EYEHealth
Multiple Sclerosis The Basics
“Why is it so important to have an eye exam when I can see fine?” Most adults have the misconception that the only reason to see an eye doctor is to de- termine visual acuity. Actually, the most im- portant reason to have an eye exam is to de- tect chronic systemic diseases. Your Op- tometrist is usually the first to detect symp- toms of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Also consider that your vision comes from
a team of eyes, each one independent but working together. If you look at your arms, legs, ears, and hands you will notice that one of them is usually stronger or works better than the other. When it comes to your eyes, it is common to have one eye that can see better than the other. This is why parents should not depend on visual screenings to determine whether or not their children have healthy eyes. It is extremely important to give a child an eye exam when their eyes are developing. The doctor can determine how their eyes are working individually and as a team, ensuring eye muscles are in balance and that there is no straining. Left undetected, such muscle im- balance can lead to conditions like “Lazy Eye,” which can result in a child having problems with reading and/or distance vision. “It costs how much?” Have you ever won-
dered why there are so many optical compa- nies out there and why there is such a drastic difference in cost? My answer to this question is usually the same. You see price differences
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in just about every- thing you buy. It is the same in the eyewear industry. We can buy inexpensive frames made in China or Tai- wan or we can buy frames that are hand- made in Italy or France. The differ- ence is quality. With lenses,
the difference is tech-
nology! Discount optical companies purchase lenses made with technology that is decades old, enabling them to sell the product for much less than a company which provides the latest in lens technology. This is why you often hear of people who tried using progressive lenses and couldn’t stand them. The next per- son you talk to has never had a problem and loves them! The first question I ask someone who has tried progressive lenses and did not like them is, “Where did you get them?” Nine out of ten times, they have purchased their glasses from a discount optical. Sadly, even some “high end boutiques” sell lenses made from older lens technology in hopes of increas- ing profit. With today’s lens technology, we have over a 98% success rate when fitting pro- gressive lenses. Remember, you will always get what you
paid for! Most people would say that vision is the most valuable sense they have. Make sure you are taking care of your eyes. You only get two of them!
By: Rick Radunz, Optician/Owner of Spectacles of Naples in Mercato
What is Multiple Sclerosis? MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. MS attacks the covering that surrounds and protects the body’s nerve fibers, interfering with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
What are the causes? The causes of MS are unknown; however, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with the disease and it is more common in Caucasians of northern European ancestry. There are approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. that suffer with MS. Although MS can occur at any age, it is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
What are the symptoms? Signs and symptoms vary widely depending on the location of the affected nerve fibers. Some symptoms are mild and others severe. Some symptoms may include: numbness or weakness in the limbs, partial or complete loss of vision, double or blurred vision, tingling or pain, electric shock sensations, tremors, lack of coordination, fatigue, and dizziness.
What tests are used to diagnosis MS? There are no specific tests to determine if one has MS. Instead, a blood test, a spinal tap, and an MRI are techniques used to rule out other diseases.
What is the treatment for MS? There is no cure for MS. Treatment typically focuses on strategies to treat symptoms, modify attacks, and stay the course of the disease. Drugs targeting the symptoms may be prescribed, such as those designed to reduce inflammation, and lifestyle changes may also relieve some symptoms.”
* Featured story in our next issue! healthy living | BTG
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