Are you aware that you might have a vision problem?

In South Africa the situation is no different as Yashika Inderjeet from the International Centre for Eye Care Education points out, “in South Africa 20% of the population use some form of vision correcting device, but alt 50% or more of refractive errors are undetected and untreated.”

Another important reason to have your eyes screened regularly is Glaucoma. Glaucoma sneaks up on you and surreptitiously rob you of your eyesight. This may eventually lead to blindness as the eye struggles to adjust from lighter to darker surroundings. It is estimated that about 5% of South Africans affected and it is five times more prevalent among black people than in other populations.

“There is not enough knowledge about eye care and very often people do not even know that there is a problem. For some people blurry is normal! Also, for many people who do not perceive a problem there is a sense of apathy or sense of “if it aint broken don't fix it”.

The truth is, an eye screening will not only pick up visual problems, but also many early signs of potential diseases, which can be treated before they cause serious problems,” says Brandon Sieff, MD of Sieff Optometrists.

In addition the professional optometrists of the Sieff Optometrist network recommend these important eye care strategies:

• Do not skip your yearly check - up
  
• Be sure that you eat food rich in vitamin A, such as green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, carrots, liver, pumpkin and butter.
  
• Wear good quality UVA and UVB protective sunglasses. Sunlight can damage your retina and lens and can cause long-term damage.

Can't afford glasses?

Sieff Optometrists is offering to paying for glasses over eight monthly instalments. Interest free.

“We are concerned that so many South Africans live their lives with vision deficiencies as a result of not being able to afford glasses. This is will not only cause severe long - term damage to your eyes, but can also endanger others, if they are driving vehicles or operating machinery,” cautions Brandon Sieff. It is for these reasons that Sieff Optometrists devised the Optifin interest free finance option. You can find out more details on Optifin at www.optifin.co.za or phone the Optifin number on 0860 106 215.

LEBOGANG MAPHOSA ON 011 887 6591 OR 076 560 7135 OR lebo@gullanandgullan.com