A Clear View of Life What Everyone Needs to Know about Good Vision - Zeiss
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A Clear View of Life What Everyone Needs to Know about Good Vision
The Miracle of Vision
The Miracle of Vision The Scientific Advisory Board
A scientific advisory board, consisting of three renowned ophthalmologists, has checked
the information contained in this brochure. These experts ensure that the contents reflect
We get 80 percent of our images we receive can melt
What Constitutes Good Vision?
the current state of knowledge.
sensory input through our our hearts, such as when we
eyes. We use our eyes to look at a baby’s face. We
gather information. We can take all this for granted as
see on the darkest of nights long as our eyes are healthy.
and in bright sunlight. We The miracle of vision is
can distinguish between 10 based on complex inter
million shades of colors and actions between the eye,
we can see things that are the optic nerve and the
incredibly far away, like the brain. The light stimuli on Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr.
Recognizing Eye Diseases
stars in the sky, or the tiniest the retina are passed to the Antonia Joussen Gisbert Richard Claus Cursiefen
of specks. Our eyes are optic nerve which delivers After working in Heidel- Ophthalmologist Pro- Professor Cursiefen is
our most powerful sensory the information directly berg, Aachen, Cologne and fessor Richard has been Managing Director of the
organ. When we communi- to the brain. In this way London and at the Harvard Director Emeritus of the Eye Center at the University
cate, our eyesight provides we can process about 55 Medical School in Boston, University Medical Center Hospital in Cologne,
us with factual and emo- images per second. These Professor Joussen became Hamburg-Eppendorf (since spokesman of the DFG
tional information. Our eyes provide us with important director of the Charité 2015), and a Past-President FOR2240 research group
prompt us to take action, information which allows University of Medicine Berlin of EURETINA (European and board member of the
Eye Health Worldwide
for example, after looking at us to see, understand and eye clinics in 2010. Society of Retina Specialists) Cornea Section of the
the clock, when something assess what is happening in (2014). German Ophthalmological
falls over, or when we are the world around us. Society.
in danger. What’s more, the
Copywriter Esther Langmaack wrote the informative texts in this brochure, the eye-catch-
ing images come from photographer Dennis Williamson and the Bentele & Glomb agency
2 is responsible for the graphic design. 3
The Miracle of Vision
Good Vision Sunglasses – More than just an Accessory
Sunglasses – What to Look out for
They can be sexy, chic or irritated eyes. In the long
Things We Can Do Ourselves cool. Yet sunglasses should term, the risk of developing Sunglasses are decorative “face – Always look out for the
What Constitutes Good Vision?
be able to do two things cataracts or age-related furniture,” but in many situations 100% UV protection
above all else: offer max- blindness due to retinal dis- they are also a medical necessity. label. The CE mark
We are constantly taking everyone needs a visual aid imum protection to the ease (AMD) increases. The The fact that the glasses are indicates compliance
a good look at the world as the lens and iris muscles eyes against aggressive damage is painless, which tinted doesn’t necessarily mean with European safety
that they have a UV filter! There standards.
around us: the painting in lose their elasticity over the solar radiation and prevent is why it is only noticed
are many dark glasses that do not – The lenses should not
the gallery with the bright course of time. Even before you from being dazzled by after a number of years.
offer 100 percent UV protection. be too small.
colors and the sunset with that, some people’s eye- bright light. The sun harms That is why it is important
These are dangerous because – Plastic lenses are
its varying shades of red. sight gradually deteriorates not only the skin but also to ensure that sunglasses the darkening causes the pupil suitable for children.
As long as our eyes remain without their even noticing the cornea, the conjunctiva are worn that offer maxi- to dilate, leading to more light
Recognizing Eye Diseases
healthy, few of us think very it. Possible signs are irritated and the retina of the eyes. mum protection to the eyes falling on the lens and the retina.
much about how precious eyes caused by working One day without protection beginning from childhood.
good vision is. Even if we too long at a screen or is enough to cause watery, Structure of the Eye Choroid
have to wear glasses from headaches attributable to Cornea
Sclera
a young age because we tired eyes. Timely check-ups
are near or far-sighted, with an ophthalmologist or Iris
Lens
most refractive errors optometrist help to identify Regular Check-ups Pupil
can be almost completely such complaints at an early Even people who don’t wear glasses or contact lenses
corrected. But then the stage, with the goal of see- should consult an eye specialist regularly. This is because
Eye Health Worldwide
story changes. From the age ing as well as possible for as the brain can compensate for some eye disorders for a
of about 40 to 50, almost long as possible. while, and those affected can remain symptom-free for Optic nerve
Anterior / posterior Retina
many years. chamber Vitreous body
4 5
The Miracle of Vision
Help for the Eyes – Which Near and Far Sightedness Astigmatism A Strain on the Eyes Glossary
Lenses Help in what Accommodation: This is the ability of the eye to adapt the point
In younger people imperfect It is more difficult to Similar symptoms of eye strain
Circumstances? of focus actively to different distances by means of its flexible
vision is usually caused by identify vision defects also occur as the result of
What Constitutes Good Vision?
a refractive error of the which are caused by lens.
Eagle-eyed or blind as a frequent work at a computer
bat? People see things eyes. That is why most curvature of the cornea screen. The eyes c onstantly
Astigmatism: This word is Greek in origin and means “without
differently. Everyone has deficiencies can be resolved (astigmatism) because have to refocus from the
point.” In ophthalmology, it describes an irregular curvature of
their own eye color and the with single-vision lenses. the brain can compensate monitor to objects at other
the cornea, a refractive error of the eye.
performance of their eyes These glasses can correct for these. However, this distances, such as a piece of
is just as individual. Some vision across all fields of additional mental effort paper lying on the desk. This is Diopter: This unit indicates the refractive power of optical sys-
people always have clear view – from near to far. often results in eye-strain surprisingly hard work for your tems. It is used primarily in ophthalmic optics where it indicates
vision, even at night. Others Someone who is near- or headaches. Glasses eyes! Computer glasses ensure how strong a lens must be to compensate for defective vision.
have difficulty recognizing sighted has difficulty seeing with single vision lenses optimum vision between Positive values indicate far-sightedness, negative values indicate
Recognizing Eye Diseases
colors correctly and some in the distance. Road signs can relieve the strain approximately 18 inches and near-sightedness. The higher the respective value, the greater the
have problems with seeing and people who are further on the eyes and on the 13 feet. Each job has its own required compensation of the refractive error.
at all distances. Sometimes away appear blurred. Far- brain. visual requirements. Just as
headaches and/or irritated sighted people find reading anyone working on a computer Presbyopia: This refers to age-related far-sightedness. It is not
due to a disease, but rather to the natural ageing of the eye.
or watery eyes indicate that difficult or they have can see better and more com-
From the age of 45, most people find it difficult to see close
there is a problem. This is problems seeing the display fortably with the appropriate
objects well without reading glasses.
because our vision usually of their cell phone clearly. glasses, so too can people in
changes gradually, over a other lines of work – beauti- Visual acuity: This term refers to the clarity of vision. It can be
long period of time. cians or dentists, for example.
Eye Health Worldwide
measured in a vision test. Visual acuity can diminish with advanc-
Eyewear tailored to the needs ing age.
of the workplace can make
everyday life much easier and
ensure carefree evenings.
6 7
The Miracle of Vision
Frames and Lenses – Total Clarity Plastic or Glass? Presbyopia – A Pair of Glasses for All Eventualities
Cool frames with large more important than In the past, all lenses were And in progressive glasses, Age-related far-sightedness
Anti-reflection Coatings Areas of Varying After Purchase
lenses or elegant rimless jewelry, scarves or ties Refractive Power made of glass. Nowadays the different vision zones affects us all. A presbyopic
Each glass or plastic Some coatings are
What Constitutes Good Vision?
glasses? Each frame makes because they are always surface reflects light. This dirt and water- Progressive lenses combine more and more plastic transition better. Plastic eye lens finds it increasingly
can be tiring on the eyes repellent and make zones of different refrac- After buying a pair of glasses
its own fashion statement: at the center of attention of eyeglass wearers and it easier to clean tive power in a single lens,
lenses are being used. That scores high due to its difficult to accommodate
you need to ask yourself
glasses are always an and should match your be a source of irritation plastic glasses to meaning that you don’t does not mean that these lighter weight, tintability, close-up objects or dif-
for anyone around them. extend their useful have to change glasses some critical questions:
important accessory. The personality, style and A good anti-reflective life. to have clear vision in modern lightweight lenses greater sun protection and ferent viewing distances.
– Do you have good overall
frames are actually even personal preferences. coating minimizes light the near, middle and far are always the best choice. ultimately, its resistance to Modern progressive lenses vision?
reflection. distances.
Plastic or glass: each mate- breakage. offer a solution. They allow – Have the lenses and the
rial has its advantages and clear vision close-up, in frame been optimally
disadvantages. Glass breaks It is not as scratch-resistant the distance, and in the fitted?
more easily, is always heav- as glass, but special coatings intermediate range. Modern – Are the extras OK (tint,
Recognizing Eye Diseases
ier in comparison to plastic, can be used to harden manufacturing methods coating)?
but it is also significantly plastic, minimize reflections take patients’ individual – Progressive glasses: Are
less sensitive to scratches. and make the lenses dirt- needs, their face shape, they perfectly aligned? Are
the vision fields correct?
repellent. their choice of frame and
lifestyle into consideration.
If the answer to one or
These glasses are comforta-
more of the questions is
ble right from the moment
no, contact your eye care
they are first put on. Long professional for assistance.
adaptation periods, which
Eye Health Worldwide
were once common, are
now a thing of the past.
8 9
The Miracle of Vision
Contact Lenses – Invisible Vision Aids
When your Vision Deteriorates
There are some situations hard lenses. Contact lens
in which glasses can be a wearers should maintain a
What Constitutes Good Vision?
nuisance. The pressure on comprehensive lens care and Refractive Correction – Optimzed Vision after Lasering
Three Generations of Refractive Laser Correction
your nose, the risk of losing hygiene regime and have
your glasses during sports regular check-ups to avoid When their sight deterio- laser cuts a thin flap in the Lasering away tissue on or below the surface of the cornea
or frequent lens fogging are infection and damage to the rates, many people have a cornea which is then folded causes the light to refract differently, thus optimizing the quality
typical annoying problems. eye. further option open to them open to one side. Then an of your vision.
Contact lenses can make life In some cases, glasses for restoring their vision: excimer laser is used to 1st Generation: PRK
easier in these situations. or contact lenses are not refractive laser surgery. ablate the upper layer of PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy.
The small plastic discs float enough. The severely visual- Vision defects of between the exposed corneal tissue. An excimer laser is used to ablate tissue from the corneal surface
on your tear fluid. They are ly impaired often need ad- -8 and +3 diopters can gen- The flap is then folded back. of the eye.
Recognizing Eye Diseases
practically invisible to others ditional aids such as a mag- erally be remedied perma- This technique can also be 2nd Generation: Femto-LASIK
– and the wearer scarce- nifying glass, magnifying nently in a single procedure. used to correct patients The doctor uses a femtosecond laser to cut a circular flap with a
ly notices them. Just like glasses or telescope glasses. Various lasers and tech- with presbyopia. A newer circumference of roughly 20 mm in the cornea; the flap is then
glasses they correct a lmost In addition, filter lenses can niques are available for this. procedure, SMILE, does folded to the side and an excimer laser is used to remove tissue
all vision defects, and multi- be used to block specific The doctor decides which away with the need for a from the cornea. Afterwards the flap is folded back into place
focal contact lenses work in parts of the light spectrum is the best option in each flap. A tiny four millimeter again.
a similar way to progressive to protect the retina. These case. Femto LASIK is the incision is sufficient for the 3rd Generation: SMILE
lenses. Soft contact lenses visual aids are fitted by eye best known. A femtosecond correction. The surgeon uses the femtosecond laser to make a corneal inci-
are more common than care professionals.
Eye Health Worldwide
sion of less than 4 mm. The SMILE side-cuts incision is therefore
approximately 80 percent smaller in comparison to LASIK. This
helps to preserve much of the corneal stability.
10 11
The Miracle of Vision
Cataract – No Clouds on the Horizon Routine Procedure Modern Lens Implants
Cataracts develop gradu- basis. Even if both eyes Often the idea of cataract Just like eye glasses and
ally and remain unnoticed are affected, only one is surgery frightens patients, contact lenses, there are
What Constitutes Good Vision?
at first. In later stages, operated on at a time. First although it is one of the safest multifocal versions of lens
colors fade and contours the eye is anesthetized with operations and is a routine implants which ensure clear
become blurred, veiled and an injection or drops. Then procedure for experienced eye near, intermediate and far
distorted. In 90 percent of small incisions are made surgeons. Cataract surgery is vision (assuming that the eye
cases the cause lies in the to remove the patient’s the most commonly performed itself is suitable for these).
aging process. In rare cases, clouded lens, normally using operation in the world. When inserted in the eye,
however, cataracts can be ultrasound. The natural these modern lenses work in
hereditary or acquired. Al- lens is replaced with an the same way as progressive
cohol, diabetes and UV rays artificial intraocular lens, glasses. Trifocal and bifocal
Recognizing Eye Diseases
are risk factors. There is no inserted using an injector. lenses are available. These can
known drug-based therapy Soft artificial lenses are provide cataract patients a life
as yet. folded before being inserted without glasses in many cases.
into the lens capsular bag.
The eye lens surgery to Because the cut is so tiny, it
remove cataracts is the heals by itself and does not
most common procedure have to be stitched.
worldwide and is often
performed on an outpatient
Eye Health Worldwide
12 13
The Miracle of Vision
Keep Your Eyes Open! They are very small yet abso- often depends on your age
lutely crucial. Our eyes are and other risk factors, such
Why Early Diagnosis only about 2.5 centimeters as smoking and high blood
What Constitutes Good Vision?
in diameter, but we use pressure.
is so Important them to discover the whole
world around us. Howev- Early diagnosis is often
er, the older we get, the crucial for successful treat- Normal Vision AMD Glaucoma Diabetic Retinopathy
higher the risk of our most ment; the damage caused Blurred vision, distorted This is particularly danger- This is another dangerous
important sensory organ by glaucoma, for instance, lines and gray spots are ous because there are hardly disease because blurred
suffering from disease. The is irreversible. If the disease possible warning signs. any symptoms. The first cells and distorted vision are
risk of developing glauco- is caught at an early stage, In age-related macular to fail are at the edge of the late symptoms. Changes
ma increases from the age its progress can be halted. degeneration (AMD), it is field of vision. The loss of to the vessels on the retina
Recognizing Eye Diseases
of 40. What is insidious In many cases, it is treat- primarily the photoreceptor vision often goes unnoticed caused by diabetes reduce
about eye diseases such as ed with both medication cells in the part of the retina until a very late stage. Glau- the supply of blood to the
glaucoma is that they usu- and surgery. In the case of responsible for the sharpest coma is caused by damage photoreceptor cells, result-
ally develop unnoticed. The pharmaceutical treatment, vision that gradually die. to the optic nerve due to in- ing in blindness. Drugs and
German Federal Association frequent check-ups are The consequence is the creased intraocular pressure laser treatment can slow the
of Ophthalmologists (BVA) necessary to decide what brain receives insufficient and lack of blood supply. An progression of the disease.
therefore recommends form of treatment is most visual information, or none operation or eye drops can Diabetics should have an
having your eyes examined appropriate. at all. If AMD is treated stop the disease. annual check-up.
on a regular basis. Just how
Eye Health Worldwide
early, the progression of the At increased risk:
disease can be delayed. people over 40
At increased risk:
people over 50
14 15
The Miracle of Vision
Diabetes – Danger to the Eyes Spotlight on the Retina
Diabetes is a high-risk The increased levels of glu- Wafer-thin, but incredibly here. This makes it all the the retina (macular edema).
metabollic disorder and has cose in the blood cause fats important, the retina is only more important to see a Treatment is performed as
What Constitutes Good Vision?
many inherent dangers. The and proteins to accumulate 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters thick, doctor at an early stage. an outpatient procedure
likelihood of heart attack, on blood vessel walls. Pock- yet it consists of about under local anesthetic.
stroke and kidney damage ets form which can then 130 million cells. These Various options are available
increases significantly. But harm the retina. In most collaborate to create images for the treatment of retinal Hope from the Lab
that is not all: diabetes cases the damage to vision from light pulses which are diseases. Surgery, lasering
alters the supply of blood to is irreversible, meaning that then routed through the and medication can help Researchers worldwide are
the small vessels throughout the goal of therapy is to optic nerve to the brain. retain the remaining vision working on treatments for
the body, which also greatly retain existing visual acuity. The area of sharpest vision for as long as possible. retinal diseases. Scientists at
affects the eyes. of this thin and important Drugs are increasingly University College, London,
Recognizing Eye Diseases
innermost layer is the being injected directly into have already succeeded in
“yellow spot” called the the center of the eye to growing new retinas from
macula. When we look at an achieve a highly targeted embryonic stem cells. It is
object, a healthy eye adjusts result. This is how doctors not yet possible to restore
Identifying Retinal Diseases at an Early Stage so that the light rays are treat, for example, AMD eyesight to people who
Precisely because vision problems caused by retinal diseases are bundled at this point. The (page 15), retinal damage have gone blind as the
often not noticed until a late stage, everyone – with good or retina contains no pain cells, resulting from diabetes and result of retinal disease, yet
defective vision – should have regular check-ups with an eye care so the body’s early warning vein blockages which cause this may well be the case in
professional. system does not function swelling of the middle of the future.
Eye Health Worldwide
16 17
The Miracle of Vision
In Perspective VISION 2020 – A Special Partnership A Good Investment Scholarships – Help that
Makes a Difference
VISION 2020, a global other injustices. Everyone in Every dollar that flows into
Eye Health Worldwide initiative led by the World the world should receive the the prevention and treat- Scholarships from the ICO
What Constitutes Good Vision?
Health Organization (WHO) preventive care and treat- ment of eye disease pays Fellowship Program of the
and the International ment they need in order to for itself four times over. International Council of
Agency for the Prevention reduce blindness and visual That was the finding of a Ophthalmology (ICO), give
The world is not a fair place
of Blindness (IAPB), has set impairment. To achieve comprehensive study*. This young ophthalmologists from
when it comes to good eye-
itself the goal of eradicat- this goal, VISION 2020 is is because the fewer visually emerging economies the
sight. There is a significantly
ing preventable blindness. working closely together impaired people who have opportunity to receive further
higher risk of going blind or
Cataract (clouding of the with various non-govern- to rely on the help and care training in Western countries.
having to live with severe
lens), is one of the most mental organizations and of relatives, the more peo- As part of an internship at a
visual disability in poor coun-
common causes of blind- companies. The initiative ple there are who can work hospital they are introduced
tries than in industrialized na-
Recognizing Eye Diseases
ness. After surgery, people has reduced the number of and support the economy. to new technical equipment
tions, despite both conditions
who had this disorder can blind people worldwide by At the same time, good and techniques and given
being avoidable. 90 percent
see again. The problem: in 13 percent since 2004. vision and therefore better the chance to try them out
of all people who are blind or
the poorest countries of integration into commu- themselves. The goal is for
severely visually impaired live
the world there is neither nity life (especially in less them to use their acquired
in developing countries. 39
enough money for treat- developed regions of the knowledge for the benefit of
million people worldwide are
ment nor a suitable health world) is invaluable for the patients in their home coun-
blind and 285 million are vis-
care structure. VISION 2020 individuals themselves and tries. Institutions, foundations
ually impaired. Yet four out of
wishes to address this and for the community.
Eye Health Worldwide
and companies like ZEISS
five cases could be prevented
support this program.
– if those affected received
the necessary medical care.
*PricewaterhouseCoopers “Investing in vision” study. https://www.cbm.de/static/medien/Summary_Investing_in_Vision.pdf
18 19The Miracle of Vision
United Against Preventable Blindness Practical Help on Every Continent
The Christoffel-Blindenmis- world’s poorest people. Local partners examine and regions the opportunity to
sion (CBM) and its partners CBM has consultative status treat the patients, restoring obtain sound training. CBM,
What Constitutes Good Vision?
helped restore eyesight. at the United Nations and is or improving the eyesight the International Agency for
More than 430,000 people recognized as a professional of countless numbers of vis- the Prevention of Blindness
in 2016 alone received a organization by the World ually impaired people. With (IAPB) and the Prevention of
cataract operation. CBM Health Organization (WHO). its five newly established Blindness Union are turning
has been supporting people CBM initiated the VISION diagnostic, treatment and the goals of VISION 2020
with disabilities in devel- 2020 campaign together training centers in Africa, into reality. All for a world
oping countries for more with the WHO and other Indonesia and Paraguay, it in which preventable blind-
than 100 years – dedicated partners. is succeeding in providing ness and visual impairment
to the goal of improving better treatment to patients, will soon be history.
Recognizing Eye Diseases
the quality of life of the and giving doctors in these
Khartoum (Sudan)
Ibadan (Nigeria)
Eye Health Worldwide
Moshi (Tanzania) Bandung (Indonesia)
Asunción (Paraguay)*
*The setup of the training center in Asunción/Paraguay was financed
by ZEISS in collaboration with the CBM. The sites in Moshi/Tanzania and
Bandung/Indonesia are also CBM collaboration partners.
20 21CBM Successes*
In addition to its strong bilities, providing them with
commitment to combat- access to medical and other
ting blindness and visual assistance – fighting for
impairment, the CBM also equal rights and opportuni-
helps people with hearing ties in the world’s poorest
disabilities and physical disa- countries.
Want to make a donation to the CBM?
Find the CBM fundraising country closest to you at
17.8 mill. 533,185 433,894 569,868 http://www.cbm.org/
people received people cataract ENT exami-
comprehensive received operations nations and
assistance from rehabilita- treatments
CBM and its tion and/or
partners schooling
Internet Links
www.icoph.org
www.cbm.org
https://www.iapb.org/vision-2020/
*The current edition is an updated version of the brochure “A Clear View of Life” which
was published for the first time in German in 2015. The facts and figures listed here refer
to the 2016 Annual Report of the CBM.
22This brochure has been jointly created by CBM and ZEISS.
You can also read
