senses, vision is the most important to Filipinos. The lack of initiative when it comes to scheduling regular eye checkups, however, is a telling sign that points to a low awareness about the importance of eye care.

Unlike the common practice of going to the dentist every six months, getting a general eye checkup is not as mainstream.

Even though you dont feel anything yet you should go for an eye test, said Dr. Co. Glaucoma, a slow-developing eye disorder that usually shows no symp-toms, is one condition that Dr. Co says could worsen if not given the proper attention.

Indeed, Filipinos have a tendency to only go for eye examinations when they think it is urgent. Filipinos, in general, have been raised to be matiisin and often wait until their eyesight has become more than an inconvenience before having their eyes checked, said Dr. Chan.

Very few Filipinos, added Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor Phil-ippines, understand the detrimental ef-fects of improper eye care.

Many arent taking the best steps to appropriate eye care practice, said Dr. Roleda. In fact, there are less than half Filipinos who get a regular eye exam, which can be instrumental in detecting

and preventing serious vision problems and eye disease.

This lack of awareness extends out-side Manila. Amadeo Veloso, Jr., Asian Eye Institutes medical affairs head and a retina specialist, claims that the rural areas are still underser ved, but pro-grams such as the DOHs Oplan Sagip

Mata campaign are trying to address the issue.

Pterygium, which is usually associ-ated with exposure to sunlight, sand, and wind, is also common in rural areas, according to Dr. Co. The disease involves an abnormal but non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva, or the thin membrane

that covers the inside of the eyelid and the outer surface of the eyeball.

In lower income groups, eye infections are also prevalent, while cataract, which clouds the lens of the eye, remains a par-ticularly common eye disease among the countrys aging population, said Dr. Veloso.

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Who is Who: Trusted Names in Eye Care

4/S4 Who is Who: Trusted Names in Eye Care Wednesday, June 19, 2013EDITOR ANNA PATRICIA G. VALERIO

CONSIDERED as a cure-all treatment, stem cell therapy has prompted scientists and doc-tors across the globe to conduct a slew of re-searches that explore its vast potential.

One study involves the restoration of a blind persons vision possible, and this time, it is be-ing done by a Filipino doctor.

Harvey Uy, research chair in ophthalmol-ogy at the St. Lukes Medical Center (SLMC) is studying the possibility of replacing lost cells in the eyes to regain vision. The research is focused on reversing the effects of retinitis pigmentosa, one of the most common causes of vision loss that currently has no cure.

According to a statement from the SLMC website, the research is showing positive de-velopment in creating a cure for the blinding disease, which is an inherited and degenera-tive eye disorder.

The disease causes the breakdown of photo-receptor cells, retina cells that are responsible for converting light into impulses, which are then transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. The loss of these will make a person unable to capture and process light, causing progressive visual loss that leads to loss of sight.

The process involves the use of the pa-tients skin cells and transplanting them into the vitreous humor, or the delicate gel that fills the eyeball.

The study features stem cells that are au-tologous or harvested from the skin of the patient himself, thus eliminating the usual immune reaction problems. They are then implanted in the vitreous body where dis-eased photoreceptor cells are regenerated and restored, and may eventually bring back lost vision, the SLMC report said.

Retinitis pigmentosa may already start to develop during infancy, while some cases are

A Keen Eye for the Asian EyeEstablished in 2001, the Asian Eye Institute is committed to making breakthrough technologies for eye care and treatment available in Asia.

The Asian Eye Ins t i tu te has served over 100,000 local and foreign patients, offers treatment for cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other re t ina and v i t reous diseases. A trusted name in general and pediatric ophthalmology, the institute also has excellent facilities in low vision and visual rehabilitation, optical dispensary, orthokeratology, LASIK/refractive eye surgery, and oculoplastic and eyelid surgery.

According to Dr. Amadeo Veloso, Jr., one of its foremost retina specialists, dedication to scientific research and continuous contribution to the existing body of knowledge are among what set the center apart.

Research can spell the difference between what is cutting edge and what is not, he says. In the institute, we make sure we get involved actively in research endeavors, either for academic purposes or with drug companies for clinical trials.

Dr. Veloso is also a founding member of the Vitreo Retina Society of the Philippines and was the vice-president and medical director of the Ophthalmological Foundation of the Philippines.

He adds that diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal de tachment are the top three conditions he sees and treats among Filipino patients. Without proper care, these conditions can be debilitating.

This is why Asian Eye encourages its patients to schedule yearly eye exams, particularly if their family has a history of eye problems.

Dr. Franklin Kleiner, the Asian Eye Institutes ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and orbital surgeon, explains the advantages of receiving eye care at the center.

Here at the institute, we feel we are a one-stop shop, where a patient can come in and have [their] eye checked, then handled here, says Dr. Kleiner.

Fur thermore, ophthalmology has become a very technical and technology-oriented field, a specialty that often depends on state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge scientific developments.

Many of the eye doctors are trying to associate with eye centers, where we can offer the patient a complete range of diagnostic and surgical facilities, says Dr. Kleiner. This, I think, is the main strength of the eye center.

Moreover, Asian Eye invests not only in its equipment and research but also in its people. It houses a number of eye doctors with different subspecialties, in order to ensure that patients receive expert advice and the best possible treatment options.

Dr. Kleiner has had many years of plastic surgery experience. According to him, while many of his cases are cosmetic in nature, having the plastic surgery done at Asian Eye means that

any functional problems the eyes may have are also addressed.

Our advantage is we know how the eye works, and how the eyelids function, says Dr. Kleiner. We know the anatomy very well.

Some o f the mos t common procedures done at the Asian Eye Institute include eyebag removal, the repair for drooping eyelids, and Botox treatment.

Dr. Kleiner also explains that t h e s u r g i c a l c e n t e r c a t e r s especially well to Asian patients, as eye plastic surgeries are done differently depending on the facial characteristics of the person.

Being situated in Asia, we see a lot of Asian patients, he says. So we

can offer the best cosmetic results for our Asian patients.

Currently, the Asian Eye Institute is the only center in the country that uses the Victus Femtolaser for both cataract and LASIK surgeries. This bladeless, precise technology makes for quicker recovery, added comfort for the patient and better visual results.

The Asian Eye Inst i tute also exclusively of fers Supracor, a quick and safe laser procedure that improves both distance and near vision for individuals in their 40s, 50s or 60s who would like to stop wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

In 2006, the institute became the first ambulatory surgical center to achieve triple ISO certification (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001). It has also received platinum accreditation from Accreditation Canada International for its commitment to client-centered care through effective quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Additionally, the Asian Eye Institute was awarded the title of Gold Trusted Brand by Readers Digest in 2011 and 2012 after being identified as the top eye center brand for consumers. For its focus on the role of employee per formance and satisfaction in business success, the center also received the Investors in People bronze level recognition from the International Quality Centre in the United Kingdom.

The Asian Eye Institutes main clinic is located at the Phinma Plaza at Rockwell Center in Makati City. It also has clinics in Trinoma and Mall of Asia.

DR. FRANKLIN KLEINER DR. AMADEO VELOSO, JR.

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triggered when the patient is older. One of the early symptoms of the disease is night blind-ness, which causes ones vision to be darker than normal. If symptoms show later in a per-sons life, the disease worsens more rapidly.

The study also cited that the eye disorder affects 1.5 million people all over the world.

Meanwhile, Newscientist.com reports that an experimental stem cell treatment by an undisclosed company has restored the sight of a man blinded by another eye disease. The patient treated of the impairment now sees well enough to drive.

The experiment attempted to reverse the effects of two common causes of blindness Stargardts macular dystrophy and dry age-related macular degeneration in several patients. Data showed that all of the patients showed progress while undergoing treatment, but an individual showed exceptional develop-ment of vision.

People undergoing treatment had report-ed modest improvements in vision earlier in the trial, which began in 2011, but this indi-vidual has made especially dramatic prog-ress. In all, the company has so far treated 22 patients who either have dry age-related macular degeneration, a common condition that leaves people with a black hole in the center of their vision, or Stargardts macular dystrophy, an inherited disease that leads to premature blindness, the report said.

In the country, about half a million people are blind and, every week, a hundred Filipino children lose their sight according to statistics. The data also revealed that the curability rate is low, as 60% of the young patients die within a year of losing their sight and the others will live without vision until they are 40 years old.Don Joseph J. Dejaresco

Light at tunnel's end

Vision for innovationFor two consecutive years now, Essilor has been awarded one of the worlds most innovative companies by Forbes magazine.

The worlds leading ophthalmic lens company has always placed innovation at the heart of its strategy. It designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. With a corporate mission to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet their unique vision requirements, Essilor invests around 150 million in research and development and employs 550 researchers around the world in its three innovation and technology centers.

Through partnerships formed with universities, industrial groups and small and medium enterprises, innovation is applied at all levels within Essilor: products, services, and marketing. Being an innovative company also means placing wearers and their specific needs at the heart of the approach -- an area which is addressed by Essilors Live Optics program.

Established in 1993, Live Optics is a program that addresses the specific needs of the wearer. In its quest for constant renewal, which guarantees high quality vision and service to all its customers, Essilor launched the Live Optics program to test all Essilor lenses under real-life conditions, over several weeks, before they are launched.

With a corporate culture built on innovation, employees are also driven to continue creating life-changing solutions: invention of progressive lens, creation of plastic lenses, as well as lens coatings, high-tech vision measurement tools and customization of visual correction.

It is estimated that there are currently 2.4 billion people in the world who need visual correction but who do not receive it. Because seeing better means living better, we at Essilor have established numerous screening, information initiatives and an established action to improve eyesight, says Dr Emelita Roleda, Essilor Philippines general manager.

At the heart of this workmanship is the tradition inherited from Essilors two precursors, Essel and Silor. Dating back to 1849 and 1931, Essel and Silor, respectively, dominated the French optical eyewear market in the mid-20th century. Both companies fostered entrepreneurial values of mutual trust and respect to encourage a spirit

of initiative and to enable them to stay constantly ahead of the curve.

Recently, the company launched Essiview, an eyewear measuring mobile application that offers the individual a better understanding of their own vision as well the benefits of using Essilor products. It aims to gather information about an individuals vision to be used by their eye care practitioner to aid them in choosing the best Essilor product.

Essilors flagship brands are Varilux, Crizal, Transitions, Xperio, and Optifog. It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eye care professionals. In 2011, Essilor International reported a consolidated revenue of 4.2 billion and currently, it employs around 48,700 people in some 100 countries.

It operates 19 plants, a total of 390 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as several research and development centers around the world.

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013EDITOR ANNA PATRICIA G. VALERIO Who is Who: Trusted Names in Eye Care

Future looks clear for Ideal Vision

Among the numerous optical shops in the country today, Ideal Vision chooses to set itself apart by prioritizing the clients needs and continuously finding ways to serve customers better.

It was in 1986 when Dr. Mary Chan and her partners opened the first Ideal Vision Center at SM North EDSA as a way to make the most of an emerging new trend in eye wear prescription in the same year. The Ideal Vision Center introduced a novel concept in the eye care and eyewear retailing industry by becoming a one-stop-shop that offers eye care products as well as services for people with optical needs.

Part of the companys corporate social responsibility initiatives is the Save Your Sight campaign, where Ideal Vision helps educate Filipinos about eye health, provides free assistance in eye care, and continuously looks for ways to generate resources to help those in need in terms of sight preservation. Ideal Visions customers and clients play a huge role in gathering the funds needed for the medical missions, as whenever they make purchases from Ideal Vision stores, a portion goes to the medical mission programs.

Ideal Vision was awarded the Gold

Brand award for Top Retail Chain Brand (Optical Category) last year. From its first branch at SM North EDSA nearly 30 years ago, the company now has 104 branches nationwide, and has established a strong presence in places outside Metro Manila, such as Baguio, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Batangas and Davao. It is also set to conquer the international market this year, as it just opened a branch in Guam.

Ideal Vision offers an extensive range of products and services for people of all ages. It carries over 100 brands inside its stores, all chosen according to its client profile and lifestyle, as well as the international brands its market is exposed to.

Our ever-evolv ing ser v ice and technology also distinguishes our brand from the rest, says Ideal Vision president Dr. Mary Chan. At Ideal Vision, she adds, we always put customers first and our guiding core value is passion passion for details, and finding ways to make our clients happy.

Ideal Vision also offers comprehensive eye exams from professional eye doctors and in-house consultant ophthalmologists, and is equipped wi th the newest instruments in eye care to ensure the highest quality of service.

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Based on research, there is a 400,000-case backlog of patients who are due for cata-ract removal and are not able to have it, said Dr. Veloso. The backlog increases by 30% every year.

One factor that compounds the disease even further is the belief that vision loss is a part of growing old that has to be coped with, not addressed.

A significant number, most especially in the lower income segment, still accept the condition that blindness is part of old age, said Alwin Sta. Rosa, vice-president and general manager of the Asian Eye Institute. Cataract is reversible; no one has to be blind because of cataract.

Aside from age, lifestyle is an important factor to consider when deciding how to ad-dress eyesight problems.

A nearsighted individual who spends hours in front of a computer screen has a high chance of eventually suffering from eye fa-tigue, so they should wear anti-fatigue lenses, said Dr. Roleda. This may not be the case with someone else, who is also nearsighted and a passionate mountain climber, whose main

concern would be to protect his or her eyes from bright sunlight.

As lifestyles change, diabetic retinopathy may also be more common among Filipinos, added Dr. Veloso. As the population gets more affluent, people can spend more for food, so diabetes is becoming a major problem just like in the First World, he said.

Over the years, various developments have entered the field of eye care. Bladeless LASIK and cataract surgeries are just some of the treat-ments available in the country today. Genetic testing and stem cell therapy for retina and optic nerve diseases, meanwhile, may just be some of the milestones that the field of ophthalmology can look forward to, according to Dr. Veloso.

Still, ophthalmologists and optometrists, which both rely on the latest technology to de-liver excellent eye care, may have some of the best tools and processes on hand, but a lack of awareness among Filipinos can prevent them from doing their jobs.

Filipinos have to be educated. We in the industry need to continuously educate them, said Dr. Co. We have to be always updated when it comes to knowledge and skills.

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JONATHAN L. CELLONA