The Visionary - Spring Summer 1998 Presbyopia

Ben Franklin was a man of vision. At least until he reached midlife. Then rather suddenly he found he could no longer read his newspaper without magnifying lenses. He had long wom glasses for seeing objects at a distance-street names and shop signs in the next block. But now he couldn't see well reading close-up either. Constantly taking off one pair of spectacles to put on the other exasperated him. Fortunately, Ben Franklin was a man of invention. He cut two pairs of spectacles apart, fastened the top halves of his distance glasses to the bottom halves of his reading glasses-and invented bifocals." (Medical Essay, supplement to Mayo Clinic Health Letter, October 1995)

This type of condition became known as presbyopia (prez-be-0-pe-uh), a term derived from the Greek word "presbys," which means "old man." Our ability to focus on objects at a reading distance begins to change between the ages of 40 and 50 when our arms are not quite long enough to read a menu, a newspaper listing for theater performances or a telephone book. However by the age of 60 our - distance and reading visions begin to stabilize.

Unfortunately, there are other more serious eye problems that also can occur with aging, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts, so it is extremely important to have regular eye exams.

Once presbyopia occurs, people with normal vision or with farsightedness (the inability to see clearly objects up close) will need reading glasses or bifocals.

People who are nearsighted (the inability to see objects far away) will need to have their regular glasses turned into bifocals; or for reading, they will need to remove glasses used for distance vision.

Presbyopia can be corrected or improved by one of the following: reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses, bifocal contact lenses or monovision contact lenses.

Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are the simplest solution to the "long-armed" problem. These glasses magnify reading material and bring the focal distance of your eye closer. A thorough eye exam is always in order to detect any eye disease, astigmatism or focal distance irregularities. If all is well and the power magnification needed for both eyes is the same with no astigmatism present, the eye care professional may even suggest the over-the-counter variety of reading glasses.

Bifocals
Bifocals give you two focal distances: the top part of the glass lens for distance vision; the bottom part for reading. This type of prescription eliminates the the need to put on and take off your glasses for various everyday activities. Eventually, people with presbyopia may find the need to graduate from bifocals to trifocals.

Trifocals
By the age of 50, you tend to lose a good deal of your ability to focus on intermediate-distance objects without the aid of a glass lens. By the age of 60 you may have lost all of your accommodation powers. You will need mid-distance vision to see things, such as computer screens or name tags on people at business meetings or parties. The trifocal is a small segment of lens located just above the bifocal segment on the power part of the eyeglass lens.

Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses are known as "lineless" bifocals, because the lense are ground so that you cannot see the distinct line on the glasses where the bifocal starts. Some people prefer them; while others prefer the sharp vision you get with regular lined bifocals or trifocals.

Bifocal Contact Lenses
Bifocal contact lenses have vastly improved over the past five years since their inception around twentyfive years ago. They were only available in hard lens form, but now some manufacturers are making them in a soft lens.

Monovision Contact Lenses
Some people with presbyopia prefer not to wear glasses for various reasons and would rather wear monovision contact lenses. With this type of lens the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye is corrected for reading vision. However, there is one point to keep in mind: you lose some depth perception.

For more information on the various correcting techniques for presbyopia, please contact your eye care professional.

Protective Eyewear Essential at Work and Home

Each year more than 2.4 million Americans suffer eye injuries and one million become visually impaired as a result.

Eye injuries at the worksite have decreased by two-thirds since 1989 from 3,000 to 1,000 a day, but eye injuries at home have increased dramatically during the same timeframe.

Eye care professionals believe that 90 percent of all eye injuries occurring at home could have been prevented if people had worm protective eyewear.

Whether you are mulching, stripping or scraping paint from furniture or working on machinery, please use the proper eye protection.

A leading manufacturing company for industrial safetywear developed a line of attractive eyewear in a variety of frames and colors for men, women and teens. So even fashion-conscious "eyes" have no excuse!

Medication and Communication

Few people think about their eyes when they take their medication," says Paul Klein, O.D., a member of the Better Vision Institute Advisory Council. Individuals should be aware that some medications may cause reactions to their eyes.

It is a good idea to keep your eye care and health care professionals up to date on ALL your prescription and nonprescription medications, including vitamins.

Many people are taking multiple medications that could make them more susceptible to complications affecting the eyes.

Some common drug classifications that may cause vision irregularities include: analgesics, antidepressants, antacids, antihistamines, antianxiety medications, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, antibiotics, coricosteroids, diuretics, anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives.

Joseph Toland, M.D., also a member of the BVI Advisory Council, states that "patients react differently to different medications," and that "a medication that causes visual changes in one person may not affect another."

Some common visual side effects from medication which may occur include: blurred vision, dry eyes, poor night vision, sensitivity to light, teary eyes, changes in color vision, puffy eyelids, droopy eyelids, brown spots around eyes, double vision or dilation.

If you think your medication may be causing changes in your vision, consult your eye care professional. "It's critical that you follow your doctor's recommendation," adds Dr. Toland.

Health Education Coordinator Named for Eye Spy Program

Michael Weigus, a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, with a degree in Community Health and Business, has been named by ISPB as the new Health Education Coordinator for the EYE SPY Program. Mike succeeds Anna (Schmerber) Ghiotti.

Mike, a resident of Hinsdale, is a youth flag football coach and enjoys all sports, especially golf, football and basketball.

EYE SPY, implemented in 1981, is a popular, well-respected, in-school eye safety program presented by the ISPB's Health Education Coordinator and school nurses throughout the state.

Developed especially for fourth graders, the program complements any elementary school health or science curriculum in the study of safety, the senses and consumerism, or it can be used entirely as an independent unit.

Mike is presenting EYE SPY in the Chicago metropolitan area schools, while school nurses, who are certified, continue to present EYE SPY in schools throughout the state.

This year, ISPB is planning to conduct training for school nurses for certification through Triton College in River Grove and the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you are interested, please contact Mike at the ISPB office.

More than 257,000 fourth grade children have seen the EYE SPY presentation to date, showing an approximate 16 percent increase over the past two years.

Mike is looking forward to broadening ISPB's exposure in more Chicago Public Schools and outlying areas during this academic year.

Give the Gift of Sight so Others Might See

March is the national Eye Donor Month, which was designated by an act of Congress in 1983 According to the Illinois Eye-Bank (IEB), 1,040 Illinois citizens were donors during 1997, which enabled them to provide tissue for 1,472 patients needing corneal transplants.

"More people need to be aware that the option to donate exists," says Chuck Pivoney, Vice President of the IEB. "Recipients of corneal transplants are forever grateful for this precious gift," adds Mr. Pivoney.

During March-and year-roundthe Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness would like to emphasize the importance of giving the gift of sight. This can be accomplished by signing the back of your driver's license or carrying a signed donor card. Also, please share with your family your wishes. Consent from next-of-kin is required before donation can occur.

Joel Sugar, M.D., a past ISPB board member, is Medical Director of the Illinois Eye-Bank.

For more information contact:

Illinois Eye-Bank
800 S. Wells St.- River City
Ste. 195
Chicago, IL 60607
1+800+548-4703

Cataracts and Vitamin C - Maybe

Recently, Paul Jacques, D.Sc., through the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, released the findings of a study that "women who take Vitamin C supplements for at least 10 years appear to have fewer cataracts than those who don't."

This study included nearly 250 women in their 50s, 60s and 70s, who took 400 milligrams or more a day. However, Dr. Jacques points out that in previous research the "lens tissues become saturated with Vitamin C at just 150 to 250 milligrams a day." The vitamin can be found in fruits and vegetables, especially strawberries, peppers, citrus fruits and kiwi.

Considered an antioxidant, Vitamin C appears "to delay the formation of cataracts by preventing damage to proteins in the lens of the eye." The exact milligram dosage has not been determined.

The report goes on to say that "lens tissue contains Vitamin C at a much higher concentration than other tissues in the body. And animal research has already shown that the lens can be protected from injury with extra C." (Source: Tufts University Health &Nutrition Letter, December 1997)

Election of ISPB Board of Directors

Patricia A. Brandin, assistant general counsel, Amoco Corporation, Chicago (left), was elected president of the ISPB board of directors at its recent annual meeting. She succeeds

Richard A. Siebel, Siebel, Whipple & Schofield, Chicago who completed seven years as,-president. Mr. Siebel was reelected to a new two-year board term. Wesley E. Bass, Jr. was elected as vice president. Other officers reelected to the board include Walter M. Jay, M.D. as vice president, Elise Torczynski, M.D. as secretary and Burton W. Hales, Jr. as treasurer.

Other board members reelected included Beverly Susler Parkhurst, P. Michael Phelps, Leslee Williams, John M. Wolfe for two-year terms; and Paul K. Anthony, O.D., Albert A. Bucar, O.D., Charles F. Scholl, Charles M. Vygantas, M.D., William P. White III for one-year terms.

NEW MEMBERS

ISPB is proud to welcome three newly elected members to the board: Gary W. Lasken, O.D., Marilyn T. Miller, M.D. and David M. Webster.

Elected to a two-year term, Gary W. Lasken, O.D., is in private practice in Peoria. As a member of the American Optometric Association he has worked on various committees and is past president of the Illinois Optometric Association and the Illinois Valley Optometric Society. He is currently trustee to the Illinois College of Optometry Alumni Council.

Dr. Lasken is a frequent and respected lecturer to teachers, students and practioners. Dr. Lasken and his wife, Peggy live in Peoria.

Marilyn T. Miller, M.D., the immediate past president of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society, continues the tradition of serving a one-year term on the ISPB board. She is professor of ophthalmology, director of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus and on the faculty of the Craniofacial Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.

Dr. Miller, who has served on numerous national and international boards and committees, has just been named president of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

Dr. Miller and her husband, Ronald Fishman, M.D., share homes in Chicago and Maryland.

We are pleased to welcome back to the board David M. Webster for a three-year term. He was a member of the board from 1980 to 1987 before his move to Washington, D.C., where he held various govemmental positions, the last being assistant general counsel for multilateral negotiations for the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. He is currently vice president and general counsel at A.T. Kearney, Inc., Chicago.

Mr. Webster serves on the board of directors of WBEZ-FM (National Public Radio affiliate in Chicago) and is chair for the Committee on International Law and National Security, Section of International Law and Practice, American Bar Association.

Eye Injury Updates

James A. McKechnie, Jr., ISPB Executive Director and Ronald P. Danis, M.D., President of the United States Eye Injury Registry (USEIR) were speakers during the General Sessions at the 1998 Annual Meeting and Clinical Conference of the Illinois Association of Ophthalmology (IAO), held on March 7, 1998, at Hamburger University, Oak Brook, 111.

Dr. Danis reviewed the importance of a state eye injury registry and shared a statistical review of eye trauma in the United States with almost 100 of his colleagues in attendance.

Incoming IAO president, Robert 0. Graham, M.D., Chicago, encouraged the ophthalmologists to support the USEIR by sending in Illinois report report forms to ISPB.

"What A Difference Your 'Donation' Makes"

The board of directors of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness is pleased to report that during our recent fiscal year a full 88 cents of each dollar received went directly to maintaining our programs to prevent blindness and crippling eye disorders in children and adults. Only 12 percent of our budget was dedicated to fund raising and management costs.

ISPB is also proud of the continuing strong partnership we have with the professional community. Among ISPB's professional members are hundreds of Illinois ophthalmologists and optometrists whose volunteer assistance and financial and emotional support cannot be underestimated.

We give thanks to our many friends who so generously make it possible for us to continue our important work.

1997 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

Completed audited financial statements certified
by John D. Kopczyk, Ltd., Certified Public Accountants,
are available for review at the
Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness offices.

11 -Year-Old Child Loses Eye From Fireworks

Let ' s face it! The Fourth of July is a fun time, and celebrations, including fireworks, have long

been an American tradition. As John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, the Fourth should be "solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells... and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." Adams didn't realize that, with time, "illuminations" would become such a growing safety concern to so many people.

Each year children and adults continue to be hurt by the use of fireworks despite caution given by public service announcements, posters in libraries and park districts and the crackdowns by a number of Illinois Fire Departments. One tragedy was an eleven-year-old boy who sustained multiple injuries to the eye which led to its loss.

Illinois Fire Inspectors Association and other state organizations are tackling the issues of illegal fireworks entering Illinois from bordering states, as well as eliminating fireworks billboard advertising in Illinois.

The ISPB conducted its 1997 Annual Fireworks Survey by contacting 205 hospital emergency rooms and 654 ophthalmologists in Illinois. The results revealed that 68 percent of the eye-related injuries were children and young adults under the age of 20.

The percentages were as follows:
under 11 years of age	41 percent
aged 11 through 20	27 percent
aged 21 through 59	32 percent

The ISPB survey also showed that 50 percent of those-treated for fireworks eye injuries were males, compared to 32 percent female. (Unfortunately, 18 percent were unspecified.)

Bottle rockets lead the list of causes of all fireworks injuries, followed by public displays, firecrackers, roman candles, sparklers, and "Punk" (novelties). (Unfortunately, 27 percent were unspecified.)

According to the 1997 Annual Survey taken by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall, there were 152 persons injured by fireworks, which is up from 136 reported in 1996. In its survey firecrackers were reported to cause the largest percentage of accidents. REMEMBER. "Fireworks are not toys for children or adults to play with. The burns from fireworks can be intense, and they can scar for life. Fireworks can cause injuries other than bums by exploding and maiming the hands, body or eyes." (Thomas L. Armstead, Illinois State Fire Marshal, 1996).

Ultraviolet Rays Watch Those Eyes!

Serious eye problems can result from long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association stress the need to protect your eyes by-wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B light.

Ultraviolet rays can damage the surface of the eye and the interior structures, such as the lens and retina. And that same exposure to LTV light can also increase the risk of developing cataracts, growths on the eye and other eye problems. Since certain medications can increase sensitivity to light, please check with your eye care professional.

ENJOY THE SUMMER, BUT BE CAREFUL.

Remembrances

GIFTS to the Illinois Society the Prevention of Blindness - in memory of family members or friends or in their honor for special occasions - are a wonderful way to acknowledge people we love, cherish and respect. A remembrance card of your gift, excluding the amount, is sent to the family or to the person being honored.

THANK YOU

A special thank you to the Clark Halladay Memorial Foundation for its continued and generous support of the work of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness The Clark-Halladay Memorial Foundation perpetuates the memory of Emma Clark Halladay; her husband, John Burlingame-Halladay, her father, Warren Thomas Clark; and her mother, Sophia Symington Clark, all pioneer residents of the city of Chicago.

Quick Tips

Eye Infections Can Be a Result of Old Makeup

Did you know that eyelashes naturally have bacteria on them; and as soon as you use a makeup brush on the eyelash or eyelid, the brush is contaminated.

With the constant use of the brush, a buildup of bacteria will occur in the container itself, which increases your chances of eye infection or an allergic reaction.

What should you consider doing? Even though most cosmetics have long shelf lives, experts suggest that you keep track of the purchase date, especially mascara, eyeliners and eye shadow. To reduce your risk of eye infection, change these three cosmetics every three or four months. Also, you should avoid sharing cosmetics with other people. When was the last time you went through your collection of makeup?

The Visionary, published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness, is available upon request. The information contained in this issue, taken from sources considered to be accurate, does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.

Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

407 SOUTH DEARBORN STREET
SUITE 1000 Chicago, IL 60605-1117

SPRING - SUMMER 1998

Presbyopia- Eye Disorder Common With Aging